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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 60,
+No. 373, November 1846, 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, Vol. 60, No. 373, November 1846
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: October 19, 2011 [EBook #37797]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLACKWOOD'S EDINBURGH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brendan OConnor, Ron Stephens, 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.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BLACKWOOD'S EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.
+
+NO. CCCLXXIII. NOVEMBER, 1846. VOL. LX.
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+    MARLBOROUGH'S DISPATCHES. 1710-1711,            517
+
+    MOHAN LAL IN AFGHANISTAN,                       539
+
+    ON THE OPERATION OF THE ENGLISH POOR-LAWS,      555
+
+    PRUSSIAN MILITARY MEMOIRS,                      572
+
+    ADVICE TO AN INTENDING SERIALIST,               590
+
+    A NEW SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY,                      606
+
+    HONOUR TO THE PLOUGH,                           613
+
+    LUIGIA DE' MEDICI,                              614
+
+    THINGS IN GENERAL,                              625
+
+
+EDINBURGH:
+
+WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, 45, GEORGE STREET; AND 37, PATERNOSTER ROW,
+LONDON.
+
+_To whom all Communications (post paid) must be addressed._
+
+SOLD BY ALL THE BOOKSELLERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
+
+PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE AND HUGHES, EDINBURGH.
+
+
+
+
+BLACKWOOD'S
+
+EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.
+
+No. CCCLXXIII. NOVEMBER, 1846. VOL. LX.
+
+
+
+
+MARLBOROUGH'S DISPATCHES.
+
+1710-1711.
+
+Louis XIV. was one of the most remarkable sovereigns who ever sat upon
+the throne of France. Yet there is none of whose character, even at this
+comparatively remote period, it is more difficult to form a just
+estimate. Beyond measure eulogised by the poets, orators, and annalists
+of his own age, who lived on his bounty, or were flattered by his
+address, he has been proportionally vilified by the historians, both
+foreign and national, of subsequent times. The Roman Catholic writers,
+with some truth, represent him as the champion of their faith, the
+sovereign who extirpated the demon of heresy in his dominions, and
+restored to the church in undivided unity the realm of France. The
+Protestant authors, with not less reason, regard him as the deadliest
+enemy of their religion, and the cruellest foe of those who had embraced
+it; as a faithless tyrant, who scrupled not, at the bidding of bigoted
+priests, to violate the national faith plighted by the Edict of Nantes,
+and persecute, with unrelenting severity, the unhappy people who, from
+conscientious motives, had broken off from the Church of Rome. One set
+of writers paint him as a magnanimous monarch, whose mind, set on great
+things, and swayed by lofty desires, foreshadowed those vast designs
+which Napoleon, armed with the forces of the Revolution, afterwards for
+a brief space realised. Another set dwell on the foibles or the vices of
+his private character--depict him as alternately swayed by priests, or
+influenced by women; selfish in his desires, relentless in his hatred;
+and sacrificing the peace of Europe, and endangering the independence of
+France, for the gratification of personal vanity, or from the thirst of
+unbounded ambition.
+
+It is the fate of all men who have made a great and durable impression
+on human affairs, and powerfully affected the interests, or thwarted the
+opinion of large bodies of men, to be represented in these opposite
+colours to future times. The party, whether in church or state, which
+they have elevated, the nation whose power or glory they have augmented,
+praise, as much as those whom they have oppressed and injured, whether
+at home or abroad, strive to vilify their memory. But in the case of
+Louis XIV., this general propensity has been greatly increased by the
+opposite, and, at first sight, inconsistent features of his character.
+There is almost equal truth in the magniloquent eulogies of his
+admirers, as in the impassioned invectives of his enemies. He was not
+less great and magnanimous than he is represented by the elegant
+flattery of Racine or Corneille, nor less cruel and hard-hearted than he
+is painted by the austere justice of Sismondi or D'Aubigné. Like many
+other men, but more than most, he was made up of lofty and elevated, and
+selfish and frivolous qualities. He could alternately boast, with truth,
+that there were no longer any Pyrenees, and rival his youngest
+courtiers in frivolous and often heartless gallantry. In his younger
+years he was equally assiduous in his application to business, and
+engrossed with personal vanity. When he ascended the throne, his first
+words were: "I intend that every paper, from a diplomatic dispatch to a
+private petition, shall be submitted to me;" and his vast powers of
+application enabled him to compass the task. Yet, at the same time, he
+deserted his queen for Madame la Vallière, and soon after broke La
+Vallière's heart by his desertion of her for Madame de Montespan. In
+mature life, his ambition to extend the bounds and enhance the glory of
+France, was equalled by his desire to win the admiration or gain the
+favour of the fair sex. In his later days, he alternately engaged in
+devout austerities with Madame de Maintenon, and, with mournful
+resolution, asserted the independence of France against Europe in arms.
+Never was evinced a more striking exemplification of the saying, so well
+known among men of the world, that no one is a hero to his
+valet-de-chambre; nor a more remarkable confirmation of the truth, so
+often proclaimed by divines, that characters of imperfect goodness
+constitute the great majority of mankind.
+
+That he was a great man, as well as a successful sovereign, is
+decisively demonstrated by the mighty changes which he effected in his
+own realm, as well as in the neighbouring states of Europe. When he
+ascended the throne, France, though it contained the elements of
+greatness, had never yet become great. It had been alternately wasted by
+the ravages of the English, and torn by the fury of the religious wars.
+The insurrection of the Fronde had shortly before involved the capital
+in all the horrors of civil conflict;--barricades had been erected in
+its streets; alternate victory and defeat had by turns elevated and
+depressed the rival faction. Turenne and Condé had displayed their
+consummate talents in miniature warfare within sight of Notre-Dame.
+Never had the monarchy been depressed to a greater pitch of weakness
+than during the reign of Louis XIII. and the minority of Louis XIV. But
+from the time the latter sovereign ascended the throne, order seemed to
+arise out of chaos. The ascendancy of a great mind made itself felt in
+every department. Civil war ceased; the rival faction disappeared; even
+the bitterness of religious hatred seemed for a time to be stilled by
+the influence of patriotic feeling. The energies of France, drawn forth
+during the agonies of civil conflict, were turned to public objects and
+the career of national aggrandisement--as those of England had been
+after the conclusion of the Great Rebellion, by the firm hand and
+magnanimous mind of Cromwell. From a pitiable state of anarchy, France
+at once appeared on the theatre of Europe, great, powerful, and united.
+It is no common capacity which can thus seize the helm and right the
+ship when it is reeling most violently, and the fury of contending
+elements has all but torn it in pieces. It is the highest proof of
+political capacity to discern the bent of the public mind, when most
+violently exerted, and, by falling in with the prevailing desire of the
+majority, convert the desolating vehemence of social conflict into the
+steady passion for national advancement. Napoleon did this with the
+political aspirations of the eighteenth, Louis XIV. with the religious
+fervour of the seventeenth century.
+
+It was because his character and turn of mind coincided with the
+national desires at the moment of his ascending the throne, that this
+great monarch was enabled to achieve this marvellous transformation. If
+Napoleon was the incarnation of the Revolution, with not less truth it
+may be said that Louis XIV. was the incarnation of the monarchy. The
+feudal spirit, modified but not destroyed by the changes of time,
+appeared to be concentrated, with its highest lustre, in his person. He
+was still the head of the Franks--the lustre of the historic families
+yet surrounded his throne; but he was the head of the Franks only--that
+is, of a hundred thousand conquering warriors. Twenty million of
+conquered Gauls were neither regarded nor considered in his
+administration, except in so far as they augmented the national
+strength, or added to the national resources. But this distinction was
+then neither perceived nor regarded. Worn out with civil dissension,
+torn to pieces by religious passions, the fervent minds and restless
+ambition of the French longed for a _national_ field for exertion--an
+arena in which social dissensions might be forgotten. Louis XIV. gave
+them this field: he opened this arena. He ascended the throne at the
+time when this desire had become so strong and general, as in a manner
+to concentrate the national will. His character, equally in all its
+parts, was adapted to the general want. He took the lead alike in the
+greatness and the foibles of his subjects. Were they ambitious? so was
+he:--were they desirous of renown? so was he:--were they set on national
+aggrandisement? so was he:--were they desirous of protection to
+industry? so was he:--were they prone to gallantry? so was he. His
+figure and countenance tall and majestic; his manner stately and
+commanding; his conversation dignified, but enlightened; his spirit
+ardent, but patriotic--qualified him to take the lead and preserve his
+ascendancy among a proud body of ancient nobles, whom the disasters of
+preceding reigns, and the astute policy of Cardinal Richelieu, had
+driven into the antechambers of Paris, but who preserved in their ideas
+and habits the pride and recollections of the conquerors who followed
+the banners of Clovis. And the great body of the people, proud of their
+sovereign, proud of his victories, proud of his magnificence, proud of
+his fame, proud of his national spirit, proud of the literary glory
+which environed his throne, in secret proud of his gallantries, joyfully
+followed their nobles in the brilliant career which his ambition opened,
+and submitted with as much docility to his government as they ranged
+themselves round the banners of their respective chiefs on the day of
+battle.
+
+It was the peculiarity of the government of Louis XIV., arising from
+this fortuitous, but to him fortunate combination of circumstances, that
+it united the distinctions of rank, family attachments, and ancient
+ideas of feudal times, with the vigour and efficiency of monarchical
+government, and the lustre and brilliancy of literary glory. Such a
+combination could not, in the nature of things, last long; it must soon
+work out its own destruction. In truth, it was sensibly weakened during
+the course of the latter part of the half century that he sat upon the
+throne. But while it endured, it produced a most formidable union; it
+engendered an extraordinary and hitherto unprecedented phalanx of
+talent. The feudal ideas still lingering in the hearts of the nation,
+produced subordination; the national spirit, excited by the genius of
+the sovereign, induced unanimity; the development of talent, elicited by
+his discernment, conferred power; the literary celebrity, encouraged by
+his munificence, diffused fame. The peculiar character of Louis, in
+which great talent was united with great pride, and unbounded ambition
+with heroic magnanimity, qualified him to turn to the best account this
+singular combination of circumstances, and to unite in France, for a
+brief period, the lofty aspirations and dignified manners of chivalry,
+with the energy of rising talent and the lustre of literary renown.
+
+Louis XIV. was essentially monarchical. That was the secret of his
+success; it was because he first gave the powers of _unity_ to the
+monarchy, that he rendered France so brilliant and powerful. All his
+changes, and they were many, from the dress of soldiers to the
+instructions to ambassadors, breathed the same spirit. He first
+introduced a _uniform_ in the army. Before his time, the soldiers merely
+wore a banderole over their steel breast-plates and ordinary dresses.
+That was a great and symptomatic improvement; it at once induced an
+_esprit de corps_ and a sense of responsibility. He first made the
+troops march with a measured step, and caused large bodies of men to
+move with the precision of a single company. The artillery and engineer
+service, under his auspices, made astonishing progress. His discerning
+eye selected the genius of Vauban, which invented, as it were, the
+modern system of fortification, and wellnigh brought it to its greatest
+elevation--and raised to the highest command that of Turenne, which
+carried the military art to the most consummate perfection. Skilfully
+turning the martial and enterprising genius of the Franks into the
+career of conquest, he multiplied tenfold their power, by conferring on
+them the inestimable advantages of skilled discipline and unity of
+action. He gathered the feudal array around his banner; he roused the
+ancient barons from their chateaux, the old retainers from their
+villages; but he arranged them in disciplined battalions of regular
+troops, who received the pay and obeyed the orders of government, and
+never left their banners. When he summoned the array of France to
+undertake the conquest of the Low Countries, he appeared at the head of
+a hundred and twenty thousand men, all regular and disciplined troops,
+with a hundred pieces of cannon. Modern Europe had never seen such an
+array. It was irresistible, and speedily brought the monarch to the
+gates of Amsterdam.
+
+The same unity which the genius of Louis and his ministers communicated
+to the military power of France, he gave also to its naval forces and
+internal strength. To such a pitch of greatness did he raise the marine
+of the monarchy, that it all but outnumbered that of England; and the
+battle of La Hogue in 1792 alone determined, as Trafalgar did a century
+after, to which of these rival powers the dominion of the seas was to
+belong. He reduced the government of the interior to that regular and
+methodical system of governors of provinces, mayors of cities, and other
+subordinate authorities, all receiving their instructions from the
+Tuileries, which, under no subsequent change of government, imperial or
+royal, has been abandoned, and which has, in every succeeding age,
+formed the main source of its strength. He concentrated around the
+monarchy the rays of genius from all parts of the country, and threw
+around its head a lustre of literary renown, which, more even than the
+exploits of his armies, dazzled and fascinated the minds of men. He
+arrayed the scholars, philosophers, and poets of his dominions like his
+soldiers and sailors; the whole academies of France, which have since
+become so famous, were of his institution; he sought to give discipline
+to thought, as he had done to his fleets and armies, and rewarded
+distinction in literary efforts, not less than warlike achievement. No
+monarch ever knew better the magical influence of intellectual strength
+on general thought, or felt more strongly the expedience of enlisting it
+on the side of authority. Not less than Hildebrand or Napoleon, he aimed
+at drawing, not over his own country alone, but the whole of Europe, the
+meshes of regulated and centralised opinion; and more durably than
+either he attained his object. The religious persecution, which
+constitutes the great blot on his reign, and caused its brilliant career
+to close in mourning, arose from the same cause. He was fain to give the
+same unity to the church which he had done to the army, navy, and civil
+strength of the monarchy. He saw no reason why the Huguenots should not,
+at the royal command, face about like one of Turenne's battalions.
+Schism in the church was viewed by him in exactly the same light as
+rebellion in the state. No efforts were spared by inducements, good
+deeds, and fair promises, to make proselytes; and when twelve hundred
+thousand Protestants resisted his seductions, the sword, the fagot, and
+the wheel were resorted to without mercy for their destruction.
+
+Napoleon, it is well known, had the highest admiration of Louis XIV. Nor
+is this surprising: their principles of government and leading objects
+of ambition were the same. "L'état _c'est moi_," was the principle of
+this grandson of Henry IV.: "Your first duty is _to me_, your second to
+France," said the Emperor to his nephew Prince Louis Napoleon. In
+different words, the idea was the same. To concentrate Europe in France,
+France in Paris, Paris in the government, and the government in himself,
+was the ruling idea of each. But it was no concentration for selfish or
+unworthy purposes which was then desired; it was for great and lofty
+objects that this undivided power was desired. It was neither to gratify
+the desire of an Eastern seraglio, nor exercise the tyranny of a Roman
+emperor, that either coveted unbounded authority. It was to exalt the
+nation of which they formed the head, to augment its power, extend its
+dominion, enhance its fame, magnify its resources, that they both deemed
+themselves sent into the world. It was the general sense that this was
+the object of their administration which constituted the strength of
+both. Equally with the popular party in the present day, they regarded
+society as a pyramid, of which the multitude formed the base, and the
+monarch the head. Equally with the most ardent democrat, they desired
+the augmentation of the national resources, the increase of public
+felicity. But they both thought that these blessings must descend from
+the sovereign to his subject, not ascend from the subjects to their
+sovereign. "Every thing _for_ the people, nothing _by_ them," which
+Napoleon described as the secret of good government, was not less the
+maxim of the imperious despot of the Bourbon race.
+
+The identity of their ideas, the similarity of their objects of
+ambition, appears in the monuments which both have left at Paris. Great
+as was the desire of the Emperor to add to its embellishment,
+magnificent as were his ideas in the attempt, he has yet been unable to
+equal the noble structures of the Bourbon dynasty. The splendid pile of
+Versailles, the glittering dome of the Invalides, still, after the lapse
+of a century and a half, overshadow all the other monuments in the
+metropolis; though the confiscations of the Revolution, and the
+victories of the Emperor, gave succeeding governments the resources of
+the half of Europe for their construction. The inscription on the arch
+of Louis, "Ludovico Magno," still seems to embody the gratitude of the
+citizens to the greatest benefactor of the capital; and it is not
+generally known that the two edifices which have added most since his
+time to the embellishment of the metropolis, and of which the revolution
+and the empire are fain to take the credit--the Pantheon and the
+Madeleine--were begun in 1764 by Louis XV., and owe their origin to the
+magnificent ideas which Louis XIV. transmitted to his, in other
+respects, unworthy descendant.[1]
+
+Had one dark and atrocious transaction not taken place, the annalist
+might have stopped here, and painted the French monarch, with a few
+foibles and weaknesses, the common bequest of mortality, still as, upon
+the whole, a noble and magnanimous ruler. His ambition, great as it was,
+and desolating as it proved, both to the adjoining states, and in the
+end his own subjects, was the "last infirmity of noble minds." He shared
+it with Cæsar and Alexander, with Charlemagne and Napoleon. Even his
+cruel and unnecessary ravaging of the Palatinate, though attended with
+dreadful private suffering, has too many parallels in the annals of
+military cruelty. His personal vanities and weaknesses, his love of
+show, his passion for women, his extravagant expenses, were common to
+him with his grandfather Henry IV.; they seemed inherent in the Bourbon
+race, and are the frailties to which heroic minds in every age have been
+most subject. But, for the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and the
+heartrending cruelties with which it was carried into execution, no such
+apology can be found. It admits neither of palliation nor excuse. But
+for the massacre of St Bartholomew, and the expulsion of the Morescoes
+from Spain, it would stand foremost in the annals of the world for
+kingly perfidy and priestly cruelty. The expulsion of five hundred
+thousand innocent human beings from their country, for no other cause
+but difference of religious opinion--the destruction, it is said, of
+nearly an hundred thousand by the frightful tortures of the wheel and
+the stake--the wholesale desolation of provinces and destruction of
+cities for conscience sake, never will and never should be forgotten. It
+is the eternal disgrace of the Roman Catholic religion--a disgrace to
+which the "execrations of ages have not yet affixed an adequate
+censure"--that all these infamous state crimes took their origin in the
+bigoted zeal, or sanguinary ambition of the Church of Rome. Nor have
+any of them passed without their just reward. The expulsion of the
+Moors, the most industrious and valuable inhabitants of the Peninsula,
+has entailed a weakness upon the Spanish monarchy, which the subsequent
+lapse of two centuries has been unable to repair. The reaction against
+the Romish atrocities produced the great league of which William III.
+was the head; it sharpened the swords of Eugene and Marlborough; it
+closed in mourning the reign of Louis XV. Nor did the national
+punishment stop here. The massacre of St Bartholomew, and revocation of
+the Edict of Nantes, were the remote, but certain cause of the French
+Revolution, and all the unutterable miseries which it brought both upon
+the Bourbon race and the professors of the Romish faith. Nations have no
+immortality; their punishment is inflicted in this world; it is visited
+with unerring certainty on the third and fourth generations. Providence
+has a certain way of dealing with the political sins of men--which is,
+to leave them to the consequences of their own actions.
+
+If ever the characters of two important actors on the theatre of human
+affairs stood forth in striking and emphatic contrast to each other,
+they were those of Louis XIV. and William III. They were, in truth, the
+representatives of the principles for which they respectively so long
+contended; their characters embodied the doctrines, and were
+distinguished by the features, of the causes for which they fought
+through life. As much as the character--stately, magnanimous, and
+ambitious, but bigoted and unscrupulous--of Louis XIV. personified the
+Romish, did the firm and simple, but persevering and unconquerable mind
+of William, embody the principles of the Protestant faith. The positions
+they respectively held through life, the stations they occupied, the
+resources, moral and political, which they wielded, were not less
+characteristic of the causes of which they were severally the heads.
+Louis led on the feudal resources of the French monarchy. Inured to
+rigid discipline, directed by consummate talent, supported by immense
+resources, his armies, uniting the courage of feudal to the organisation
+of civilised times, like those of Cæsar, had at first only to appear to
+conquer. From his gorgeous palaces at Paris, he seemed able, like the
+Church of Rome from the halls of the Quirinal, to give law to the whole
+Christian world. William began the contest under very different
+circumstances. Sunk in obscure marshes, cooped up in a narrow territory,
+driven into a corner of Europe, the forces at his command appeared as
+nothing before the stupendous array of his adversary. He was the emblem
+of the Protestant faith, arising from small beginnings, springing from
+the energy of the middle classes, but destined to grow with ceaseless
+vigour, until it reached the gigantic strength of its awful antagonist.
+
+The result soon proved the prodigious difference in the early resources
+of the parties. Down went tower and town before the apparition of Louis
+in his strength. The iron barriers of Flanders yielded almost without a
+struggle to his arms. The genius of Turenne and Vauban, the presence of
+Louis, proved for the time irresistible. The Rhine was crossed; a
+hundred thousand men appeared before the gates of Amsterdam. Dissension
+had paralysed its strength, terror all but mastered its resolution.
+England, influenced by French mistresses, or bought by French gold, held
+back, and ere long openly joined the oppressor, alike of its liberties
+and its religion. All seemed lost alike for the liberties of Europe and
+the Protestant faith. But William was not dismayed. He had a certain
+resource against subjugation left. In his own words, "he could die in
+the last ditch." He communicated his unconquerable spirit to his
+fainting fellow-citizens; he inspired them with the noble resolution to
+abandon their country rather than submit to the invaders, and "seek in a
+new hemisphere that liberty of which Europe had become unworthy." The
+generous effort was not made in vain. The Dutch rallied round a leader
+who was not wanting to himself in such a crisis. The dikes were cut; the
+labour of centuries was lost; the ocean resumed its sway over the fields
+reft from its domain. But the cause of freedom of religion was gained.
+The French armies recoiled from the watery waste, as those of Napoleon
+afterwards did from the flames of Moscow. Amsterdam was the limit of the
+conquests of Louis XIV. He there found the power which said, "Hitherto
+shalt thou come, and no further, and here shall thy proud waves be
+staid." Long, and often doubtful, was the contest; it was bequeathed to
+a succeeding generation and another reign. But from the invasion of
+Holland, the French arms and Romish domination permanently receded; and
+but for the desertion of the alliance by England, at the peace of
+Utrecht, they would have given law in the palace of the Grand Monarque,
+bridled the tyranny of Bossuet and Tellier, and permanently established
+the Protestant faith in nearly the half of Europe.
+
+Like many other men who are called on to play an important part in the
+affairs of the world, William seemed formed by nature for the duties he
+was destined to perform. Had his mind been stamped by a different die,
+his character cast in a different mould, he would have failed in his
+mission. He was not a monarch of the most brilliant, nor a general of
+the most daring kind. Had he been either the one or the other, he would
+have been shattered against the colossal strength of Louis XIV., and
+crushed in the very outset of his career. But he possessed in the
+highest perfection that great quality without which, in the hour of
+trial, all others prove of no avail--moral courage, and invincible
+determination. His enterprises, often designed with ability and executed
+with daring, were yet all based, like those of Wellington afterwards in
+Portugal, on a just sense of the necessity of husbanding his resources
+from the constant inferiority of his forces and means to those of the
+enemy. He was perseverance itself. Nothing could shake his resolution,
+nothing divert his purpose. With equal energy he laboured in the cabinet
+to construct and keep together the vast alliance necessary to restrain
+the ambition of the French monarch, and toiled in the field to baffle
+the enterprises of his able generals. With a force generally inferior in
+number, always less powerful than that of his adversaries in discipline,
+composition, and resources, he nevertheless contrived to sustain the
+contest, and gradually wrested from his powerful enemy the more
+important fortresses, which, in the first tumult of invasion, had
+submitted to his arms. If the treaties of Nimeguen and Ryswick were less
+detrimental to the French power than that of Utrecht afterwards proved,
+they were more glorious to the arms of the Dutch commonwealth and the
+guidance of William; for they were the result of efforts in which the
+weight of the conflict generally fell on Holland alone; and its honours
+were not to be shared with those won by the wisdom of a Marlborough, or
+the daring of a Eugene.
+
+In private life, William was distinguished by the same qualities which
+marked his public career. He had not the chivalrous ardour which bespoke
+the nobles of France, nor the stately magnificence of their haughty
+sovereign. His manners and habits were such as arose from, and suited,
+the austere and laborious people among whom his life was passed. Without
+being insensible to the softer passions, he never permitted them to
+influence his conduct, or incroach upon his time. He was patient,
+laborious, and indefatigable. To courtiers accustomed to the polished
+elegance of Paris, or the profligate gallantry of St James's, his
+manners appeared cold and unbending. It was easy to see he had not been
+bred in the saloons of Versailles or the _soirées_ of Charles II. But he
+was steady and unwavering in his resolutions; his desires were set on
+great objects; and his external demeanour was correct, and often
+dignified. He was reproached by the English, not without reason, with
+being unduly partial, after his accession to the British throne, to his
+Dutch subjects; and he was influenced through life by a love of money,
+which, though at first arising from a bitter sense of its necessity in
+his long and arduous conflicts, degenerated in his older years into an
+avaricious turn. The national debt of England has been improperly
+ascribed to his policy. It arose unavoidably from the Revolution, and is
+the price which every nation pays for a lasting change, how necessary
+soever, in its ruling dynasty. When the sovereign can no longer depend
+on the unbought loyalty of his subjects, he has no resource but in their
+interested attachment. Louis Philippe's government has done the same,
+under the influence of the same necessity. Yet William was not a perfect
+character; more than one dark transaction has left a lasting stain on
+his memory; and the massacre of Glencoe, in particular, if it did not
+equal the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in the wide-spread misery
+with which it was attended, rivalled it in the perfidy in which it was
+conceived, and the cruelty with which it was executed.
+
+On his arrival in Holland on the 18th March 1710, Marlborough again
+found himself practically involved in the still pending negotiations for
+peace, over which, on the decline of his influence at court, he had
+ceased to have any real control. Still exposed to the blasting
+imputation of seeking to prolong the war for his own private purposes,
+he was in reality doing his utmost to terminate hostilities. As the
+negotiation with the ostensible plenipotentiaries of the different
+courts was at an end, but Louis still continued to make private
+overtures to the Dutch, in the hope of detaching them from the
+confederacy, Marlborough took advantage of this circumstance to
+endeavour to effect an accommodation. At his request, the Dutch agent,
+Petcum, had again repaired to Paris in the end of 1709, to resume the
+negotiation; and the _Marlborough Papers_ contain numerous letters from
+him to the Duke, detailing the progress of the overtures.[2] On the very
+day after Marlborough's arrival at the Hague, the plenipotentiaries made
+their report of the issue of the negotiation; but the views of the
+parties were still so much at variance, that it was evident no hopes of
+peace could be entertained. Louis was not yet sufficiently humbled to
+submit to the arrogant demands of the Allies, which went to strip him of
+nearly all his conquests; and the different powers of the confederacy
+were each set upon turning the general success of the alliance to their
+own private advantage.
+
+Zenzindorf, on the part of Austria, insisted that not the smallest
+portion of the Spanish territories in Italy should be ceded to a prince
+of the house of Bourbon, and declared the resolution of his imperial
+master to perish with arms in his hands, rather than submit to a
+partition which would lead to his inevitable ruin. King Charles
+expressed the same determination, and insisted further for the cession
+of Roussillon, which had been wrested from Spain since the treaty of the
+Pyrenees. The Duke of Savoy, who aimed at the acquisition of Sicily from
+the spoils of the fallen monarch, was equally obstinate for the
+prosecution of the war. Godolphin, Somers, and the Dutch Pensionary,
+inclined to peace, and were willing to purchase it by the cession of
+Sicily to Louis; and Marlborough gave this his entire support, provided
+the evacuation of Spain, the great object of the war, could be
+secured.[3] But all their efforts were in vain. The ambitious designs of
+Austria and Savoy prevailed over their pacific counsels; and we have the
+valuable authority of Torcy, who, in the former congress, had accused
+the Duke of breaking off the negotiation, that in this year the rupture
+was entirely owing to the efforts of Count Zenzindorf.[4] Marlborough,
+however, never ceased to long for a termination of hostilities, and took
+the field with a heavy heart, relieved only by the hope that one more
+successful campaign would give him what he so ardently desired, the rest
+consequent upon a general peace.[5]
+
+War being resolved on, Marlborough and Eugene met at Tournay on the
+28th April, and commenced the campaign by the capture of the fort of
+Mortagne, which capitulated on the same day. Their force already
+amounted to sixty thousand men, and, as the troops were daily coming up
+from their cantonments, it was expected soon to amount to double the
+number. The plan of operations was soon settled between these two great
+men; no difference of opinion ever occurred between them, no jealousy
+ever marred their co-operations. They determined to commence serious
+operations by attacking Douay--a strong fortress, and one of the last of
+the first order which, in that quarter, guarded the French territory. To
+succeed in this, however, it was necessary to pass the French lines,
+which were of great strength, and were guarded by Marshal Montesquieu at
+the head of forty battalions and twenty squadrons. Douay itself also was
+strongly protected both by art and nature. On the one side lay the Haine
+and the Scarpe; in the centre was the canal of Douay; on the other hand
+were the lines of La Bassie, which had been strengthened with additional
+works since the close of the campaign. Marlborough was very sanguine of
+success, as the French force was not yet collected, and he was
+considerably superior in number; and he wrote to Godolphin on the same
+night--"The orders are given for marching this night, so that I hope my
+next will give you an account of our being in Artois."[6]
+
+The Duke operated at once by both wings. On the one wing he detached the
+Prince of Wirtemberg, with fifteen thousand men, by Pont-a-Tessin to
+Pont-a-Vendin, where the French lines met the Dyle and the canal of
+Douay; while Prince Eugene moved forward Count Fels, with a considerable
+corps, towards Pont Auby on the same canal. The whole army followed in
+two columns, the right commanded by Eugene, and the left by Marlborough.
+The English general secured the passage at Pont-a-Vendin without
+resistance; and Eugene, though baffled at Pont Auby, succeeded in
+passing the canal at Sant and Courieres without serious loss. The first
+defences were thus forced; and that night the two wings, having formed a
+junction, lay on their arms in the plain of Lens, while Montesquieu
+precipitately retired behind the Scarpe, in the neighbourhood of Vitry.
+Next morning the troops, overjoyed at their success, continued their
+advance. Marlborough sent forward General Cadogan, at the head of the
+English troops, to Pont-a-Rache, to circumscribe the garrison of Douay,
+on the canal of Marchiennes on the north; while Eugene, encamping on the
+other side of the Scarpe, completed the investment on the west. The
+perfect success of this enterprise without any loss was matter of equal
+surprise and joy to the Duke, who wrote to the Duchess in the highest
+strain of satisfaction at his bloodless triumph. It was entirely owing
+to the suddenness and secresy of his movements, which took the enemy
+completely unawares; for, had the enterprise been delayed four days
+longer, its issue would have been extremely doubtful, and thousands of
+men must, at all events, have been sacrificed.[7]
+
+Douay, which was immediately invested after this success, is a fortress
+of considerable strength, in the second line which covers the French
+province of Artois. Less populous than Lille, it embraces a wider
+circuit within its ample walls. Its principal defence consists in the
+marshes, which, on the side of Tournay, where attack might be expected,
+render it extremely difficult of access, especially in the rainy season.
+Access to it is defended by Fort Scarpe, a powerful outwork, capable of
+standing a separate siege. The garrison consisted of eight thousand men,
+under the command of the Marquis Albergotti, an officer of the highest
+talent and bravery; and under him were the renowned Valory, to direct
+the engineers, and the not less celebrated Chevalier de Jaucourt, to
+command the artillery. From a fortress of such strength so defended, the
+most resolute resistance might be expected, and no efforts were spared
+on the part of the Allied generals to overcome it.
+
+The investment was completed on the 24th, and the trenches opened on the
+5th May. On the 7th, the head of the sap was advanced to within two
+hundred and fifty yards of the exterior palisades; but the besiegers
+that night experienced a severe check from a vigorous sally of the
+besieged with twelve hundred men, by which two English regiments were
+nearly cut to pieces. But, on the 9th, a great train of artillery,
+consisting of two hundred pieces, with a large supply of artillery,
+arrived from Tournay; on the 11th, the advanced works were strongly
+armed, and the batteries were pushed up to the covered way, and
+thundered across the ditch against the rampart. The imminent danger of
+this important stronghold now seriously alarmed the French court; and
+Marshal Villars, who commanded their great army on the Flemish frontier,
+received the most positive orders to advance to its relief. By great
+exertions, he had now collected one hundred and fifty-three battalions
+and two hundred and sixty-two squadrons, which were pompously announced
+as mustering one hundred and fifty thousand combatants, and certainly
+amounted to more than eighty thousand. The Allied force was almost
+exactly equal; it consisted of one hundred and fifty-five battalions and
+two hundred and sixty-one squadrons. Villars broke up from the vicinity
+of Cambray on the 21st May, and advanced in great strength towards
+Douay. Marlborough and Eugene immediately made the most vigorous
+preparations to receive him. Thirty battalions only were left to
+prosecute the siege; twelve squadrons were placed in observation at
+Pont-a-Rache; and the whole remainder of the army, about seventy
+thousand strong, concentrated in a strong position, covering the siege,
+on which all the resources of art, so far as the short time would admit,
+had been lavished. Every thing was prepared for a mighty struggle. The
+whole guns were mounted on batteries four hundred paces from each other;
+the infantry was drawn up in a single line along the intrenchment, and
+filled up the whole interval between the artillery; the cavalry were
+arranged in two lines, seven hundred paces in rear of the foot-soldiers.
+It seemed another Malplaquet, in which the relative position of the two
+armies was reversed, and the French were to storm the intrenched
+position of the Allies. Every man in both armies fully expected a
+decisive battle; and Marlborough, who was heartily tired of the war,
+wrote to the Duchess, that he hoped for a victory, which should at once
+end the war, and restore him to private life.[8]
+
+
+Yet there was no battle. The lustre of Blenheim and Ramilies played
+round Marlborough's bayonets; the recollection of Turin tripled the
+force of Eugene's squadrons. Villars advanced on the 1st June, with all
+the pomp and circumstance of war, to within musket-shot of the Allied
+position; and he had not only the authority but the recommendation of
+Louis to hazard a battle. He boasted that his force amounted to a
+hundred and sixty thousand men.[9] But he did not venture to make the
+attack. To Marlborough's great regret, he retired without fighting; and
+the English general, at the age of threescore, was left to pursue the
+fatigues and the labours of a protracted campaign, in which, for the
+first time in his life, he was doubtful of success, from knowing the
+malignant eyes with which he was regarded by the ruling factions in his
+own country. "I long," said he, "for an end of the war, so God's will be
+done; whatever the event may be, I shall have nothing to reproach myself
+with, having, with all my heart, done my duty, and being hitherto
+blessed with more success than was ever known before. My wishes and duty
+are the same; but I can't say I have the same prophetic spirit I used to
+have; for in all the former actions I never did doubt of success, we
+having had constantly the great blessing of being of one mind. I cannot
+say it is so now; for I fear some are run so far into villanous faction,
+that it would more content them to see us beaten; but if I live I will
+be watchful that it shall not be in their power to do much hurt. The
+discourse of the Duke of Argyle is, that when I please there will then
+be peace. I suppose his friends speak the same language in England; so
+that I must every summer venture my life in a battle, and be found fault
+with in winter for not bringing home peace. No, I wish for it with all
+my heart and soul."[10]
+
+Villars having retired without fighting, the operations of the siege
+were resumed with redoubled vigour. On the 16th June, signals of
+distress were sent up from the town, which the French marshal perceived,
+and he made in consequence a show of returning to interrupt the siege,
+but his movements came to nothing. Marlborough, to counteract his
+movement, repassed the Scarpe at Vitry, and took up a position directly
+barring the line of advance of the French marshal, while Eugene
+prosecuted the siege. Villars again retired without fighting. On the
+22d, the Fort of Scarpe was breached, and the sap was advanced to the
+counterscarp of the fortress, the walls of which were violently shaken;
+and on the 26th, Albergotti, who had no longer any hope of being
+relieved, and who saw preparations made for a general assault,
+capitulated with the garrison, now reduced to four thousand five hundred
+men.[11]
+
+On the surrender of Douay, the Allied generals intended to besiege
+Arras, the _last_ of the triple line of fortresses which on that side
+covered France, and between which and Paris no fortified place remained
+to arrest the march of an invader. On the 10th July, Marlborough crossed
+the Scarpe at Vitry, and, joining Eugene, their united forces, nearly
+ninety thousand strong, advanced towards Arras. But Villars, who felt
+the extreme importance of this last stronghold, had exerted himself to
+the utmost for its defence. He had long employed his troops on the
+construction of new lines of great strength on the Crinchon, stretching
+from Arras and the Somme, and he had here collected nearly a hundred
+thousand men, and a hundred and thirty pieces of cannon. After
+reconnoitring this position, the Allied generals concurred in thinking
+that it was equally impossible to force them, and undertake the siege of
+Arras, while the enemy, in such strength, and so strongly posted, lay on
+its flank. Their first intention, on finding themselves baffled in this
+project, was to seize Hesdin on the Cancher, which would have left the
+enemy no strong place between them and the coast. But the skilful
+dispositions of Villars, who on this occasion displayed uncommon
+abilities and foresight, rendered this design abortive, and it was
+therefore determined to attack Bethune. This place, which was surrounded
+with very strong works, was garrisoned by nine thousand men, under the
+command of M. Puy Vauban, nephew, of the celebrated marshal of the same
+name. But as an attack on it had not been expected, the necessary
+supplies for a protracted resistance had not been fully introduced when
+the investment was completed on the 15th July.[12]
+
+
+Villars, upon seeing the point of attack now fully declared, moved in
+right columns upon Hobarques, near Montenencourt. Eugene and Marlborough
+upon this assembled their covering army, and changed their front, taking
+up a new line stretching from Mont St Eloi to Le Comte. Upon advancing
+to reconnoitre the enemy, Marlborough discovered that the French,
+advancing to raise the siege, were busy strengthening a new set of
+lines, which stretched across the plain from the rivulet Ugie to the
+Lorraine, and the centre of which at Avesnes Le Comte was already
+strongly fortified. It now appeared how much Villars had gained by the
+skilful measures which had diverted the Allies from their projected
+attack upon Arras. It lay upon the direct road to Paris. Bethune, though
+of importance to the ultimate issue of the war, was not of the same
+present moment. It lay on the flank on the second line, Arras in front,
+and was the only remaining fortress in the last. By means of the new
+lines which he had constructed, the able French marshal had erected a
+fresh protection for his country, when its last defences were wellnigh
+broken through. By simply holding them, the interior of France was
+covered from incursion, and time gained for raising fresh armaments in
+the interior for its defence, and, what was of more importance to Louis,
+awaiting the issue of the intrigues in England, which were expected soon
+to overthrow the Whig cabinet. Villars, on this occasion, proved the
+salvation of his country, and justly raised himself to the very highest
+rank among its military commanders. His measures were the more to be
+commended that they exposed him to the obloquy of leaving Bethune to its
+fate, which surrendered by capitulation, with its numerous garrison and
+accomplished commander, on the 28th August.[13]
+
+Notwithstanding the loss of so many fortresses on the endangered
+frontier of his territory, Louis XIV. was so much encouraged by what he
+knew of the great change which was going on in the councils of Queen
+Anne, that, expecting daily an entire revolution in the ministry, and
+overthrow of the war party in the Cabinet, he resolved on the most
+vigorous prosecution of the contest. He made clandestine overtures to
+the secret advisers of the Queen, in the hope of establishing that
+separate negotiation which at no distant period proved so successful.
+Torcy, the Duke's enemy, triumphantly declared, "what we lose in
+Flanders, we shall gain in England."[14] To frustrate these
+machinations, and if possible rouse the national feeling more strongly
+in favour of a vigorous prosecution of the war, Marlborough determined
+to lay siege to Aire and St Venant, which, though off the line of direct
+attack on France, laid open the way to Calais, which, if supported at
+home, he hoped to reduce before the conclusion of the campaign.[15] He
+entertained the most sanguine hopes of success from this design, which
+was warmly supported by Godolphin; but he obtained at this time such
+discouraging accounts of the precarious condition of his influence at
+court, that he justly concluded he would not be adequately supported in
+them from England, from which the main supplies for the enterprise must
+be drawn. He wisely, therefore, resolved, in concert with Eugene, to
+forego this dazzling but perilous project for the present, and to
+content himself with the solid advantages, unattended with risk, of
+reducing Aire and St Venant.
+
+Having takes their resolution, the confederate generals began their
+march in the beginning of September, and on the 6th of that month, both
+places were invested. Aire, which is comparatively of small extent, was
+garrisoned by only five thousand seven hundred men; but Venant was a
+place of great size and strength, and had a garrison of fourteen
+battalions of foot and three regiments of dragoons, mustering eight
+thousand combatants. They were under the command of the Count de
+Guebriant, a brave and skillful commander. Both were protected by
+inundations, which retarded extremely the operations of the besiegers,
+the more especially as the autumnal rains had early set in this year
+with more than usual severity. While anxiously awaiting the cessation of
+this obstacle, and the arrival of a great convoy of heavy cannon and
+ammunition which was coming up from Ghent, the Allied generals received
+the disheartening intelligence of the total defeat of this important
+convoy, which, though guarded by sixteen hundred men, was attacked and
+destroyed by a French corps on the 19th September. This loss affected
+Marlborough the more sensibly, that it was the first disaster of moment
+which had befallen him during nine years of incessant warfare.[16] But,
+notwithstanding this disaster, St Venant was so severely pressed by the
+fire of the besiegers, under the Prince of Anhalt, who conducted the
+operations with uncommon vigour and ability, that it was compelled to
+capitulate on the 29th, on condition of its garrison being conducted to
+St Omer, not to serve again till regularly exchanged.
+
+Aire still held out, as the loss of the convoy from Ghent, and the
+dreadful rains which fell almost without intermission during the whole
+of October, rendered the progress of the siege almost impossible. The
+garrison, too, under the command of the brave governor, made a most
+resolute defence. Sickness prevailed to a great extent in the Allied
+army; the troops were for the most part up to the knees in mud and
+water; and the rains, which fell night and day without intermission,
+precluded the possibility of finding a dry place for their lodging. It
+was absolutely necessary, however, to continue the siege; for,
+independent of the credit of the army being staked on its success, it
+had become impossible, as Marlborough himself said, to draw the cannon
+from the trenches.[17] The perseverance of the Allied commanders was at
+length rewarded by success. On the 12th November the fortress
+capitulated, and the garrison, still three thousand six hundred and
+twenty-eight strong, marched out prisoners, leaving sixteen hundred sick
+and wounded in the town. This conquest, which concluded the campaign,
+was, however, dearly purchased by the loss of nearly seven thousand men
+killed and wounded in the Allied ranks, exclusive of the sick, who,
+amidst those pestilential marshes, had now swelled to double the
+number.[18]
+
+Although the capture of four such important fortresses as Douay,
+Bethune, St Venant, and Aire, with their garrisons, amounting to thirty
+thousand men, who had been taken in them during the campaign, was a most
+substantial advantage, and could not fail to have a most important
+effect on the final issue of the war; yet it did not furnish the same
+subject for national exultation which preceding ones had done. There had
+been no brilliant victory like Blenheim, Ramilies, or Oudenarde, to
+silence envy and defy malignity; the successes, though little less real,
+had been not so dazzling. The intriguers about the court, the
+malcontents in the country, eagerly seized on this circumstance to
+calumniate the Duke, and accused him of unworthy motives in the conduct
+of the war. He was protracting it for his own private purposes, reducing
+it to a strife of lines and sieges, when he might at once terminate it
+by a decisive battle, and gratifying his ruling passion of avarice by
+the lucrative appointments which he enjoyed himself, or divided among
+his friends. Nor was it only among the populace and his political
+opponents that these surmises prevailed; his greatness and fame had
+become an object of envy to his own party. Orford, Wharton, and Halifax
+had on many occasions evinced their distrust of him; and even Somers,
+who had long stood his friend, was inclined to think the power of the
+Duke of Marlborough too great, and the emoluments and offices of his
+family and connexions immoderate.[19] The Duchess inflamed the discord
+between him and the Queen, by positively refusing to come to any
+reconciliation with her rival, Mrs Masham. The discord increased daily,
+and great were the efforts made to aggravate it. To the Queen, the
+never-failing device was adopted of representing the victorious general
+as lording it over the throne; as likely to eclipse even the crown by
+the lustre of his fame; as too dangerous and powerful a subject for a
+sovereign to tolerate. Matters came to such a pass, in the course of the
+summer of 1710, that Marlborough found himself thwarted in every request
+he made, every project he proposed; and he expressed his entire nullity
+to the Duchess, by the emphatic expression, that he was a "mere sheet of
+white paper, upon which his friends might write what they pleased."[20]
+
+The spite at the Duke appeared in the difficulties which were now
+started by the Lords of the Treasury in regard to the prosecution of the
+works at Blenheim. This noble monument of a nation's gratitude had
+hitherto proceeded rapidly; the stately design of Vanburgh was rapidly
+approaching its completion, and so anxious had the Queen been to see it
+finished, that she got a model of it placed in the royal palace of
+Kensington. Now, however, petty and unworthy objections were started on
+the score of expense, and attempts were made, by delaying payment of the
+sums from the Treasury, to throw the cost of completing the building on
+the great general. He had penetration enough, however, to avoid falling
+into the snare, and actually suspended the progress of the work when the
+Treasury warrants were withheld. He constantly directed that the
+management of the building should be left to the Queen's officers; and,
+by steadily adhering to this system, he shamed them into continuing the
+work.[21]
+
+Marlborough's name and influence, however, were too great to be entirely
+neglected, and the party which was now rising into supremacy at court
+were anxious, if possible, to secure them to their own side. They made,
+accordingly, overtures in secret to him; and it was even insinuated
+that, if he would abandon the Whigs, and coalesce with them, he would
+entirely regain the royal favour, and might aspire to the highest
+situation which a subject could hold. Lord Bolingbroke has told us what
+the conditions of this alliance were to be:--"He was to abandon the
+Whigs, his new friends, and take up with the Tories, his old friends; to
+engage heartily in the true interests, and no longer leave his country
+a prey to rapine and faction. He was, besides, required to restrain the
+rage and fury of his wife. Their offers were coupled with threats of an
+impeachment, and boasts that sufficient evidence could be adduced to
+carry a prosecution through both Houses."[22] To terms so degrading, the
+Duke answered in terms worthy of his high reputation. He declared his
+resolution to be of no party, to vote according to his conscience, and
+to be as hearty as his new colleagues in support of the Queen's
+government and the welfare of the country. This manly reply increased
+the repulsive feelings with which he was regarded by the ministry, who
+seem now to have finally resolved on his ruin; while the intelligence
+that such overtures had been made having got wind, sowed distrust
+between him and the Whig leaders, which was never afterwards entirely
+removed. But he honourably declared that he would be governed by the
+Whigs, from whom he would never depart; and that they could not suspect
+the purity of his motives in so doing, as they had now lost the majority
+in the House of Commons.[23]
+
+Parliament met on the 25th November; and Marlborough, in the end of the
+year, returned to London. But he soon received decisive proof of the
+altered temper both of government and the country towards him. In the
+Queen's speech, no notice was taken of the late successes in Flanders,
+no vote of thanks for his services in the campaign moved by ministers;
+and they even contrived, by a sidewind, to get quit of one proposed, to
+their no small embarrassment, by Lord Scarborough. The Duchess, too, was
+threatened with removal from her situation at court; and Marlborough
+avowed that he knew the Queen was "as desirous for her removal as Mr
+Harley and Mr Masham can be." The violent temper and proud unbending
+spirit of the Duchess were ill calculated to heal such a breach, which,
+in the course of the winter, became so wide, that her removal from the
+situation she held, as mistress of the robes, was only prevented by the
+fear that, in the vehemence of her resentment, she might publish the
+Queen's correspondence, and that the Duke, whose military services could
+not yet be spared, might resign his command. Libels against both the
+Duke and the Duchess daily appeared, and passed entirely unpunished,
+though the freedom of the press was far from being established. Three
+officers were dismissed from the army for drinking his health. When he
+waited on the Queen, on his arrival in England, in the end of December,
+she said--"I must request you will not suffer any vote of thanks to you
+to be moved in Parliament this year, _as my ministers will certainly
+oppose it_." Such was the return made by government to the hero who had
+raised the power and glory of England to an unprecedented pitch, and in
+that very campaign had cut deeper into the iron frontier of France than
+had ever been done in any former one.[24]
+
+The female coterie who aided at St James's the male opponents of
+Marlborough, were naturally extremely solicitous to get the Duchess
+removed from her situations as head of the Queen's household and keeper
+of the privy purse; and ministers were only prevented from carrying
+their wishes into effect by their apprehension, if executed, of the
+Duke's resigning his command of the army. In an audience, on 17th
+January 1711, Marlborough presented a letter to her Majesty from the
+Duchess, couched in terms of extreme humility, in which she declared
+that his anxiety was such, at the requital his services had received,
+that she apprehended he would not live six months.[25] The Queen at
+first refused to read it; and when at length, at the Duke's earnest
+request, she agreed to do so, she coldly observed--"I cannot change my
+resolution." Marlborough, in the most moving terms, and with touching
+eloquence, intreated the Queen not to dismiss the Duchess till she had
+no more need of her services, by the war being finished, which, he
+hoped, would be in less than a year; but he received no other answer,
+but a peremptory demand for the surrender of the gold key, the symbol of
+her office, within three days. Unable to obtain any relaxation in his
+sovereign's resolution, Marlborough withdrew with the deepest emotions
+of indignation and sorrow. The Duchess, in a worthy spirit, immediately
+took his resolution; she sent in her resignation, with the gold key,
+that very night. So deeply was Marlborough hurt at this extraordinary
+ingratitude for all his services, that he at first resolved to resign
+his whole command, and retire altogether into private life. From this
+intention he was only diverted, and that with great difficulty, by the
+efforts of Godolphin and the Whigs at home, and Prince Eugene and the
+Pensionary Heinsius abroad, who earnestly besought him not to abandon
+the command, as that would at once dissolve the grand alliance, and ruin
+the common cause. We can sympathise with the feelings of a victorious
+warrior who felt reluctant to forego, by one hasty step, the fruit of
+nine years of victories: we cannot but respect the self-sacrifice of the
+patriot who preferred enduring mortifications himself, to endangering
+the great cause of religious freedom and European independence.
+Influenced by these considerations, Marlborough withheld his intended
+resignation. The Duchess of Somerset was made mistress of the robes, and
+Mrs Masham obtained the confidential situation of keeper of the privy
+purse. Malignity, now sure of impunity, heaped up invectives on the
+falling hero. His integrity was calumniated, his courage even
+questioned, and the most consummate general of that, or perhaps any
+other age, represented as the lowest of mankind.[26] It soon appeared
+how unfounded had been the aspersions cast upon the Duchess, as well as
+the Duke, for their conduct in office. Her accounts, after being rigidly
+scrutinised, were returned to her without any objection being stated
+against them; and Marlborough, anxious to quit that scene of ingratitude
+and intrigue for the real theatre of his glory, soon after set out for
+the army in Flanders.[27]
+
+Marlborough arrived at the Hague on the 4th March; and, although no
+longer possessing the confidence of government, or intrusted with any
+control over diplomatic measures, he immediately set himself with the
+utmost vigour to prepare for military operations. Great efforts had been
+made by both parties, during the winter, for the resumption of
+hostilities, on even a more extended scale than in any preceding
+campaign. Marlborough found the army in the Low Countries extremely
+efficient and powerful; diversions were promised on the side both of
+Spain and Piedmont; and a treaty had been concluded with the Spanish
+malcontents, in consequence of which a large part of the Imperial forces
+were rendered disposable, which Prince Eugene was preparing to lead into
+the Low Countries. But, in the midst of these flattering prospects, an
+event occurred which suddenly deranged then all, postponed for above a
+month the opening of the campaign, and, in its final result, changed the
+fate of Europe. This was the death of the Emperor Joseph, of the
+smallpox, which happened at Vienna on the 16th April--an event which was
+immediately followed by Charles, King of Spain, declaring himself a
+candidate for the Imperial throne. As his pretensions required to be
+supported by a powerful demonstration of troops, the march of a large
+part of Eugene's men to the Netherlands was immediately stopped, and
+that prince himself was hastily recalled from Mentz, to take the command
+of the empire at Ratisbon, as marshal. Charles was soon after elected
+Emperor. Thus Marlborough was left to commence the campaign alone, which
+was the more to be regretted, as the preparations of Louis, during the
+winter, for the defence of his dominions had been made on the most
+extensive scale, and Marshal Villars' lines had come to be regarded as
+the _ne plus ultra_ of field fortification. Yet were Marlborough's
+forces most formidable; for, when reviewed at Orchies on the 30th April,
+between Lille and Douay, they were found, including Eugene's troops
+which had come up, to amount to one hundred and eighty-four battalions,
+and three hundred and sixty-four squadrons, mustering above one hundred
+thousand combatants.[28] But forty-one battalions and forty squadrons
+were in garrison, which reduced the effective force in the field to
+eighty thousand men.
+
+The great object of Louis and his generals had been to construct such a
+line of defences as might prevent the irruption of the enemy into the
+French territory, now that the interior and last line of fortresses was
+so nearly broken through. In pursuance of this design, Villars had, with
+the aid of all the most experienced engineers in France, and at a vast
+expense of labour and money, constructed during the winter a series of
+lines and field-works, exceeding any thing yet seen in modern Europe in
+magnitude and strength, and to which the still more famous lines of
+Torres Vedras have alone, in subsequent times, afforded a parallel. The
+works extended from Namur on the Meuse, by a sort of irregular line, to
+the coast of Picardy. Running first along the marshy line of the Canche,
+they rested on the forts of Montreuil, Hesdin, and Trevant; while the
+great fortresses of Ypres, Calais, Gravelines, and St Omer, lying in
+their front, and still in the hands of the French, rendered any attempt
+to approach them both difficult and hazardous. Along the whole of this
+immense line, extending over so great a variety of ground, for above
+forty miles, every effort had been made, by joining the resources of art
+to the defences of nature, to render the position impregnable. The lines
+were not continuous, as in many places the ground was so rugged, or the
+obstacles of rocks, precipices, and ravines were so formidable, that it
+was evidently impossible to overcome them. But whereever a passage was
+practicable, the approaches to it were protected in the most formidable
+manner. If a streamlet ran along the line, it was carefully dammed up,
+so as to be rendered impassible. Every morass was deepened, by stopping
+up its drains, or letting in the water of the larger rivers by
+artificial canals into it; redoubts were placed on the heights, so as to
+enfilade the plains between them; while in the open country, where no
+advantage of ground was to be met with, field-works were erected, armed
+with abundance of heavy cannon. To man these formidable lines, Villars
+had under his command one hundred and fifty-six battalions, and two
+hundred and twenty-seven squadrons in the field, containing seventy
+thousand infantry, and twenty thousand horse. He had ninety field guns
+and twelve howitzers. There was, besides, thirty-five battalions and
+eighty squadrons detached or in the forts; and, as Eugene soon took away
+twelve battalions and fifty squadrons from the Allied army, the forces
+on the opposite side, when they came to blows, were very nearly
+equal.[29]
+
+Marlborough took the field on the 1st May, with eighty thousand men;
+and his whole force was soon grouped in and around Douay. The
+headquarters of Villars were at Cambray; but, seeing the forces of his
+adversary thus accumulated in one point, he made a corresponding
+concentration, and arranged his whole disposable forces between Bouchain
+on the right, and Monchy Le Preux on the left. This position of the
+French marshal, which extended in a concave semicircle with the
+fortresses, covering either flank, he considered, and with reason, as
+beyond the reach of attack. The English general was meditating a great
+enterprise, which should at once deprive the enemy of all his defences,
+and reduce him to the necessity of fighting a decisive battle, or losing
+his last frontier fortresses. But he was overwhelmed with gloomy
+anticipations; he felt his strength sinking under his incessant and
+protracted fatigues, and knew well he was serving a party who, envious
+of his fame, were ready only to decry his achievements.[30] He lay,
+accordingly, for three weeks awaiting the arrival of his illustrious
+colleague, Prince Eugene, who joined on the 23d May, and took part in a
+great celebration of the anniversary of the victory at Ramilies, which
+had taken place on that day. The plans of the Allied generals were soon
+formed; and, taking advantage of the enthusiasm excited by that
+commemoration, and the arrival of so illustrious a warrior, preparations
+were made for the immediate commencement of active operations. On the
+28th, the two generals reviewed the whole army. But their designs were
+soon interrupted by an event which changed the whole fortune of the
+campaign. Early in June, Eugene received positive orders to march to
+Germany, with a considerable part of his troops, to oppose a French
+force, which was moving towards the Rhine, to influence the approaching
+election of Emperor. On the 13th June, Eugene and Marlborough separated,
+for _the last time_, with the deepest expressions of regret on both
+sides, and gloomy forebodings of the future. The former marched towards
+the Rhine with twelve battalions and fifty squadrons, while
+Marlborough's whole remaining force marched to the right in six
+divisions.[31]
+
+Though Villars was relieved by the departure of Eugene from a
+considerable part of the force opposed to him, and he naturally felt
+desirous of now measuring his strength with his great antagonist in a
+decisive affair, yet he was restrained from hazarding a general
+engagement. Louis, trusting to the progress of the Tory intrigues in
+England, and daily expecting to see Marlborough and the war-party
+overthrown, sent him positive orders not to fight; and soon after
+detached twenty-five battalions and forty squadrons, in two divisions,
+to the Upper Rhine, to watch the movements of Eugene. Villars encouraged
+this separation, representing that the strength of his position was
+such, that he could afford to send a third detachment to the Upper
+Rhine, if it was thought proper. Marlborough, therefore, in vain offered
+battle, and drew up his army in the plain of Lens for that purpose.
+Villars cautiously remained on the defensive; and, though he threw
+eighteen bridges over the Scarpe, and made a show of intending to fight,
+he cautiously abstained from any steps which might bring on a general
+battle.[32] It was not without good reason that Louis thus enjoined his
+lieutenant to avoid compromising his army. The progress of the
+negotiations with England gave him the fairest ground for believing that
+he would obtain nearly all he desired from the favour with which he was
+regarded by the British cabinet without running any risk. He had
+commenced a _separate_ negotiation with the court of St James's, which
+had been favourably received; and Mr Secretary St John had already
+transmitted to Lord Raby, the new plenipotentiary at the Hague, a sketch
+of six preliminary articles proposed by the French king, which were to
+be the basis of a general peace.[33]
+
+The high tone of these proposals proved how largely Louis counted upon
+the altered dispositions of the British cabinet. The Spanish succession,
+the real object of the war, was evaded. Every thing was directed to
+British objects, and influenced by the desire to tempt the commercial
+cupidity of England to the abandonment of the great objects of her
+national policy. Real security was tendered to the British commerce with
+Spain, the Indus, and the Mediterranean; the barrier the Dutch had so
+long contended for was agreed to; a reasonable satisfaction was tendered
+to the allies of England and Holland; and, as to the Spanish succession,
+it was to be left to "new expedients, to the satisfaction of all parties
+interested." These proposals were favourably received by the British
+ministry; they were in secret communicated to the Pensionary Heinsius,
+but concealed from the Austrian and Piedmontese plenipotentiaries; and
+they were _not communicated to Marlborough_--a decisive proof both of
+the altered feeling of the cabinet towards that general, and of the
+consciousness on their part of the tortuous path on which they were now
+entering.[34]
+
+After much deliberation, and a due consideration of what could be
+effected by the diminished force now at his disposal, which, by the
+successive drafts to Eugene's army, was now reduced to one hundred and
+nineteen battalions, and two hundred and fifty-six squadrons, not
+mustering above seventy-five thousand combatants, Marlborough determined
+to break through the enemies' boasted lines; and, after doing so,
+undertake the siege of Bouchain, the possession of which would give him
+a solid footing within the French frontier. With this view, he had long
+and minutely studied the lines of Villars; and he hoped that, even with
+the force at his disposal, they might be broken through. To accomplish
+this, however, required an extraordinary combination of stratagem and
+force; and the manner in which Marlborough contrived to unite them, and
+bring the ardent mind and lively imagination of his adversary to play
+into his hands, to the defeat of all the objects he had most at heart,
+is perhaps the most wonderful part of his whole military
+achievements.[35]
+
+During his encampment at Lewarde, opposite Villars, the English general
+had observed that a triangular piece of ground in front of the French
+position, between Cambray, Aubanchocil-au-bac, and the junction of the
+Sauzet and Scheldt, offered a position so strong, that a small body of
+men might defend it against a very considerable force. He resolved to
+make the occupation of this inconsiderable piece of ground the pivot on
+which the whole passage of the lines should be effected. A redoubt at
+Aubigny, which commanded the approach to it, was first carried without
+difficulty. Arleux, which also was fortified, was next attacked by seven
+hundred men, who issued from Douay in the night. That post also was
+taken, with one hundred and twenty prisoners. Marlborough instantly used
+all imaginable expedition in strengthening it; and Villars, jealous of a
+fortified post so close to his lines remaining in the hands of the
+Allies, attacked it in the night of the 9th July; and, though he failed
+in retaking the work, he surprised the Allies at that point, and made
+two hundred men and four hundred horses prisoners. Though much chagrined
+at the success of this nocturnal attack, the English general now saw
+his designs advancing to maturity. He therefore left Arleux to its own
+resources, and marched towards Bethune. That fort was immediately
+attacked by Marshal Montesquieu, and, after a stout resistance, carried
+by the French, who made the garrison, five hundred strong, prisoners.
+Villars immediately razed Arleux to the ground, and withdrew his troops;
+while Marlborough, who was in hopes the lure of these successes would
+induce Villars to hazard a general engagement, shut himself up in his
+tent, and appeared to be overwhelmed with mortification at the checks he
+had received.[36]
+
+Villars was so much elated with these successes, and the accounts he
+received of Marlborough's mortification, that he wrote to the king of
+France a vain-glorious letter, in which he boasted that he had at length
+brought his antagonist to a _ne plus ultra_. Meanwhile, Marlborough sent
+off his heavy baggage to Douay; sent his artillery under a proper guard
+to the rear; and, with all imaginable secresy, baked bread for the whole
+troops for six days, which was privately brought up. Thus disencumbered
+and prepared, he broke up at four in the morning on the 1st of August,
+and marched in eight columns towards the front. During the three
+following days, the troops continued concentrated, and menacing
+sometimes one part of the French lines and sometimes another, so as to
+leave the real point of attack in a state of uncertainty. Seriously
+alarmed, Villars concentrated his whole force opposite the Allies, and
+drew in all his detachments, evacuating even Aubigny and Arleux, the
+object of so much eager contention some days before. On the evening of
+the 4th, Marlborough, affecting great chagrin at the check he had
+received, spoke openly to those around him of his intention of avenging
+them by a general action, and pointed to the direction the attacking
+columns were to take. He then returned to the camp, and gave orders to
+prepare for battle. Gloom hung on every countenance of those around him;
+it appeared nothing short of an act of madness to attack an enemy
+superior in number, and strongly posted in a camp surrounded with
+entrenchments, and bristling with cannon. They ascribed it to
+desperation, produced by the mortifications received from the
+government, and feared that, by one rash act, he would lose the fruit of
+all his victories. Proportionally great was the joy in the French camp,
+when the men, never doubting they were on the eve of a glorious victory,
+spent the night in the exultation which, in that excitable people, has
+so often been the prelude to disaster.[37]
+
+Having brought the feeling of both armies to this point, and produced a
+concentration of Villars's army directly in his front, Marlborough, at
+dusk on the 4th, ordered the drums to beat; and before the roll had
+ceased, orders were given for the tents to be struck. Meanwhile Cadogan
+secretly left the camp, and met twenty-three battalions and seventeen
+squadrons, drawn from the garrisons of Lille and Tournay, which
+instantly marched; and continuing to advance all night, passed the lines
+rapidly to the left, without opposition at Arleux, at break of day. A
+little before nine, the Allied main army began to defile rapidly to the
+left, through the woods of Villers and Neuville--Marlborough himself
+leading the van, at the head of fifty squadrons. With such expedition
+did they march, still holding steadily on to the left, that before five
+in the morning of the 5th they reached Vitry on the Scarpe, where they
+found pontoons ready for their passage, and a considerable train of
+field artillery. At the same time, the English general here received the
+welcome intelligence of Cadogan's success. He instantly dispatched
+orders to every man and horse to press forward without delay. Such was
+the ardour of the troops, who all saw the brilliant manoeuvre by which
+they had outwitted the enemy, and rendered all their labour abortive,
+that they marched _sixteen hours_ without once halting; and by ten next
+morning, the whole had passed the enemies' lines without opposition, and
+without firing a shot! Villars received intelligence of the night-march
+having begun at eleven at night; but so utterly was he in the dark as to
+the plan his opponent was pursuing, that he came up to Verger, when
+Marlborough had drawn up his army on the _inner_ side of the lines in
+order of battle, attended only by a hundred dragoons, and narrowly
+escaped being made prisoner. Altogether, the Allied troops marched
+thirty-six miles in sixteen hours, the most part of them in the dark,
+and crossed several rivers, without either falling into confusion or
+sustaining any loss. The annals of war scarcely afford an example of
+such a success being gained in so bloodless a manner. The famous French
+lines, which Villars boasted would form the _ne plus ultra_ of
+Marlborough, had been passed without losing a man; the labour of nine
+months was at once rendered of no avail, and the French army, in deep
+dejection, had no alternative but to retire under the cannon of
+Cambray.[38]
+
+This great success at once restored the lustre of Marlborough's
+reputation, and, for a short season, put to silence his detractors.
+Eugene, with the generosity which formed so striking a feature in his
+character, wrote to congratulate him on his achievement;[39] and even
+Bolingbroke admitted that this bloodless triumph rivalled his greatest
+achievements.[40] Marlborough immediately commenced the siege of
+Bouchain; but this was an enterprise of no small difficulty, as it was
+to be accomplished on very difficult ground, in presence of an army
+superior in force. The investment was formed on the very day after the
+lines had been passed, and an important piece of ground occupied, which
+might have enabled Villars to communicate with the town, and regain a
+defensible position. On the morning of the 8th August, a bridge was
+thrown over the Scheldt at Neuville, and sixty squadrons passed over,
+which barred the road from Douay. Villars upon this threw thirty
+battalions across the Seuzet, and made himself master of a hill above,
+on which he began to erect works, which would have kept open his
+communications with the town on its southern front. Marlborough saw at
+once this design, and at first determined to storm the works ere they
+were completed; and, with this view, General Fagel, with a strong body
+of troops, was secretly passed over the river. But Villars, having heard
+of the design, attacked the Allied posts at Ivry with such vigour, that
+Marlborough was obliged to counter-march in haste, to be at hand to
+support them. Baffled in this attempt, Marlborough erected a chain of
+works on the right bank of the Scheldt, from Houdain, through Ivry, to
+the Sette, near Haspres, while Cadogan strengthened himself with similar
+works on the left. Villars, however, still retained the fortified
+position which has been mentioned, and which kept up his communication
+with the town; and the intercepting this was another, and the last, of
+Marlborough's brilliant field operations.[41]
+
+Notwithstanding all the diligence with which Villars laboured to
+strengthen his men on this important position, he could not equal the
+activity with which the English general strove to supplant them. During
+the night of the 13th, three redoubts were marked out, which would have
+completed the French marshal's communication with the town. But on the
+morning of the 14th they were all stormed by a large body of the Allied
+troops before the works could be armed. That very day the Allies carried
+their zig-zag down to the very edge of a morass which adjoined Bouchain
+on the south, so as to command a causeway from that town to Cambray,
+which the French still held, communicating with the besieged town. But,
+to complete the investment, it was necessary to win this causeway; and
+this last object was gained by Marlborough with equal daring and
+success. A battery, commanding the road, had been placed by Villars in a
+redoubt garrisoned by six hundred men, supported by three thousand more
+close in their rear. Marlborough, with incredible labour and diligence,
+constructed two roads, made of fascines, through part of the marsh, so
+as to render it passable to foot-soldiers; and, on the night of the
+16th, six hundred chosen grenadiers were sent across them to attack the
+intrenched battery. They rapidly advanced in the dark till the fascine
+path ended, and then boldly plunging into the marsh, struggled on, with
+the water often up to their arm-pits, till they reached the foot of the
+intrenchment, into which they rushed, without firing a shot, with fixed
+bayonets. So complete was the surprise, that the enemy were driven from
+their guns with the loss only of six men; the work carried; and with
+such diligence were its defences strengthened, that before morning it
+was in a condition to bid defiance to any attack.[42]
+
+Villars was now effectually cut off from Bouchain, and the operations of
+the siege were conducted with the utmost vigour. On the night of the
+21st, the trenches were opened; three separate attacks were pushed at
+the same time against the eastern, western, and southern faces of the
+town, and a huge train of heavy guns and mortars thundered upon the
+works without intermission. The progress of the siege, notwithstanding a
+vigorous defence by the besieged, was unusually rapid. As fast as the
+outworks were breached they were stormed; and repeated attempts on the
+part of Villars to raise the siege were baffled by the skilful
+disposition and strong ground taken by Marlborough with the covering
+army. At length, on the 12th September, as the counterscarp was blown
+down, the rampart breached, and an assault of the fortress in
+preparation, the governor agreed to capitulate; and the garrison, still
+three thousand strong, marched out upon the glacis, laid down their
+arms, and were conducted prisoners to Tournay.[43] The two armies then
+remained in their respective positions, the French under the cannon of
+Cambray, the Allied in the middle of their lines, resting on Bouchain;
+and Marlborough gave proof of the courtesy of his disposition, as well
+as his respect for exalted learning and piety, by planting a detachment
+of his troops to protect the estates of Fenelon, archbishop of Cambray,
+and conduct the grain from thence to the dwelling of the illustrious
+prelate in that town, which began now to be straitened for
+provisions.[44]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] "La Madeleine comme le Pantheon avait été commencée la même année en
+1764, par les ordres de Louis XV., le roi des grand monumens, et dont le
+regne a été travesti par la petite histoire."--CAPEFIGUE, _Histoire de
+Louis Philippe_, viii. 281.
+
+[2] Marlborough to the Earl of Sunderland, 8th Nov. 1709. _Disp._ iv.
+647. Coxe, iv. 167.
+
+[3] Coxe, iv. 169. Lamberti, vi. 37, 49.
+
+[4] Note to Petcum, August 10, 1710. _Marlborough Papers_; and Coxe, iv.
+173.
+
+[5] "I am very sorry to tell you that the behaviour of the French looks
+as if they had no other desire than that of carrying on the war. I hope
+God will bless this campaign, for I see nothing else that can _give us
+peace either at home or abroad_. I am so discouraged by every thing I
+see, that I have never, during this war, gone into the field with so
+heavy a heart as at this time. I own to you, that the present humour in
+England gives me a good deal of trouble; for I cannot see how it is
+possible they should mend till every thing is yet worse." _Marlborough
+to Duchess Marlborough_, Hague, 14th April 1710. Coxe, iv. 179.
+
+[6] Marlborough to Godolphin, 20th April, iv. 182.
+
+[7] "In my last, I had but just time to tell you we had passed the
+lines. I hope this happy beginning will produce such success this
+campaign as must put an end to the war. I bless God for putting it into
+their heads not to defend their lines; for at Pont-a-Vendin, when I
+passed, the Marshal D'Artagnan was with twenty thousand men, which, if
+he had staid, must have rendered the event very doubtful. But, God be
+praised, we are come without the loss of any men. The excuse the French
+make is, that we came four days before they expected us."--_Marlborough
+to the Duchess_, 21st April 1710. Coxe, ix. 184.
+
+[8] "I hope God will so bless our efforts, that if the Queen should not
+be so happy as to have a prospect of peace before the opening of the
+next session of parliament, she and all her subjects may be convinced we
+do our best here in the army to put a speedy and good period to this
+bloody war." _Marlborough to the Duchess_, May 12, 1710.
+
+"I hear of so many disagreeable things, that make it very reasonable,
+both for myself and you, to take no steps but what may lead to a quiet
+life. This being the case, am I not to be pitied that am every day in
+danger of exposing my life for the good of those who are seeking my
+ruin? God's will be done. If I can be so blessed as to end this campaign
+with success, things must very much alter to persuade me to come again
+at the head of the army." _Marlborough to the Duchess_, 19th May 1710.
+Coxe, iv. 191, 192.
+
+[9] Marlborough to Godolphin, 26th May and 2d June 1710.
+
+[10] Marlborough to the Duchess, 12th June 1710. Coxe, iv. 197.
+
+[11] Marlborough to Godolphin, 26th June 1710. _Disp._ iv. 696.
+
+[12] _Considerat. sur la Camp. de 1710, par M. le Marshal Villars_; and
+Coxe, iv. 192.
+
+[13] Marlborough to Godolphin, 29th August 1710. _Disp._ iv. 581. Coxe,
+iv. 294.
+
+[14] Coxe, iv. 343, 344.
+
+[15] "I am of opinion that, after the siege of Aire, I shall have it in
+my power to attack Calais. This is a conquest which would very much
+prejudice France, and ought to have a good effect for the Queen's
+service in England; but I see so much malice levelled at me, that I am
+afraid it is not safe for me to make any proposition, lest, if it should
+not succeed, my enemies should turn it to my disadvantage." _Marlborough
+to Godolphin_, 11th August 1710. Coxe, iv. 343.
+
+[16] "Till within these few days, during these _nine years_ I have never
+had occasion to send ill news. Our powder and other stores, for the
+carrying on these two sieges, left Ghent last Thursday, under the convoy
+of twelve hundred foot and four hundred and fifty horse. They were
+attacked by the enemy and beaten, so that they blew up the powder, and
+sunk the store-boats." _Marlborough to the Duchess_, 22d September 1710.
+Coxe, iv. 365.
+
+[17] "Take it we must, for we cannot draw the guns from the batteries.
+But God knows when we shall have it: night and day our poor men are up
+to the knees in mud and water." _Marlborough to Godolphin_, 27th October
+1710.
+
+[18] Marlborough to Godolphin, 13th November 1710. _Disp._ iv. 685, 689.
+Coxe, iv. 366, 367.
+
+[19] Cunningham, ii. 305.
+
+[20] Marlborough to the Duchess, 26th July 1710. Coxe, iv. 299.
+
+[21] Marlborough to the Duchess, 25th October and 24th November 1710.
+Coxe, iv. 351, 352.
+
+[22] Bolingbroke's _Corresp._, i. 41; Mr Secretary St John to Mr
+Drummond, 20th Dec. 1710.
+
+[23] "I beg you to lose no time in sending me, to the Hague, the opinion
+of our friend mentioned in my letter; for I would be governed by the
+Whigs, from whose principle and interest I will never depart. Whilst
+they had a majority in the House of Commons, they might suspect it might
+be my interest; but now they must do me the justice to see that it is my
+inclination and principle which makes me act." _Marlborough to the
+Duchess_, Nov. 9, 1710. Coxe, iv. 360.
+
+[24] Coxe, iv. 405.
+
+[25] "Though I never thought of troubling your Majesty again in this
+manner, yet the circumstances I see my Lord Marlborough in, and the
+apprehension I have that he cannot live six months, if there is not some
+end put to his sufferings on my account, make it impossible for me to
+resist doing every thing in my power to ease him." _Duchess of
+Marlborough to Queen Anne_, 17th Jan. 1711. Coxe, iv. 410.
+
+[26] Smollett, c. x. § 20.
+
+[27] Marlborough to the Duchess, 24th May 1711. Coxe, v. 417-431.
+
+[28] Eugene to Marlborough, 23d April 1710; Marlborough to St John, 29th
+April 1710. Coxe, vi. 16. _Disp._ v. 319.
+
+[29] Lidiard, ii. 426. Coxe, vi. 21. 22.
+
+[30] "I see my Lord Rochester has gone where we all must follow. I
+believe my journey will be hastened by the many vexations I meet with. I
+am sure I wish well to my country, and if I could do good, I should
+think no pains too great; but I find myself decay so very fast, that
+from my heart and soul I wish the Queen and my country a peace by which
+I might have the advantage of enjoying a little quiet, which is my
+greatest ambition." _Marlborough to the Duchess_, 25th May, 1711. Coxe,
+vi. 28.
+
+[31] Marlborough to St John, 14th June 1711. _Disp_. v. 428. Coxe, vi.
+29, 30.
+
+[32] _Villars' Mem._ tom. ii. ann. 1711.
+
+[33] _Bolingbroke's Corresp._ i. 172.
+
+[34] "The Duke of Marlborough has no communication from home on this
+affair; I suppose he will have none from the Hague." _Mr Secretary St
+John to Lord Raby_, 27th April 1711. _Bolingbroke's Corresp._ i. 175.
+
+[35] Coxe, vi. 52-54.
+
+[36] Kane's _Memoirs_, p. 89. Coxe, vi. 53, 55; _Disp._ v. 421, 428.
+
+[37] Kane's _Memoirs_, p. 92. Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 6th
+August, 1711. _Disp._ v. 428.
+
+[38] Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 6th August 1711. _Disp._ v.
+428. Coxe, vi. 60-65. _Kane's Mil. Mem._ 96-99.
+
+[39] "No person takes a greater interest in your concerns than myself;
+your highness has penetrated into the _ne plus ultra_. I hope the siege
+of Bouchain will not last long." _Eugene to Marlborough_, 17th August
+1711. Coxe, vi. 66.
+
+[40] "My Lord Stair opened to us the general steps which your grace
+intended to take, in order to pass the lines in one part or another. It
+was, however, hard to imagine, and too much to hope, that a plan, which
+consisted of so many parts, wherein so many different corps were to
+co-operate personally together, should entirely succeed, and no one
+article fail of what your grace had projected. I most heartily
+congratulate your grace on this great event, of which I think no more
+needs be said, than that you have obtained, without losing a man, such
+an advantage, as we should have been glad to have purchased with the
+loss of several thousand lives." _Mr Secretary St John to Marlborough_,
+31st July 1711. _Disp._ v. 429.
+
+[41] Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 10th August 1711. _Disp._ v.
+437.
+
+[42] Coxe, vi. 71-80; Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 14th, 17th,
+and 20th August 1711; _Disp._ v. 445, 450, 453.
+
+[43] Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 14th Sept. 1711. _Disp._ v.
+490. _Coxe_, vi. 78-88.
+
+[44] _Victoires de Marlborough_, iii. 22. Coxe, vi. 87.
+
+
+
+
+MOHAN LAL IN AFGHANISTAN.
+
+
+     _The Life of the Amir Dost Mohammed Khan of Kabul._ By MOHAN LAL,
+     Esq., Knight of the Persian order of the Lion and Sun, lately
+     attached to the Mission at Kabul, &c. &c. London: 1846.
+
+We have arrived at an age when striking contrasts and seeming
+incongruities cease to startle and offend. If we have not yet attained
+the promised era when the lion shall lie down with the lamb--and even of
+that day a VAN AMBURGH and a CARTER have given us significant
+intimations--we have certainly reached an epoch quite as extraordinary,
+and behold things as opposite conciliated, as hostile reconciled. We
+need not go far for illustrations: in the columns of newspapers, in the
+public market-place, at each street-corner, they force themselves upon
+us. The EAST and the WEST are brought together--the desert and the
+drawing-room are but a pace apart--European refinements intrude
+themselves into the haunts of barbarism--and bigoted Oriental potentates
+learn tolerance from the liberality of the Giaour. An article upon
+contrasts would fill a magazine. Ibrahim Pasha and religious liberty,
+the Red Sea and the Peninsular Steam Company, the Great Desert and the
+Narrow Gauge, are but one or two of a thousand that suggest themselves.
+On all sides Europe thrusts out the giant arms of innovation, spanning
+the globe, encompassing the world. England, especially, ever foremost in
+the race, by enterprise and ingenuity achieves seeming miracles. With
+steam for her active and potent agent, she drives highways across the
+wilderness, covers remote seas with smoky shipping, replaces dromedaries
+by locomotives, runs rails through the Arab village and the lion's lair.
+From his carpet and coffee, his pipe and _farniente_, the astonished
+Mussulman is roused by the rush and rattle of the train. On the sudden,
+by no gradual transition or slow approach, is this semi-savage brought
+in contact with the latest refinements and most astounding discoveries
+of civilisation. He is bewildered by sights and sounds of which
+yesterday he had not the remotest conception. Couriers traverse the
+desert with the regularity of a London and Edinburgh mail; caravans of
+well-dressed ladies and gentlemen ramble leisurely over the sands, and
+brave the simoon on a trip of pleasure to the far East; omnibuses, after
+the fashion of Paddington, have their stations on the Isthmus of Suez.
+Every where the hat is in juxtaposition with the turban, and the boot of
+the active Christian galls the slippered heel of Mahomet's indolent
+follower, spurring him to progress and improvement.
+
+As strange as any of the incongruous associations already hinted at, is
+one that we are about to notice. That an Oriental should write a book,
+is in no way wonderful; that he should write it in English, more or less
+correct, may also be conceived, since abundant opportunities are
+afforded to our Eastern fellow-subjects for the acquirement of that
+language; but that he should write it, not out of the fulness of his
+knowledge, or to convey the results of long study and profound
+meditation, but merely, as the razors were made, to sell, does seem
+strangely out of character, sadly derogatory to the gravity and dignity
+of a Wise Man of the East. We have really much difficulty in portraying
+upon our mental speculum so anomalous an animal as an Oriental
+bookmaker. We cannot fancy a Knight of the very Persian order of the
+Lion and Sun transformed into a publisher's hack, driving bargains with
+printers, delivered over to devils, straining each nerve, resorting to
+every stale device to swell his volumes to a presentable size, as if
+bulk would atone for dulness, and wordiness for lack of interest. Such,
+nevertheless, is the painful picture now forced upon us by a Kashmirian
+gentleman of Delhi, Mohan Lal by name. Encouraged by the indulgent
+reception accorded to an earlier, less pretending, and more worthy
+literary attempt--allured also, perhaps, by visions of a shining river
+of rupees pleasantly flowing into his purse, the aforesaid Lal,
+Esquire--so does his title-page style him--has committed himself by the
+fabrication of two heavy volumes, whose interesting portions are, for
+the most part stale, and whose novelties are of little interest. Neither
+the fulsome dedication, nor the humility of the preface, nor the
+indifferent lithographs, purporting to represent notable Asiatics and
+Europeans, can be admitted in palliation of this Kashmirian scribbler's
+literary misdemeanour. It is impossible to feel touched or mollified
+even by the plaintive tone in which he informs us that he has disbursed
+three hundred pounds for payment of copyists, paper, and portraits. The
+latter, by the bye, will hardly afford much gratification to their
+originals, at least if they be all as imperfect and unflattering in
+their resemblance as some two or three which we have had opportunities
+of comparing. But that is a minor matter. Illustration is a mania of the
+day--a crotchet of a public whose reading appetite, it is to be feared,
+is in no very healthy state. From penny tracts to quarto volumes, every
+thing must have pictures--the more the better--bad ones rather than
+none. Turning from the graphic embellishments of the books before us, we
+revert to the letterpress, and to the endeavour to sift something of
+interest or value out of the nine hundred pages through which, in
+conscientious fulfilment of our critical duties, we have wearisomely
+toiled.
+
+The work in question purports to be a life of Dost Mohammed Khan, the
+well-known Amir of Kabul. It is what it professes to be, but it is also
+a great deal more; the whole has been named from a part. A history of
+the affairs of Sindh occupies nearly half a volume, and consists chiefly
+of copious extracts from works already published--such as _Pottinger's
+Bilochistan_, _Dr Burnes' Visit to the Court of Sindh_, _Sir A. Burnes'
+Travels in Bokhara_, _Thornton's British India_--from which sources the
+unscrupulous Lal helps himself unsparingly, and with scarce a word of
+apology either to reader or writer. We have long accounts of Russian
+intrigues, and of those alarming plots and combinations which frightened
+Lords Auckland and Palmerston from their propriety, and led to our
+interference and reverses in Afghanistan--interference so impotently
+followed up, reverses which neither have been nor ever can be fully
+redeemed. The mismanagement or incapacity of our political agents during
+the short time that we maintained the unfortunate Shah Shuja on the
+throne of Kabul, is another fertile topic for the verbose Kashmirian;
+but this, it must be observed, is one of the best portions of his book,
+although it has no very direct reference to Dost Mohammed, "the lion of
+my subject and hero of my tale," as his historian styles him. Numerous
+copies of despatches, treaties and diplomatic correspondence, sundry
+testimonies of Mr. Lal's abilities and services, and various extraneous
+matters, complete the volumes. To give the barest outline of so
+voluminous a work would lead us far beyond our allotted limits. We
+should even be puzzled to effect the analysis of the first half volume,
+which sketches the history of Afghanistan from the period when Payandah
+Khan, chief of the powerful Barakzai tribe and father of Dost Mohammed,
+was the prime favourite and triumphant general of Taimur Shah, up to the
+date when the Dost himself, after a long series of bloody wars, sat upon
+the throne, was in the zenith of his prosperity, and when British
+diplomatists first began to make and meddle in the affairs of his
+kingdom. The perpetually recurring changes, the revolts, revolutions,
+and usurpations of which Afghanistan was the scene with little
+intermission during the whole of that period, the absence of dates,
+which Mohan Lal accounts for by the loss of his manuscripts during the
+Kabul insurrection, and the host of proper names introduced, render this
+part of the work most perplexingly confused. The reader, however
+attentive to his task, becomes fairly bewildered amidst the multitude of
+Khans, Shahs, Vazirs, Sardars, and other personages, who pass in hurried
+review before his eyes, and utterly puzzled by the strange manoeuvres
+and seemingly unaccountable treasons of the actors in this great
+Eastern melodrama. In glancing at the book, we shall confine ourselves
+more strictly than Mohan Lal has done, to the personal exploits and
+history of Dost Mohammed.
+
+On the death of Taimur Shah, leaving several sons, there was much
+difference of opinion amongst the nobles as to who should succeed him.
+Payandah Khan, who had received from the sovereign he had so faithfully
+served, the title of Sarfraz, or, the Lofty, and whose position and
+influence in the country enabled him in some sort to play the part of
+king-maker, solved the difficulty by placing Prince Zaman upon the
+throne. For a time Zaman was all gratitude, until evil advisers poisoned
+his mind, and accused Payandah and other chiefs of plotting to transfer
+the crown to Shah Shuja, another son of Taimur. Without trial or
+investigation, the persons accused were put to death; and the sons and
+nephews of Payandah became fugitives, and suffered great misery. Some
+were taken prisoners, others begged their bread, or took shelter in the
+mausoleum of Ahmad Shah, in order to receive a share of the food there
+doled out for charity's sake. Fatah Khan, the eldest son of Payandah,
+fled to Persia; Dost Mohammed, the twentieth son of the same father,
+found protection in a fortress belonging to the husband of his mother,
+who, in conformity with an Afghan custom, had been claimed by and
+compelled to marry one of the nearest relatives of her deceased lord.
+This occurred when Dost was a child of seven or eight years old. After a
+while, Fatah Khan returned from Persia with an army, and accompanied by
+Mahmud Shah, another of Taimur's sons who pretended to the crown of
+Afghanistan. His first encounter with the troops of Shah Zaman was a
+triumph; and now, says the figurative Lal, the stars of the descendants
+of the Sarfraz began to shine. Fatah sought out his young brother, Dost
+Mohammed, gave him in charge to a trusty adherent, fixed an income for
+his support, and marched away to besiege Qandhar, which he took by
+escalade. This was the commencement of a war of succession, or rather of
+a series of wars, in which the two sons of Payandah played important
+parts. The elder met his death, the younger gained a crown. At first the
+contest was amongst the sons and grandsons of Taimur; to several of whom
+in turn Fatah and Dost gave their powerful support. It was not till
+after many years of civil strife that the last-named chief, prompted by
+ambition, and presuming on his popularity and high military reputation,
+set up on his own account, and bore away the prize from the more
+legitimate competitors.
+
+When only in his twelfth year, Dost Mohammed Khan was attached to the
+retinue of his brother as _abdar_, or water-bearer. He soon acquired
+Fatah's confidence, and was admitted to share his secrets. Before he was
+fourteen years old, he displayed great energy and intrepidity, which
+qualities, added to his remarkable personal beauty, rendered him
+exceedingly popular in the country and a vast favourite with Fatah, but
+excited the jealousy of his other brothers--men of little more than
+ordinary capacity, totally unable to compete with him in any respect.
+Whilst still a mere lad, Dost, by his courage and sagacity, delivered
+Fatah from more than one imminent peril. At last Shah Zaman, who had
+been deposed and blinded, and his son Shah Zadah, laid a snare for Fatah
+in the palace-gardens at Qandhar. Ambushed men suddenly seized him,
+hurled him to the ground with such violence as to break his teeth, and
+kept him prisoner. Dost Mohammed made a dashing attempt at a rescue; but
+he had only five hundred followers, the palace was strongly garrisoned,
+and a heavy fire of matchlocks repelled him. Meanwhile large bodies of
+troops marched to occupy the city gates; and, for his own safety's sake,
+he was compelled to leave his brother in captivity, and cut his way out.
+Retreating to his stronghold of Giriskh, he awaited the passage of a
+rich caravan from Persia. This he plundered, thereby becoming possessed
+of about four lakhs of rupees, which he employed in raising troops. With
+these he invested Qandhar. After a three months' siege, the garrison had
+exhausted its provisions and ammunition; and Zadah, to get rid of the
+terrible Dost, released Fatah Khan. The prisoner's liberation was also
+partly owing to the intercession of Shah Shuja; notwithstanding which,
+Fatah and Dost, with an utter contempt of gratitude and loyalty, soon
+afterwards turned their arms against that prince. A great cavalry fight
+took place, in which the brave but unprincipled brothers were
+victorious. Dost Mohammed was made a field-marshal, and marched against
+an army commanded by Shah Shuja in person; a desperate battle ensued,
+terminated by negotiation, and once more Dost and the Shah were allies.
+But no sooner had poor Shuja gained over his enemies, than his friends
+revolted against him, and set up his nephew Zadah as king of
+Afghanistan; and very soon his new allies, with unparalleled treachery,
+and despite of the titles and presents he had showered upon them, once
+more abandoned him. Friend Lal, we are sorry to perceive, seems struck
+rather with admiration than horror of these double-dyed traitors, and
+talks of the brave heart and wise head of Dost Mohammed, and of the
+noble and independent notions which nature had cultivated in him; thus
+betraying a certain Oriental laxity of principle which European
+education and society might have been expected to eradicate. But he is
+perhaps dazzled and blinded by the brilliant military prowess of Dost,
+who, at the head of only three thousand men, fell upon the
+advanced-guard of the Shah's army, ten thousand strong, and, after a
+terrible slaughter, completely routed it. The news of this reverse
+greatly incensed and alarmed Shuja, who said confidentially to his
+minister, that whilst Dost Mohammed was alive and at large, he (Shuja)
+could never expect victory or the enjoyment of his crown. A wonderful
+and true prophecy, observes Mohan Lal. Shortly afterwards, the remainder
+of the Shah's troops were defeated by Dost, and the Shah himself was
+once more a fugitive.
+
+Shah Mahmud was now placed upon the throne; Vazir Fatah Khan was his
+prime minister, and Dost received the title of Sardar, or chief. It was
+about this time that the "Sardar of my tale," as the worthy Lal
+affectionately styles his hero, committed the first of a series of
+murders which, were there no other infamous deeds recorded of him, would
+stamp him as vile, and destroy any sympathy that his bravery in the
+field and notable talents might otherwise excite in his favour. A
+Persian secretary, one Mirza Ali Khan, by his skill and conduct as a
+politician, and by his kindly disposition, gained a popularity and
+influence which offended the ambitious brothers, and Fatah desired Dost
+to make away with him.
+
+"On receiving the orders of the Vazir, Dost Mohammed armed himself
+cap-a-pie, and taking six men with him, went and remained waiting on the
+road between the house of Mohammed Azim Khan and the Mirza. It was about
+midnight when the Mirza passed by Dost Mohammed Khan, whom he saw, and
+said, 'What has brought your highness here at this late hour? I hope all
+is good.' He also added, that Dost Mohammed should freely command his
+services if he could be of any use to him. He replied to the Mirza that
+he had got a secret communication for him, and would tell him if he
+moved aside from the servants. He stopped his horse, whereupon Dost
+Mohammed, holding the mane of the horse with his left hand, and taking
+his dagger in his right, asked the Mirza to bend his head to hear him.
+While Dost Mohammed pretended to tell him something of his own
+invention, and found that the Mirza was hearing him without any
+suspicion, he stabbed him between the shoulders, and throwing him off
+his horse, cut him in many places. This was the commencement of the
+murders which Dost Mohammed Khan afterwards frequently committed."
+
+Notwithstanding his high military rank and great services, Dost was very
+submissive to Fatah, who was greatly his senior. He acted as his
+cup-bearer, and was a constant attendant at his nocturnal carouses,
+carrying a golden goblet, and helping him to wine. The morals of both
+brothers were as exceptionable in private as in public life. Their
+biographer gives details of an intrigue between Dost and the favourite
+wife of Fatah; and even hints a doubt whether the Vazir was not
+cognizant of the intercourse, which he took no steps to check or punish.
+Both brothers were fond of wine, and indulged in it to excess. Dost,
+especially, was at one time a most unmitigated sot, although his
+bibulous propensities had apparently no permanent effect upon his
+intellects and energies. His capacity for liquor, if Lal's account be
+authentic, was extraordinary. "It is said that he has emptied several
+dozens of bottles in one night, and did not cease from drinking until he
+was quite intoxicated, and could not drink a drop more. He has often
+become senseless from drinking, and has, on that account, kept himself
+confined in bed during many days. He has been often seen in a state of
+stupidity on horseback, and having no turban, but a skull-cap, on his
+head." At a later period of his life, Dost Mohammed, being abroad one
+evening, met two of his sons, Afzal Khan, and the well-known Akhbar
+Khan, in an intoxicated state. Less tolerant for his children than for
+himself, he gave them a sound thrashing, and, not satisfied with that,
+took them up to the roof of a house, and threw them down on stony
+ground, to the risk of their lives. The mother of Akhbar heard of this,
+and reproached her husband with punishing others for a vice he himself
+was prone to. Dost hung his head, and swore to drink wine no more. We
+are not told whether he kept the vow, but subsequently, when he was made
+Amirul-Momnim, or Commander of the Faithful, he did forsake his drunken
+habits. On his reinstatement at Kabul, after its final abandonment by
+the British, he relapsed into his old courses, saying, that whilst he
+was an enemy to wine, he was always unlucky; but that since he had
+resumed drinking, his prosperity had returned, and he had gained his
+liberty after being in "Qaid i Frang," which, being interpreted, means
+an English prison. When sitting over his bottle, he can sing a good
+song, and play upon the _rabab_, a sort of Afghan fiddle, with very
+considerable skill. Altogether, and setting aside his throat-cuttings,
+and a few other peculiarities, Dost Mohammed must be considered as
+rather a jovial and good-humoured barbarian.
+
+Although a fervent admirer of the fair sex, the valiant Sardar
+occasionally, in the hurry and excitement of war and victory, forgot the
+respect to which it is entitled. A blunder of this description was
+productive of fatal consequences to his brother the Vazir. A breach of
+decorum overthrew a dynasty: a lady's girdle changed the destinies of a
+kingdom. The circumstances were as follows:--By a well-executed
+stratagem, Dost Mohammed surprised the city of Hirat, seized Shah Zadah
+Firoz, who ruled there, and plundered the palace. Not content with
+appropriating the rich store of jewels, gold, and silver, found in the
+treasury, he despoiled the inmates of the harem, and committed an
+offence unpardonable in Eastern eyes, by taking off the jewelled band
+which fastened the trowsers of the daughter-in-law of Shah Zadah. The
+insulted fair one sent her profaned inexpressibles to her brother, a son
+of Mahmud Shah, known by the euphonious appellation of Kam Ran. Kam
+swore to be revenged. Even Fatah Khan was so shocked at the unparalleled
+impropriety of his brother's conduct, that he threatened to punish him;
+whereupon Dost, with habitual prudence, avoided the coming storm, and
+took refuge with another of his brothers, then governor of Kashmir. Kam
+Ran came to Hirat, found that Dost had given him the slip, and consoled
+himself by planning, in conjunction with some other chiefs, the
+destruction of Fatah Khan. They seized him, put out his eyes, and
+brought him pinioned before Mahmud Shah, whom he himself had set upon
+the throne. The Shah desired him to write to his rebellious brothers to
+submit: he steadily refused, and Mahmud then ordered his death. "The
+Vazir was cruelly and deliberately butchered by the courtiers, who cut
+him limb from limb, and joint from joint, as was reported, after his
+nose, ears, fingers, and lips, had been chopped off. His fortitude was
+so extraordinary, that he neither showed a sign of the pain he suffered,
+nor asked the perpetrators to diminish their cruelties; and his head was
+at last sliced from his lacerated body. Such was the shocking result of
+the misconduct of his brother, the Sardar Dost Mohammed Khan, towards
+the royal female in Hirat. However, the end of the Vazir, Fatah Khan,
+was the end of the Sadozai reign, and an omen for the accession of the
+new dynasty of the Barakzais, or his brothers, in Afghanistan."
+
+It would be tiresome to trace in detail the events that followed the
+Vazir's death,--the numerous battles--the treaties concluded and
+violated--the reverses and triumphs of the various chiefs who contended
+for the supremacy. To revenge their brother, and gratify their own
+ambition, the Barakzais united together, expelled Mahmud, and divided
+the country amongst themselves. Mohammed Azim, the eldest brother, took
+Kabul, Sultan Mohammed had Peshavar, Purdil Khan received Qandhar, and
+to the Sardar Dost Mohammed Ghazni was allotted. Apparently all were
+content with this arrangement; but, in secret, Dost was far from
+satisfied, and plotted to improve his share. With this view, he entered
+into negotiations with Ranjit Singh and the Lahore chiefs; and at last,
+by intrigue and treachery, rather than by force of arms, he reduced
+Mohammed Azim to such extremities and despair, that he retired to Kabul,
+and there died broken-hearted. His son, Habib-Ullah, who succeeded him,
+fared no better. He was turned out of Kabul, and exposed to want and
+misery, which broke his spirit, and rendered him insane. He left the
+country with his wives and children, whom he murdered on the banks of
+the Indus, and threw into the river.
+
+Whilst Dost was in full career of success and aggrandisement, achieved
+by the most treacherous and sanguinary means, Shah Shuja raised an army
+in Sindh, intending to invade Qandhar and recover his dominions. A
+report was spread by certain discontented chiefs in Dost Mohammed's and
+the Qandhar camps that the English favoured Shuja's attempt. To
+ascertain the truth of this, Dost Mohammed addressed a letter to Sir
+Claude Wade, then political agent at Loodianah, requesting to know
+whether the Shah was supported by the English. If so, he said, he would
+take the state of affairs into his deliberate consideration; but if the
+contrary was the case, he was ready to fight the Shah. Sir Claude Wade
+replied, that the British government took no share in the king's
+expedition against the Barakzai chief, but that it wished him well.
+Thereupon Dost and his son Akhbar Khan marched to meet the Shah. A
+battle was fought in front of Qandhar, and at first victory seemed to
+incline to Shuja; but by the exertions and valour of the Sardar and his
+son, the tide was turned, and the threatened defeat converted into a
+signal victory. "All the tents, guns, and camp equipage of the
+ever-fugitive Shah Shuja fell into the hands of the Lion of Afghanistan,
+and a large bundle of the papers and correspondence of various chiefs in
+his country with the Shah. Among these he found many letters under the
+real or forged seal of Sir Claude Wade, to the address of certain
+chiefs, stating that any assistance given to Shah Shuja should be
+appreciated by the British government."
+
+Whilst Mohammed thus successfully assisted his brothers, the Qandhar
+chiefs, against their common foe, Shah Shuja, his other brothers, the
+Peshavar chiefs, were dispossessed by the Sikhs, and compelled to take
+refuge at Jellalabad. There, expecting that Dost would be beaten by the
+Shah, they planned to seize upon Kabul. Their measures were taken, and
+in some districts they had actually appointed governors, when they
+learned Shuja's defeat, and their brother's triumphant return. This was
+the destruction of their ambitious projects; but with true Afghan craft
+and hypocrisy, they put a good face upon the matter, fired salutes in
+honour of the victory, disavowed the proceedings of those officers who,
+by their express order, had taken possession of the Sardar's villages,
+and went out to meet him with every appearance of cordiality and joy.
+Although not the dupe of this seeming friendship, Dost Mohammed received
+them well, and declared his intention of undertaking a religious war
+against the Sikhs to revenge their aggressions at Peshavar, and to
+punish them for having dared, as infidels, to make an inroad into a
+Mahomedan land. In acting thus, the cunning Sardar had two objects in
+view. One was to obtain recruits by appealing to the fanaticism of the
+people, for his funds were low, and the Afghans were weary of war; the
+other, which he at once attained, was to get himself made king, on the
+ground that religious wars, fought under the name and flag of any other
+than a crowned head, do not entitle those who fall in them to the glory
+of martyrdom. The priests, chiefs, and counsellors, consulted together,
+and agreed that Dost Mohammed ought to assume the royal title. The
+Sardar, without any preparation or feast, went out of the Bala Hisar
+with some of his courtiers; and in Idgah, Mir Vaiz, the head-priest of
+Kabul, put a few blades of grass on his head, and called him
+"Amirul-Momnin," or, "Commander of the Faithful." Thus did the wily and
+unscrupulous Dost at last possess the crown he so long had coveted.
+Instead, however, of being inflated by his dignity, the new Amir became
+still plainer in dress and habits, and more easy of access than before.
+Finding himself in want of money for his projected war, and unable to
+obtain it by fair means, he now commenced a system of extortion, which
+he carried to frightful lengths, pillaging bankers and merchants,
+confiscating property, and torturing those who refused to acquiesce in
+his unreasonable demands. One poor wretch, a trader of the name of Sabz
+Ali, was thrown into prison, branded and tormented in various ways,
+until he expired in agony. His relatives were compelled to pay the
+thirty thousand rupees which it had been the object of this barbarous
+treatment to extort. At last five lakhs of rupees were raised, wherewith
+to commence the religious war. Its result was disastrous and
+discreditable to the Amir. Without having fought a single battle, he was
+outwitted and outmanoeuvred, and returned crestfallen to Kabul--his
+brothers, the Peshavar chiefs, who were jealous of his recent elevation,
+having aided in his discomfiture.
+
+Although the Amir had many enemies both at home and abroad--the most
+inveterate amongst the former being some of his own brothers--and
+although he was often threatened by great dangers, he gradually
+succeeded in consolidating his power, and fixing himself firmly upon the
+throne he had usurped. Himself faithless and treacherous, he distrusted
+all men; and gradually removing the governors of various districts, he
+replaced them by his sons, who feared him, scrupulously obeyed his
+orders, and followed his system of government. In time his power became
+so well established that the intrigues of his dissatisfied brethren no
+longer alarmed him. The Sikhs gave him some uneasiness, but in a battle
+at Jam Road, near the entrance of the Khaibar Pass, his two sons, Afzal
+and Akhbar, defeated them and killed their general, Hari Singh. The
+victory was chiefly due to Afzal, but Akhbar got the credit, through the
+management of his mother, the Amir's favourite wife. This unjust
+partiality, to which we shall again have occasion to refer when touching
+upon the future prospects of Afghanistan, greatly disheartened Afzal and
+his brothers, and indisposed them towards their father.
+
+The brief and imperfect outline which we have been enabled to give of
+the career of Dost Mohammed, and of his arrival at the supreme power in
+Kabul, is entirely deficient in dates. The Afghans have no records, but
+preserve their history solely by tradition and memory. Mohan Lal having,
+as before mentioned, lost his manuscripts, containing information
+supplied by the Amir's relations and courtiers, was afterwards unable to
+place the circumstances of his history in chronological order. The
+deficiency is not very important, since it naturally ceases to exist
+from the time that British India became mixed up in the affairs of
+Afghanistan. The fight of Jam Road, in which the Afghans were the
+aggressors, and which was occasioned by the Amir's cravings after the
+province of Peshavar, brings us up to the latter part of the year 1836.
+Previously and subsequently to that battle, Dost Mohammed wrote several
+letters to the Governor-general of India, Lord Auckland, expressing his
+fear of the Sikhs, and asking advice and countenance. Lord Auckland
+resolved to accord him both, and dispatched Sir Alexander Burnes to
+Kabul to negotiate the opening of the Indus navigation. The presence of
+the British mission at the Amir's court, and the proposals made by the
+Governor-general to the Maharajah to mediate between him and Dost
+Mohammed, sufficed to check the advance of a powerful Sikh army which
+Ranjit Singh had assembled to revenge the reverse of Jam Road. The Amir
+was not satisfied with this protection; but urged Sir Alexander Burnes
+to make the Sikhs give up Peshavar to him. The reply was, that Peshavar
+had never belonged to the Amir, but to his brothers; that Ranjit Singh
+was a faithful ally of the English government, which could not use its
+authority directly in the case; but that endeavours should be made to
+induce the Maharajah amicably to yield Peshavar to its former chief,
+Sultan Mohammed Khan. This mode of viewing the question by no means met
+the wishes of the ambitious Amir; for he coveted the territory for
+himself, and would rather have seen it remain in the hands of the Sikhs
+than restored to Sultan Mohammed, who was his deadly enemy.[45] He
+expressed his dissatisfaction in very plain terms to Sir Alexander
+Burnes; and perceiving that the English were not disposed to aid him in
+his unjustifiable projects of aggrandisement, he threw himself into the
+arms of Russia and Persia, to which countries he had, with
+characteristic duplicity, communicated his grievances and made offers of
+alliance, at the same time that he professed, in his letters to Lord
+Auckland, to rely entirely upon British counsels and friendship.
+
+And now commenced those intrigues and machinations of Russia, of which
+so great a bugbear was made both in India and England. Mohan Lal
+maintains that the apprehensions occasioned by these manoeuvres were
+legitimate and well-founded; that the views of Russia were encroaching
+and dangerous; and that her name and influence were already seriously
+injurious to British interests, as far even as the eastern bank of the
+Indus. Vague rumours of Russian power and valour had spread through
+British India; had been exaggerated by Eastern hyperbole, and during
+their passage through many mouths; and had rendered numerous chiefs,
+Rajput as well as Mahomedan, restless and eager for a fray. Throughout
+the country there was a growing belief that English power was on the eve
+of a reverse. We are told of the mission of Captain Vikovich, of
+Muscovite ducats poured into Afghan pockets, of an extension of
+influence sought by Russia in Turkistan and Kabul, of arms to be
+supplied by Persia, and of a Persian army to be marched into Afghanistan
+to seize upon the disputed province of Peshavar. As the companion and
+friend of Sir Alexander Burnes during his mission to Kabul, Mohan Lal
+coincides in the opinions of that officer with respect to the necessity
+of taking vigorous and immediate steps to counteract the united
+intrigues of the Shah of Persia and Count Simonich, the Russian
+ambassador at Tehran. This necessity was pressed upon Lord Auckland in
+numerous and alarming despatches from Sir A. Burnes and other
+Anglo-Indian diplomatists.
+
+With such opinions and prognostications daily ringing in his ears, Lord
+Auckland, who at first, we are told, did not attach much importance to
+the Vikovich mission and the Russian intrigues, at last took fright, and
+prepared to adopt the decisive measures so plausibly and perseveringly
+urged by the alarmists. The well-known and notable plan to be resorted
+to, was the expulsion of the Amir Dost Mohammed and of the other
+Barakzai chiefs inimical to the British, and the establishment of a
+friendly prince upon the throne of Kabul. Who was to be chosen? Two
+candidates alone appeared eligible--Sultan Mohammed Khan, chief of
+Peshavar, brother and bitter foe of the Amir, and Shah Shuja, the
+deposed but legitimate sovereign of Afghanistan. The Shah, who had long
+lived inactive and retired at Loodianah, was believed, not without
+reason, to have lost any ability or talent for reigning which he had
+ever possessed; nevertheless, his name and hereditary right caused him
+to be preferred by Lord Auckland, whose advisers also were unanimous in
+their recommendation of Shuja. "As for Shah Shuja," wrote Sir Alexander
+Burnes, who had now left Kabul, in his letter to the Governor-general,
+dated 3d June 1838, "the British government have only to send him to
+Peshavar with an agent, one or two of its own regiments as an honorary
+escort, and an avowal to the Afghans that we have taken up his cause, to
+ensure his being fixed _for ever_ on his throne."
+
+"The British government," said one of those on whose information that
+government acted, (Mr Masson,) "could employ interference without
+offending half-a-dozen individuals. Shah Shuja, under their auspices,
+would not even encounter opposition," &c.--(_Thornton's British India_,
+vol. vi. p. 150.)
+
+"Annoyed at Dost Mohammed's reception of Vikovich, the Russian emissary,
+and disquieted by the departure of the British agent, they (the
+Afghans)" says Lieutenant Wood, "looked to the Amir as the sole cause of
+their troubles, and thought of Shah Shuja and redress."
+
+Sir C. Wade, Mr Lord, and other authorities supposed to be well versed
+in the politics of the land where mischief was imagined to be brewing,
+expressed opinions similar in substance to those just cited. It was
+decided that Shuja was the man; and Sir William M'Naghten started for
+the court of Lahore to negotiate a tripartite treaty between the
+Maharajah, the Shah, and the British government. Wade and Burnes were to
+co-operate with the envoy. The treaty was concluded and signed, advices
+from Lord Palmerston strengthened and confirmed Lord Auckland in his
+predilection for "vigorous measures," and a declaration of war was
+proclaimed and circulated throughout India and Afghanistan.
+
+Lord Auckland is, we dare to say, a very well-meaning man--albeit not
+exactly of the stuff of which viceroys of vast empires ought to be made;
+and we willingly believe that he acted to the best of his judgment in
+undertaking the Afghan war. Unfortunately, that is not saying much. His
+lordship's advisers may have been right in supposing that the people of
+Kabul were weary of the Amir's extortionate and tyrannical rule, and
+desired the milder government of Shah Shuja; but if so, it is the more
+to be regretted that, when we had established Shuja on the throne, the
+mismanagement and want of unity of British agents--amongst whom were
+some of those very advisers--should so rapidly have changed the
+partiality of the Afghans for the Shah into contempt, their friendly
+dispositions towards the British into aversion and fierce hatred. Mohan
+Lal strenuously insists upon the blamelessness of Lord Auckland in the
+whole of the unfortunate affairs of Afghanistan; lauds his judicious
+measures, and maintains that had they not been adopted, "disasters and
+outbreaks would soon have appeared in the very heart of India. The
+object of the governor-general was to annihilate the Russian and Persian
+influence and intrigues in Afghanistan, both at that time, and for all
+time to come, unless they adopt open measures; and this object he
+fortunately and completely attained, in a manner worthy of the British
+name, and laudable to himself as a statesman." We could say a word or
+two on this head, but refrain, not wishing to rake up old grievances, or
+discuss so uninteresting a subject as Lord Auckland's merits and
+abilities. Mr Lal admits that his lordship made two enormous blunders:
+one "in appointing two such talented men as Sir William M'Naghten and
+Sir Alexander Burnes, to act at the same time, in one field of honour;
+the second was, that on hearing of the outbreak at Kabul, he delayed in
+insisting upon the commander-in-chief to order an immediate despatch of
+the troops towards Peshavar." "He being the superior head of the
+government," continues this long-winded Kashmirian, "he ought not to
+allow hesitation to approach and to embarrass his sound judgement, at
+the crisis when immediate and energetic attention was required." _De
+mortuis nil_, &c.; and therefore, of the two unfortunate gentlemen above
+referred to, we will merely say, that many have considered their talents
+far less remarkable than their blunders. As to the Earl of
+Auckland--"Save me from my friends!" his lordship might well exclaim.
+Indecision and lack of discrimination compose a nice character for a
+governor-general. One great criterion of ability to rule is a judicious
+choice of subordinate agents. Lord Auckland's reason for not sending the
+reinforcements so terribly required by our troops in Kabul, is thus
+curiously rendered by his Eastern advocate:--"His lordship had already
+made every arrangement to retire from the Indian government, and
+therefore did not wish to prolong the time for his departure by
+embarking in other and new operations." Truly a most ingenious defence!
+So, because the governor-general was in haste to be off, an army must be
+consigned to destruction. Most sapient Lal! his lordship is obliged to
+you. "Call you that backing your friends?" May our worst enemy have you
+for his apologist.
+
+We return to Dost Mohammed and his fortunes. Shah Shuja was publicly
+installed upon the throne; numerous chiefs tendered him their
+allegiance; Kalat, Qandhar, and Ghazni fell into the hands of his
+British allies, before the Amir himself gave sign of life. This he did
+by sending his brother, Navab Jabbar Khan, who was considered a stanch
+friend of Europeans, and especially of the English, to treat with Sir
+William M'Naghten. The Navab stated that the Amir was desirous to
+surrender, on condition that he should be made Vazir or Prime Minister
+of the Shah, to which post he had an hereditary claim. The condition was
+refused; as was also the Navab's request that his niece, the wife of
+Haidar Khan, the captured governor of Ghazni, should be given up to him.
+Altogether, the poor Navab was treated in no very friendly manner; and
+he returned to Kabul with his affection for the English considerably
+weakened. As he had long been suspected of intriguing against the Amir,
+he took this opportunity to wipe off the imputation, by encouraging the
+people to rise and oppose his brother's enemies. "The Amir called an
+assembly in the garden which surrounds the tomb of Taimur Shah, and made
+a speech, petitioning his subjects to support him in maintaining his
+power, and in driving off the infidels from the Mahomedan country. Many
+people who were present stated to me that his words were most touching
+and moving, but they gained no friends." He also invented various
+stories to frighten the lower orders into resistance, saying that during
+their march from Sindh to Ghazni, the English had ill-treated the women,
+and boiled and eaten the young children. Arguments and lies--all were in
+vain. The Kohistanis, his own subjects, who had been induced to rise
+against him, descended from their valley, and threatened to attack the
+Kabulis, if they allowed the Amir to remain amongst them. The army of
+the Indus drew near, and at last Dost Mohammed abandoned the city, and
+fled to Bamian, leaving his artillery and heavy baggage at Maidan. There
+it was taken possession of by the British, and given up to Shah Shuja;
+and on the 7th of August 1839, that prince, after an exile of thirty
+years, re-entered the capital of his kingdom.
+
+Hard upon the track of the fugitive Amir, followed Colonel Outram, with
+several other officers, and some Afghans under Haji Khan Kaker, in all
+about eight hundred foot and horse. Dost Mohammed had with him a handful
+of followers, including the Navab Jabbar Khan and Akhbar Khan, the
+latter of whom was sick and travelled in a litter. On the 21st August,
+Colonel Outram was informed that he was within a day's march of the
+object of his pursuit, whose escape, on that occasion, he attributes to
+the treachery of Haji Khan. One night the Hazarahs stole twenty of the
+Amir's horses, which greatly reduced the numbers of his little escort.
+At last, however, he found himself in safety amongst the Uzbegs, and
+thence wished to proceed to Persia; but the difficulties of the road,
+already nearly impassible on account of the snow, decided him to accept
+the proferred protection of the Amir of Bokhara. By this half-mad
+monarch he was very queerly treated; at one time his life was in
+peril--a treacherous attempt being made to drown him, his sons, and
+relations, whilst crossing the river Oxus in a boat. At last he was
+forbidden to leave his house, even to make his prayers at the mosque,
+and was in fact a prisoner. His two sons, Afzal and Akhbar, shared his
+captivity.
+
+For the easy conquest of Afghanistan, and for the popularity of the
+English during the early days of its occupation, a long string of
+reasons is given by Mohan Lal. By various parts of his conduct,
+especially by his injustice and extortions, the Amir had made himself
+unpopular with the Afghans, who, on the other hand, remembered the
+liberality displayed by the Honourable Montstuart Elphinstone in the
+days of his mission to Kabul, and being by nature exceedingly
+avaricious, hoped to derive immense profit and advantage from British
+occupation of their country. The recent intercourse and friendship of
+the Amir with the Shah of Persia had also excited the indignation of his
+subjects, who, being Sunnies by sect, were deadly enemies of the Persian
+Shias. The English, in short, were as popular as the Barakzais were
+detested. Nevertheless it behoved the Shah Shuja and his European
+supporters to be circumspect and conciliatory; for Dost Mohammed was
+still at large, and lingering on the frontier, and any offence given to
+the Kabulis might be the signal for his recall. "Notwithstanding," says
+Mohan Lal, "all these points of grave concern, we sent a large portion
+of the army back, with Lord Keane, to India; and yet we interfered in
+the administration of the country, and introduced such reforms amongst
+the obstinate Afghans just on our arrival, as even in India, the
+quietest part of the world, Lords Clive and Wellesley had hesitated to
+do but slowly." The administration of the principal frontier towns was
+now confided to the Shah's officers; but these were not suffered to rule
+undisturbed, for Sir W. MacNaghten's political assistants every where
+watched their conduct and interfered in their jurisdictions. The occult
+nature of this interference prevented benefit to the people, whilst it
+caused a disregard for the local authorities. An undecided course was
+the bane of our Afghanistan policy. The government was neither entirely
+taken into the hands of the British, nor wholly left in those of the
+Shah. Outwardly, we were neutral; in reality, we constantly interfered:
+thus annoying the king and disappointing the people. Shah Shuja grew
+jealous of British influence, and began to suspect that he was but the
+shadow of a sovereign, a puppet whose strings were pulled for foreign
+advantage. Sir A. Burnes introduced reductions in the duties on all
+articles of commerce. Trade improved, but the Shah's servants frequently
+deviated from the new tariff, and extorted more than the legal imposts.
+When complaints were made to the English, they were referred to the
+Shah's Vazir, Mulla Shakur, who, instead of giving redress, beat and
+imprisoned the aggrieved parties for having appealed against the king's
+authority. Persons known to be favoured by the English were vexed and
+annoyed by the Shah's government; and it soon became evident that Mulla
+Shakur was striving to form a party for Shuja, in order to make him
+independent of British support. The people began to look upon the Shah
+as the unwilling slave of the Europeans; the priests omitted the
+"Khutbah," or prayer for the king, saying that it could only be recited
+for an independent sovereign. Soon the high price of provisions gave
+rise to grave dissensions. The purchases of grain made by the English
+commissariat raised the market, and placed that description of food out
+of reach of the poorer classes. Forage, meat, and vegetables, all rose
+in proportion, and a cry of famine was set up. Both in town and country,
+the landlords and dealers kept back the produce, or sent the whole of
+it to the English camp. A proclamation made by Mulla Shakur, forbidding
+the hoarding of provisions, or their sale above a fixed price, was
+disregarded. The poor assembled in throngs before the house of Sir A.
+Burnes, who was compelled to make gratuitous distributions of bread. At
+last the Shah's government adopted the course usual in Afghanistan in
+such emergencies; the store-keepers were seized, and compelled to sell
+their grain at a moderate price. They complained to the English agents,
+who unwisely interfered. Mohan Lal was ordered to wait upon Mulla
+Shakur, and to request him to release the traders. The result of this
+was a universal cry throughout the kingdom, that the English were
+killing the people by starvation. What wretched work was this? what
+miserable mismanagement? and how deluded must those men have been who
+thought it possible, by pursuing such a course, to conciliate an
+ignorant and barbarous people, and secure the permanence of Shah Shuja's
+reign? "After the outbreak of Kabul," says Mohan Lal, whose evidence on
+these matters must have weight, as that of an eyewitness, and of one
+who, from his position as servant of the East India Company, would not
+venture to distort the truth, "when I was concealed in the Persian
+quarters, I heard both the men and the women saying that the English
+enriched the grain and the grass-sellers, &c., whilst they reduced the
+chiefs to poverty and killed the poor by starvation."
+
+It is a well-known English foible to think nothing good unless the price
+be high. This was strikingly exemplified in Afghanistan, where every
+thing was done virtually to lower the value of money. The labourers
+employed by our engineer officers were paid at so high a rate that there
+was a general strike, and agriculture was brought to a stand-still. The
+king's gardens were to be put in order, but not a workman was to be had
+except for English pay. The treasury could not afford to satisfy such
+exorbitant demands, and the people were made to work, receiving the
+regular wages of the country. Clamour and complaint were the
+consequence, and the English authorities informed Mullah Shakur, that if
+he did not satisfy the grumblers, they would pay them for the Shah, thus
+constituting him their debtor. Shuja's jealousy increased, and he showed
+his irritation by various petty attempts at annoyance. Discontent was
+rife in Afghanistan, even when the general impression amongst the
+English officers there, was, that the country was quiet and the people
+satisfied. Colonel Herring was murdered near Ghazni; a chief named Sayad
+Hassim rebelled, but was subdued, and his fort taken, by Colonel Orchard
+and the gallant Major Macgregor.
+
+It was at this critical period that news came to Kabul of Dost
+Mohammed's escape from Bokhara. The Shah of Persia had rebuked the
+Bokhara ambassador for his master's harsh treatment of the Amir,
+whereupon the latter was allowed more liberty, of which he took
+advantage to escape. On the road his horse knocked up, but he luckily
+fell in with a caravan, and obtained a place in a camel-basket. The
+caravan was searched by the emissaries of the King of Bokhara, but the
+Amir had coloured his white beard with ink, and thus avoided detection.
+He was received with open arms by the Mir of Shahar Sabz and the Vali of
+Khulam, and held counsel with those two chiefs and some other adherents
+as to the course he should adopt. It was resolved to make an attempt to
+recover Kabul, and measures were taken to collect money, men, and
+horses. The moment appeared favourable for the enterprise; the Afghan
+chiefs and people were discontented, and there were disturbances in
+Kohistan. Sir William MacNaghten knew not whom to trust; and a vast
+number of arrests were made on suspicion, some without the slightest
+cause, which increased the disaffection and want of confidence. On the
+30th of August hostilities commenced with an attack by Afzal Khan on the
+British post at Bajgah. It was repulsed, and on the 18th of September
+the Amir and the Vali of Khulam were routed by Colonel Dennie. Dost
+Mohammed fled to Kohistan, many of whose chief inhabitants rallied round
+his standard, until he found himself at the head of five thousand men.
+He might have augmented this number, but for the exertions of Sir A.
+Burnes and Mohan Lal, who sent agents into the revolted country with
+money to buy up the inhabitants. This became known amongst the Amir's
+followers, and rendered him distrustful of them; for he feared they
+would be unable to withstand the temptations held out, and would betray
+him, in hopes of a large reward. On the 2d of November occurred a
+skirmish between the Amir's forces and the troops under General Sale and
+Shah Zadah, in which the 2d cavalry were routed, and several English
+officers killed, or severely wounded. Notwithstanding this slight
+advantage, and a retrograde movement effected the same night by the
+united British and Afghan division, the Amir felt himself so insecure,
+fearing even assassination at the hand of the Kohistanis, that, on the
+evening of the 30th November, he gave himself up to Sir William
+MacNaghten at Kabul. He was delighted with the kind and generous
+reception he met, and wrote to Afzal Khan and his other sons to join
+him. After a few days, the necessary arrangements being completed, he
+was sent to India.
+
+The Amir a prisoner, the chief apparent obstacle to the tranquillity of
+Afghanistan was removed, and it was not unreasonable to suppose that
+Shah Shuja would thenceforward sit undisturbed upon the throne of his
+ancestors. Unfortunately such anticipations were erroneous. Had Dost
+Mohammed remained at large, any harm he could have done would have been
+inferior to that occasioned by the injudicious measures of the British
+agents. These measures, as Mohan Lal asserts, with, we fear, too much
+truth, were the very worst that could be devised for the attainment of
+the ends proposed. The Afghan character was misunderstood, Afghan
+customs and institutions were interfered with, and Afghan prejudices
+shocked. Certain things there were, which it would have been good policy
+to wink at, or appear ignorant of. The contrary course was adopted. On
+the field of Parvan, where the combat of the 2d November took place, a
+bag of letters was found, compromising a large number of chiefs and
+influential Kabulis. The Amir having surrendered, and as it was not
+intended to punish these persons, the wisest plan would have been to
+suppress the letters entirely; but this was not done, and the disclosure
+caused a vast deal of mistrust on the part of the suspected chiefs
+towards the English. It also gave a stimulus to a practice then very
+prevalent in Kabul, that of forging letters from persons of note, with a
+view to compromise the supposed writers, and to procure for the forgers
+money and English friendship. Much mischief was done by these letters,
+some of which were fabricated by Afghans enjoying the favour and
+confidency of Sir A. Burnes and Sir W. MacNaghten.
+
+On the repeated solicitations of the English, the Vazir Mulla Shakur was
+dismissed. His successor, Nizam-ul-Daulah, was almost forced upon the
+Shah, whose power was thus rendered contemptible in the eyes of the
+Afghans. The new minister took his orders rather from the British agents
+than from his nominal master--going every day to the former to report
+what he had done, caring nothing for the good or bad opinion of the
+nation, or for the will of the Shah, whose mandates he openly disobeyed.
+Having committed an oppressive act, by depriving a Sayad of his land,
+Shuja repeatedly enjoined him to restore the property to its rightful
+owner. He paid no attention to these injunctions; and at last the Shah
+told the suppliant, when he again came to him for redress, "that he had
+no power over the Vazir, and therefore that the Sayad should curse him,
+and not trouble the Shah any more, because he was no more a king but a
+slave." By bribes to the newswriters of the envoy and Sir A. Burnes,
+Nizam-ul-Daulah endeavoured to keep his misdeeds from the ears of those
+officers. Nevertheless, they became known to them through Mohan Lal and
+others; but Sir A. Burnes "felt himself in an awkward position, and
+considered it impossible to cause the dismissal of one whose nomination
+he had with great pains so recently recommended."
+
+A reform in the military department, recommended by Sir A. Burnes,
+caused immense bitterness and ill-blood amongst the chiefs, whose
+retinues were compulsorily diminished, the men who were to be retained,
+and those who were to be dismissed, being selected by a British officer.
+This was looked upon as an outrageous insult and grievous humiliation.
+The reduction was effected, also, in a harsh and arbitary manner,
+without consideration for the pride of the chiefs and warriors, by whom
+all these offences were treasured up, to be one day bloodily revenged.
+Other innovations speedily followed and increased their discontent;
+until at last they were reduced to so deplorable a position that they
+waited in a body upon Shah Shuja to complain of it. The Shah imprudently
+replied, that he was king by title only, not by power, and that the
+chiefs were cowards, and could do nothing. These words Mohan Lal
+believes were not spoken to stimulate the chiefs to open rebellion, but
+merely to induce them to such acts as might convince the English of the
+bad policy of their reforms and other measures. But the Shah had
+miscalculated the effect of his dangerous hint. After the interview with
+him, at the end of September 1841, the chiefs assembled, and sealed an
+engagement, written on the leaves of the Koran, binding themselves to
+rebel against the existing government, as the sole way to annihilate
+British influence in Kabul. Mohan Lal was informed of this plot, and
+reported it to Sir A. Burnes, who attached little importance to it, and
+refused to permit the seizure of the Koran, whence the names of the
+conspirators might have been learned. It has been frequently stated,
+that neither Burnes nor MacNaghten had timely information of the
+discontent and conspiracy of the chiefs. Mohan Lal affirms the contrary,
+and supports his assertion by extracts from letters written by those
+gentlemen. Pride of power, he says, and an unfortunate spirit of
+rivalry, prevented them from taking the necessary measures to meet the
+outbreak. Sir A. Burnes thought that to be on the alert would show
+timidity, whilst carelessness of the alarming reports then afloat would
+prove intrepidity, and produce favourable results. But it was not the
+moment for such speculations. A circular letter was secretly sent round
+to all the Durrani and Persian chiefs in Kabul and the suburbs, falsely
+stating that a plan was on foot to seize them and send them to India,
+whither Sir W. MacNaghten was about to proceed as governor of Bombay.
+The authors of this atrocious forgery were afterwards discovered. They
+were three Afghans of bad character and considerable cunning, who had
+been employed by the Vazir, by the envoy, and by Sir A. Burnes. Their
+object was to produce a revolt, in which they might make themselves
+conspicuous as friends of the English, and so obtain reward and
+distinction. They had been wont to derive advantage from revolutions and
+outbreaks, and were eager for another opportunity of making money. Their
+selfish and abominable device was the spark to the train. It caused a
+prompt explosion. The chiefs again assembled, resolved upon instant
+action, and fixed upon its plan. It was decided to begin by an attack
+upon the houses of Sir A. Burnes and the other English officers resident
+in the city. For fear of discovery, not a moment was to be lost. The
+following day, the 2d of November, was to witness the outbreak.
+
+And now, at the eleventh hour, fresh intimations of the approaching
+danger were conveyed to those whom it threatened. Two persons informed
+Sir A. Burnes of it; and one of the conspirators more than hinted it to
+Mohan Lal, who had boasted to him that the Ghilzais were pacified by
+Major Macgregor, and that Sir Robert Sale was on his victorious march to
+Jellalabad. The conspirator laughed. "To-morrow morning," he said, "the
+very door you now sit at will be in flames of fire; and yet still you
+pride yourselves in saying that you are safe!"
+
+"I told all this," says Mohan Lal, "to Sir Alexander Burnes, whose reply
+was, that we must not let the people suppose we were frightened, and
+that he will see what he can do in the cantonment, whither he started
+immediately. Whilst I was talking with Sir A. Burnes, an anonymous note
+reached him in Persian, confirming what he had heard from me and from
+other sources, on which he said, 'The time is arrived that we must leave
+this country.'" The time for that was already past.
+
+The disastrous occurrences in Afghanistan, on and subsequently to the 2d
+of November 1841, are so recent, so well-known, and have been so much
+written about, that any thing beyond a passing reference to them is here
+unnecessary. Mohan Lal's account of the deaths of Sir A. Burnes, Charles
+Burnes, Sir W. MacNaghten, and Shah Shuja, is interesting, as are also
+some details of his own escapes and adventures during the insurrection.
+From the roof of his house he witnessed the attack upon that of Sir A.
+Burnes, and the death of Lieutenant H. Burnes, who slew six Afghans
+before he himself was cut to pieces. Sir Alexander was murdered without
+resistance, having previously tied his cravat over his eyes, in order
+not to see the blows that put an end to his existence. Mohan Lal himself
+narrowly escaped death at the hands of the man who subsequently murdered
+Shah Shuja; but he was rescued by an Afghan friend, and concealed in a
+harem. Afterwards, whilst prisoner to Akhbar Khan, he did good service
+in sending information to the English generals and political agents, and
+finally in negotiating the release of the Kabul captives. For all these
+matters we refer our readers to the closing chapters of his book, and
+return to Dost Mohammed.
+
+On his arrival at Calcutta, the Amir was treated by Lord Auckland with
+great attention and respect, an income of three lakhs of rupees was
+allotted to him, and he was taken to see the curiosities of the city,
+the naval and military stores, &c. All these things greatly struck him,
+and he was heard to say, that had he known the extraordinary power and
+resources of the English, he would never have opposed them. After a
+while, his health sufferred from the Calcutta climate; he became greatly
+alarmed about himself, and begged to be allowed to join his family at
+Loodianah. He was sent to the upper provinces, and afterwards to the
+hills, where the temperature was cool and somewhat similar to that of
+his own country. During the Kabul insurrection he managed to keep up a
+communication with his son Akhbar, whom he strongly advised to destroy
+the English by every means in his power.
+
+When the British forces re-entered Afghanistan to punish its inhabitants
+for the Kabul massacres, Prince Fatah Jang, son of the murdered Shah
+Shuja, was placed upon the throne. But when he found that his European
+supporters, after accomplishing the work of chastisement, were about to
+evacuate the country with a precipitation which, it has been said,
+"resembled almost as much the retreat of an army defeated as the march
+of a body of conquerors,"[46] he hastened to abdicate his short-lived
+authority. He was too good a judge of the chances, to await the
+departure of the British and the arrival of Akhbar Khan, and preferred
+taking off his crown himself to having it taken off by somebody else,
+with his head in it. His brother, Prince Shahpur, a mere boy, was then
+seated upon the throne, and left at the mercy of his enemies. His reign
+was very brief. As the English marched from Kabul, Akhbar Khan
+approached it, and the son of Shuja had to run away, with loss of
+property and risk of life. "By such a precipitate withdrawal from
+Afghanistan," says Mohan Lal, "we did not show an honourable sentiment
+of courage, but we disgracefully placed many friendly chiefs in a
+serious dilemma. There were certain chiefs whom we detached from Akhbar
+Khan, pledging our honour and word to reward and protect them; and I
+could hardly show my face to them at the time of our departure, when
+they came full of tears, saying, that 'we deceived and punished our
+friends, causing them to stand against their own countrymen, and then
+leaving them in the mouths of lions.' As soon as Mohammed Akhbar
+occupied Kabul, he tortured, imprisoned, extorted money from, and
+disgraced, all those who had taken our side. I shall consider it indeed
+a great miracle and a divine favour, if hereafter any trust ever be
+placed in the word and promise of the authorities of the British
+government throughout Afghanistan and Turkistan."
+
+When it at last became evident that the feeble and talentless Sadozais
+were unable to hold the reins of power in Afghanistan, or to contend,
+with any chance of success, against the energy and influence of the
+Barakzai chiefs, Dost Mohammed was released, and allowed to return to
+his own country. On his way he concluded a secret treaty of alliance
+with Sher Singh, the Maharajah of the Punjaub, and from Lahore was
+escorted by the Sikhs to the Khaibar pass, where Akhbar Khan and other
+Afghan chiefs received him. The Amir's exultation at again ascending his
+throne knew no bounds. Unschooled by adversity, he very soon recommenced
+his old system of extortion, and made himself so unpopular, that he was
+once fired at, but escaped. He now enjoys his authority and the
+superiority of his family, fearless of invasion from West or East.
+
+Although Akhbar Khan, of all the Amir's sons, has the greatest influence
+in Afghanistan, and renown out of it, his elder brother, Afzal Khan, is,
+we are informed, greatly his superior in judgment and nobility of
+character. Mohan Lal predicts a general commotion in Kabul when Dost
+Mohammed dies. If any one of his brothers, the chiefs of Qandhar, or
+Sultan Mohammed Khan, the ex-chief of Peshavar, be then alive, he will
+attempt to seize Kabul, and many of the Afghan nobles, some even of the
+Amir's sons, will lend him their support against Akhbar Khan. The
+popular candidate, however, the favourite of the people, of the chiefs,
+and of his relations, the Barakzais, is Afzal Khan. Akhbar will be
+supported by his brothers--the sons, that is to say, of his own mother
+as well as of the Amir. Perhaps the whole territory of Kabul will be
+divided into small independent principalities, governed by the different
+sons of Dost Mohammed. At any rate, there can be little doubt that at
+his death wars and intrigues, plunderings and assassinations, will again
+distract the country. The crown that was won by the crimes of the
+father, will, in all probability, be shattered and pulled to pieces by
+the dissensions and rivalry of the children.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[45] There were special reasons for the mutual hatred of these two
+brothers. One of the Amir's wives was a lady of the royal family of
+Sadozai, who, when the decline of that dynasty commenced, had attracted
+the attention of Sultan Mohammed Khan, and a correspondence took place
+between them. She prepared to leave Kabul to be married to him, when the
+Amir, who was also smitten with her charms, forcibly seized her and
+compelled her to become his wife. This at once created, and has ever
+since maintained, a fatal animosity between the brothers; and Sultan
+Mohammed Khan has often been heard to say, that nothing would afford him
+greater pleasure, even at breathing his last, than to drink the blood of
+the Amir. Such is the nature of the brotherly feeling now existing
+between them.--See _Life of Dost Mohammed Khan_, vol. i. p. 222, 223.
+
+[46] _Sale's Brigade in Afghanistan._ By the Rev. G.R. GLEIG.
+
+
+
+
+ON THE OPERATION OF THE ENGLISH POOR-LAWS.
+
+
+The time has arrived when the modes of administering the poor-law in
+England and Wales must undergo inquiry and revision. Twelve years have
+elapsed since the Poor-Law Amendment Act became the law of the land; and
+during the period many changes have been made. In many cases, the new
+arrangements of the Poor-Law Commissioners have been adopted without a
+murmur. In some cases, they have met with continued but fruitless
+opposition. In others, they have been resisted with success. During the
+whole period a war has raged, in which no two of the combatants have
+used the same weapons, or drawn them in the same cause. One has adduced
+particular cases of hardship, suffering, and death, as the results of
+the new system. Another has collected statistics, and referred to
+depauperised counties. And yet the same number of cases of hardship and
+suffering may have occurred before 1834, although unrecorded and
+unknown. Nor does it follow, because the official returns from
+agricultural counties may show a diminished number of paupers, or a
+diminished expenditure, that the residue have been able to earn their
+bread as independent labourers. No period appears to have been assigned
+when the results of the new system should be examined. Successive
+governments have kept aloof from fear, until an accident led to
+important disclosures, and an inquiry is now inevitable. The Poor-Law
+Commissioners have been invested with extraordinary and dangerous
+powers. They possess the united powers of Queen, Lords, and Commons.
+Their most imperfectly-considered resolutions have the force of an act
+of parliament, or rather, ten-fold more force--it being their duty,
+first, to ascertain _what ought to be the law--then to make the
+law--then to enforce it--and then, after the elapse of time, to report
+upon its success or failure_. It would be difficult for the wisest to
+exercise powers like these beneficially; and it is to be feared that
+abuses have crept in. And when we find that men, who have hitherto
+upheld the system, now demand inquiry in their place in parliament, and
+the ministers who were concerned in the establishment of the system,
+promising, either to withdraw opposition to the demand, or to amend the
+laws themselves so we may be assured that the topic at the present time,
+as regards the administration of Relief to the Poor in England and
+Wales, is Inquiry and Revision.
+
+The subject matter of this article must be suggestive, rather than
+affirmative. Even at this time of day, it would be presumptuous to take
+up a commanding or decided position. The old system was rotten. The good
+it contained was choked up with weeds; the pruning-knife has been
+applied unsparingly; and it is to be feared that good wood has been cut
+away. New arrangements have been devised with practical shrewdness, to
+displace clearly recognised evils; but, with these practical
+improvements, certain economic theories have been speculatively, tried;
+and it is likely that evils have sprung up; so that those who proclaim
+so loudly that every part of the new arrangements is either naught or
+vicious, and those who affirm that the old methods were all good, are
+both remote from the truth, which, probably, lies somewhere between the
+two.
+
+The subject being set apart for inquiry, the question arises--How can a
+subject which has so many phases be advantageously considered; to whom
+must we go for information; and to what matters should the attention be
+chiefly directed? It is to these questions this article will attempt to
+provide answers. To the first question--To whom must we go for
+information?--the answer is obvious. To all who are engaged in the
+administration of the law, and chiefly to those who have to do with
+those departments where evils may be supposed to exist. And, in order to
+answer the second, the subject must be divided into classes, and the
+mode of operation of the law in each must be sketched. The reader will
+then be able to see for himself, and judge whether the matters referred
+to are not those which most imperatively demand inquiry.
+
+The several parishes, townships, chapelries, and hamlets of England and
+Wales, whether grouped into Unions or not, may be usefully distributed
+into three classes.
+
+_The First Class_ includes "parishes, townships, chapelries, and
+hamlets," grouped into Unions, in which the _population bears a small
+proportion to the number of acres they comprise_.
+
+_The Second Class_ includes small populous parishes, grouped into
+Unions, in which the _population bears a large proportion to the number
+of statute acres they cover_.
+
+_The Third Class_ consists of _large single parishes_, in which the
+_population bears a large proportion to the number of acres_.
+
+The following diagram will explain this classification:
+
+ _____________________________________________________________________
+|              |          |      |Population|       |Area of|No. of   |
+|  COUNTY.     |   UNION. |No. of|   of     |Popula-|Union, |Relieving|
+|              |          |Par-  |Parishes  |tion of|Statute|Officers.|
+|              |          |ishes |__________|Union  |Acres. |         |
+|              |          |      |High |Low |       |       |         |
+|______________|__________|______|_____|____|_______|_______|_________|
+|FIRST CLASS,  |          |      |     |    |       |       |         |
+|Denbigh,      |Ruthin,   |   21 | 2066|  97| 16,019|166,619|   2     |
+|Durham,       |Easington,|   19 | 2976|  10|  6,984| 34,660|   1     |
+|Staffordshire,|Uttoxeter,|   16 | 4864| 116| 12,837| 56,685|   1     |
+|Derbyshire,   |Shardlow, |   46 | 3182|  23| 29,812| 66,974|   2     |
+|Lincoln       |Louth     |   88 | 6927|  24| 25,214|152,251|   3     |
+|______________|__________|______|_____|____|_______|_______|_________|
+|SECOND CLASS, |          |      |     |    |       |       |         |
+|Middlesex     |City of   |      |     |    |       |       |         |
+|              | London   |   98 | 4014|  72| 57,100|    370|   3     |
+|______________|__________|______|_____|____|_______|_______|_________|
+|THIRD CLASS,  |Parish.   |      |     |    |       |       |         |
+|Middlesex     |Marylebone|   1  |.....|....|138,164|   1490|  ...    |
+|______________|__________|______|_____|____|_______|_______|_________|
+
+These divisions of territory may be regarded from different points of
+view. They may be seen through the media of statute-books, reports,
+returns, and statistics; or they may be actually surveyed. Each course
+has its peculiar dangers. The mind, occupied with matters of detail and
+routine occurrences, is apt to lose in comprehensiveness as much as it
+gains in minute exactness. To avoid this danger the mind must soar as
+the facts accumulate. It must regard them, sometimes from the height of
+one theory, and sometimes from the height of another. For the mind
+becomes tinged with the hue of whatever is frequently presented to it.
+Opinions even are hereditary. And every set of facts leads to a
+different conclusion, according to the texture of the minds they pass
+through. Refer to the facts connected with the condition of the poor,
+which have been proclaimed during the last few years; and then reflect
+to what contradictory opinions they have led. The man of strong
+benevolent feelings deduces one inference. The politico-economical
+theorist deduces another. And the man of practice and experience is as
+likely to be deluded as either. He sees destitution so frequently
+connected with imprudence, laziness, and crime, that he is apt to
+believe that the union is indissoluble. His mind has never embraced a
+general idea, or traced effects to causes, or distinguished them, the
+one from the other. And in this matter, where the causes and effects are
+so complicated, and entangled by their mutual reaction, he is likely to
+be at fault. Then the man of pure benevolence sees only the pain, and
+demands only the means of immediate relief. And the political economist
+tells us, "That the law which would enforce charity can fix no limits,
+either to the ever-increasing wants of a poverty which itself has
+created, or to the insatiable desires and demands of a population which
+itself hath corrupted and led astray."
+
+In the First Class, the parishes are large, thinly populated, and
+situated generally in rural districts. In some cases, the Union includes
+a country town; the neighbouring parishes and hamlets being connected
+with it. The total number of parishes may be eighteen or twenty. In
+other cases, the Union consists of about twenty-five parishes,
+townships, hamlets, and chapelries. In some instances, the population of
+the parishes are collected into so many villages, which are distant from
+each other. In others, the entire surface of the country is sprinkled
+thinly with cottages. The communications are by high-roads, and muddy
+lanes, over high hills, and through bogs and marshes, and by
+bridle-roads and footpaths--
+
+    "O'er muirs and mosses many, O."
+
+In each of these Unions, the management of the relief fund is confided
+to a Board, consisting of resident rate-payers, and resident country
+magistrates. The former are guardians by election, and the latter
+ex-officio. The Board is completed by the addition of the churchwardens
+and overseers. The chairman is generally the most distinguished, and the
+vice-chairman the most active man in the Union. The chairman regulates
+the proceedings of the Board, and ascertains its resolutions. The clerk
+records them. The relief which applicants are to receive, is determined
+by the Board; except that which is given by certain officers in cases of
+"sudden and urgent necessity." The management of the Union-house is
+invested in the master--a paid officer. His duties are ascertained and
+fixed. He is liable to dismissal by the joint resolution of the Poor-Law
+Commissioners and the Guardians, or by the order of the Commissioners
+alone. It is also the duty of the master to attend to such cases of
+destitution as may be presented at the Union-House gate; and, if their
+necessities be of a sudden and urgent character, to admit them into the
+house. It may be remarked here, that information is wanted upon this
+point. The question is not, by what general term may the cases be
+designated, whether sudden or urgent, but what the circumstances of the
+cases really are, which are so relieved. The answers to the question
+would throw light upon the relation subsisting between a strict
+work-house system and the increase of vagrancy. To continue. The sick
+poor are confided to the care of the medical officer; and the out-door
+relief is chiefly administered by the relieving-officer. His duties in
+rural Unions are as follows:--To pay or deliver such amounts of money or
+food as the Board may have ordered the poor to receive, at the villages,
+hamlets, and cottages where they may reside. He must visit the poor at
+their homes. He receives applications for relief; and when the necessity
+is sudden and urgent, he relieves the case promptly with food. He must
+report upon the circumstances of each case, and keep accounts. For
+neglect of duty, he is liable to penal consequences, and to dismissal,
+in the same way as the master. The average number of parishes,
+townships, and hamlets committed to the care of the relieving-officer
+may be about twenty. The reader may be able, from his local knowledge,
+to picture this Union, and give it a name.
+
+The Union then consists of twenty parishes. The Union-house is pretty
+central, and situated near a small market-town. The meetings of the
+Board are held in the Union-house, and upon the market-day; because then
+the guardians, churchwardens, and overseers, after having transacted
+their private business, may conveniently perform their public duties. At
+the last meeting of the Board of Guardians, certain poor persons
+appeared before them, and were ordered to be relieved with money or
+food, at a specific rate, and for a specified time. The
+relieving-officer resides in that part of the Union from whence he can
+reach the most distant and opposite points with nearly equal facility.
+He divides his district into rounds, and each occupies the greatest
+portion of a day. At the end of each week he will have visited the whole
+of the twenty parishes.
+
+The Board met yesterday, and to-day the relieving-officer's week began.
+By the conditions of his appointment, he must have a horse and chaise.
+The contractor for bread is bound to deliver it at the home of the
+pauper; he must therefore provide man and horse, and they accompany the
+relieving-officer. They set out on the first day's journey; they arrive
+at the first hamlet on the route, and stop at a cottage door. Around it
+and within it the destitute poor of the hamlet are assembled. Each
+receives his allowance of money and bread. But a group has collected
+about the door, whose names are not on the relief-list. One woman tells
+the relieving-officer that her husband is ill with fever, and her
+children are without food. He knows the family; he hastens down the
+lane, and across the field, and enters the labourer's hut. The man is
+really ill, and there are too evident signs of destitution. A written
+order is given on the medical officer to attend the case, and necessary
+relief is given. The man who now approaches the officer with such an air
+of overbearing insolence, or fawning humility, is also an applicant. He
+is known at the village beer-shop, and by the farmer as a man who can
+work, but will not; he is the last man employed in the parish; his hovel
+is visited--it is a scene of squalid misery. What is to be done? He may
+be relieved temporarily with bread, or admitted into the Union-house, or
+he is directed to attend the Board. The relieving officer then proceeds
+to his next station. There a larger supply of bread awaits him, for he
+is now in a populous parish. The poor of the place are assembled at the
+church door, and the relief is given in the vestry-room. The
+applications are again received and disposed of. He then rides to the
+cottages of the sick and the aged, and again continues his route. He
+does not proceed far before he is hailed by the labourer in the field,
+who tells him of some solitary person who is without medical aid.
+By-and-by, he is stopped by the boy who has long waited for him on the
+stile, and begs him to come and see his mother; and the farmer's man, on
+the farmer's horse, gives him further news of disease, destitution, or
+death. He completes his day's journey before the evening. To-morrow
+another route is taken; and thus he proceeds from day to day, and from
+month to month, through summer's heat and winter's cold.
+
+The number of medical officers in a Union varies. In some cases, where
+there are two relieving-officers, there are four medical officers. The
+medical officer resides within the limits of the Union. He is not
+prevented from attending to his private practice, and he does not
+therefore reside in a central position, or at the nearest point to his
+pauper patients; he is supplied with a list of persons who are in
+receipt of relief, and he is bound to attend these without an order; he
+must also attend to cases upon the receipt of a written order from the
+relieving-officer or the overseer; he regulates the diet of his
+patients, and he is paid by a salary, and by fees in certain cases.
+
+There are contradictory opinions respecting the efficiency of this
+system. Some say that the amount of remuneration is inadequate to insure
+qualified persons, and others that the qualifications are secured by the
+requisition of recognised diplomas.
+
+If we inquire of those among the peasantry who have never received
+parochial relief, or even of the yeomanry, we find that in many
+districts, and especially those of which we are now speaking, it is a
+difficult matter to obtain immediate medical aid; and if this
+consideration have any weight, the system would appear satisfactory,
+providing always the overseers perform their duty when applied to. It
+would be desirable to ascertain whether there are any restrictions in
+the issue of medical orders. As regards relieving the poor with food,
+there are many who say, that, in so doing, the very evil is created
+which we are endeavouring to destroy. But this is not said with respect
+to medical relief. The labouring man with his family may earn an average
+wage of from 7s. to 12s. per week. The most prudent cannot save much,
+and those savings are invested in the purchase of a stack of wood, a
+sack of meal, a crop of potatoes, a stye of pigs, or a cow. His savings
+might enable him to provide food for his family during illness, but they
+would be totally insufficient to pay for medicine and medical aid. It
+would be desirable to ascertain where and to what extent medical clubs
+and dispensaries exist, and what means the agricultural labourer, in
+thinly populated districts, possesses for obtaining gratuitous medical
+aid.
+
+It would be well, too, if Boards of Guardians would remember that their
+duties have not ended when they have disposed of the cases on each
+board-day. They have to do with pauperism, not only as it exists to-day,
+but as it may exist next month or next year; and therefore they have to
+do with its causes, as well as its existing results. This truth is just
+now occupying the minds of statesmen, and it is to be hoped that it may
+receive the attention of Boards of Guardians. Sanatory regulations will
+decrease pauperism. Many men have been destroyed, and their families
+pauperised, by uncovered sewers in thickly populated lanes and alleys;
+and much disease has been engendered by the want of facilities for
+cleanliness. And so also has much pauperism been engendered by the drain
+upon the resources of the poor man during a long illness. Could not this
+be remedied, and that without weakening the feeling of independence? And
+why might not a Board of Guardians be allowed, or compelled, to
+contribute a given sum to any dispensary or medical club which may be
+governed by certain rules duly certified?
+
+We must now refer to the churchwardens and overseers of the several
+parishes of this rural Union. The question with respect to them is, do
+they receive the applications of the poor in their respective parishes,
+and deal with them in the same way as the relieving-officer? It would
+not be a sufficient answer to quote acts of parliament, or lists of
+duties. It is doubtless of importance to know that, according to law,
+the duty of relieving in cases of sudden and urgent necessity is still
+reserved to the overseer. But it is of equal importance to ascertain
+whether, in those extensive or thinly populated parishes where the
+relieving-officer may reside many a weary mile distant from the cottage
+of the destitute, any check, or hinderance, or heavy discouragement has
+been offered to the overseer in his attempt to perform his duty. We can
+easily conceive the farmer overseer, before 1834, riding over the fields
+of his parish, and meeting one of the poor cottagers, at once relieving
+him with a piece of money, and taking no further note of the
+circumstance than was necessary to prevent his forgetting to repay
+himself. And we can understand how the same overseer, under the new
+system, when men to whom he has been accustomed to look up with
+deference are united with him in the administration of relief, may not
+trouble himself to inquire into, or care to exercise, the rights
+reserved to him. Or he may find that he has something more to do than
+merely to enter the amount in his pocket-book. He may have to report the
+case to the relieving-officer, or to defend it at the Board--neither of
+which acts his literary habits, his opportunities, his patience, or his
+ability to speak before the magnates of his district in Board assembled,
+may dispose him to perform. In other cases, where these considerations
+may have no weight, the overseer may be of opinion, since paid officers
+have been appointed to do the duty, and are paid to do it, that they are
+the proper persons to perform it.
+
+In thus referring to the duties of overseers, it must not be supposed
+that a recurrence to the old system is aimed at. It is a common opinion
+that the Union system is diametrically opposed to the old parochial
+system. And it seems to be too generally thought that relief should be
+given through paid agency. But this is not so. The power to relieve, in
+cases of sudden and urgent necessity, still rests with the overseers.
+But the law has deprived the overseer of the power to give permanent
+relief. It will not allow him to give a regular weekly allowance. The
+question the overseer has to do with is not whether labourer Miles shall
+receive, for a number of consecutive weeks or months, a certain sum, but
+whether he should not receive relief at this moment, his necessities
+being sudden and urgent. The question of permanent relief is no longer a
+subject of personal controversy and irritation between the labourer and
+the farmer. It is now a question between the labourer and the Board.
+What he shall receive no longer depends upon the will of a single
+person, but upon the collective will of a number so great, that personal
+partialities and prejudices can scarcely have place. The system, in this
+respect, assures justice alike to the rate-payer and the indigent poor.
+It stands between the poor man and the overseer; and also between the
+overseer and the sturdy threatening vagrant.
+
+But it is desirable to know whether the dereliction of duty by overseers
+has been of frequent occurrence, and whether there has been any want of
+care or disposition on the part of the authorities to facilitate its
+exercise. That the relief given must be duly recorded and accounted for,
+is quite clear. Now, do the means for doing this equal those given to
+the relieving-officer, who requires them less? Then, again, have
+arrangements been duly made to enable overseers to relieve in food? Is
+the loaf or the meat at hand? Can it be had from the nearest shop? Or
+must it be brought from the store of the contractor, who cannot always
+reside in the next village? In fact, must the destitute person wait for
+the periodical visit of the relieving-officer, and is the duty of the
+overseer thus made a superfluity?
+
+It is likely that the dweller in cities may not sufficiently estimate
+the importance of this topic. In a populous city, however sudden the
+casualty may be to which a fellow-creature may fall a victim, the means
+of relief are within a stone's-throw from the spot. But the case is
+different in that wide expanse of level country which opens to the view
+of the pedestrian as he gains the summit of the hill. The plain is
+dotted with solitary cottages, hamlets, and villages. The town is just
+perceptible in the distance. But its hum and its chimes are unheard. The
+Union-house loses its barrack-like appearance by its remoteness. He
+descends, and its "goes on his way." He hears the voices of children,
+the song of birds; and he sees cottages "embosomed" in trees, and those
+pictures which pastoral poets have so loved to paint, pass in panoramic
+order before him. He enters the cottage door; he sees the dampness of
+the walls; he feels the clayey coldness of the floors, and observes the
+signs of poverty. While pondering upon these things, sensation vacates
+its office, and imagination rules in the ascendant; material images fade
+away. Now the fields, the trees, and the entire air become covered and
+filled with drifting snow. Or,
+
+    "The stillness of these frosty plains,
+    Their utter stillness, and the silent grace
+    Of yon ethereal summits, white with snow,
+    (Whose tranquil pomp and spotless purity
+    Report of storms gone by
+    To those who tread below.")
+
+Or the winds howl, the biting sharpness of the frosty air nips the
+joints and shrivels the flesh, and the smoking smouldering fire has no
+power to control the winds which rush across the room. The scene
+changes. The lowlands are flooded, and the waters reach to, and stagnate
+at the cottage door. The rains descend; the air is saturated with water;
+it chills the frame; the heart beats languidly, and the soul of man
+stoops to the deadening influence of the elements. Agues, rheumatism,
+and fevers prevail. The hardships of the season bear down old and young;
+for the want of sufficient or nutritious food has shorn them of their
+strength.
+
+Upon awakening from this trance, "which was not all a dream," and
+reflecting how far aid is distant, even if it can be obtained from the
+nearest overseer, how forcibly must the thought occur--what numbers
+suffer and die whose suffering is unrelieved and unknown! If our
+pedestrian learn nothing from his trip for health and pleasure more than
+this, he will have learnt enough to satisfy him that the point we have
+directed his attention to, viz. that the means of relief in rural
+districts should be made as ample as possible; and that, therefore, the
+right and duty of the overseers to relieve promptly should be encouraged
+and zealously guarded.
+
+Reference must now be made to the notorious "Prohibitory Order." And in
+doing so, it is not to the order itself, either in its original or
+amended form, that the following remarks are especially made, but to the
+practices which owe their origin to the enactments of the Poor-Law
+Amendment Act, to the Utopian expectations of many, that a strict
+work-house test would destroy pauperism, and to the explanations and
+reports of the Commissioners themselves. The following is the
+prohibitory in its latest and most humanised form:--
+
+     "Article I.--Every able-bodied person, male or female, requiring
+     relief from any parish within any of the said Unions, shall be
+     relieved wholly in the work-house of the said Unions, together with
+     such of the family of every such able-bodied person as may be
+     resident with him or her, and may not be in employment, and
+     together with the wife of every such able-bodied male person, if he
+     be a married man, and if she be resident with him; save and except
+     in the following cases:--
+
+     1st, Where such person shall require relief on account of sudden
+     and urgent necessity.[47]
+
+     2d, Where such person shall require relief on account of any
+     sickness, accident, or bodily or mental infirmity, affecting such
+     person, or any of his or her family.
+
+     3d, Where such person shall require relief, for the purpose of
+     defraying the expenses, either wholly or in part, of the burial of
+     his or her family.
+
+     4th, Where such person, being a widow, shall be in the first six
+     months of her widowhood.
+
+     5th, Where such person shall be a widow, and have a legitimate
+     child or legitimate children dependent upon her, and incapable of
+     earning his, her, or their livelihood, and no illegitimate child
+     born after the commencement of her widowhood.
+
+     6th, Where such person shall be confined in any jail or place of
+     safe custody.
+
+     7th, Where the relief shall be required by the wife, child, or
+     children of any able-bodied man who shall be in the service of her
+     Majesty, as a soldier, sailor, or marine.
+
+     8th, Where any able-bodied person, not being a soldier, sailor, or
+     marine, shall not reside within the Union, but the wife, child, or
+     children, of such person shall reside within the same, the Board of
+     Guardians of the Union, according to their discretion, may afford
+     relief in the work-house to such wife, child, or children, or may
+     allow out-door relief for any such child or children, being within
+     the age of nurture, and resident with the mother within the Union."
+
+The fifth exception, relating to widows, is accompanied with a course of
+reasoning directed against its application; and as it is to be feared
+that the practice engendered by a former order, in which this exception
+had no place, may have become habitual, this exception will be treated
+as if it did not exist. Especial inquiries ought to be made, in order to
+ascertain whether widows with children are generally allowed out-door
+relief.
+
+The immediate effect of this system of relief is a diminution of
+expenditure. But we must look beyond the immediate effects. It is to be
+feared that great politico-social evils result from this system. They
+have been somewhat reduced in number, perhaps, by the new prohibitory
+order. But it is too probable that the original wound has left a scar.
+The evils are not on the surface, and strike the mind at intervals.
+Perhaps we may be struck with the fact, that our prisons are filled with
+individuals who have been committed for slight offences, and for short
+periods; and it may casually appear, that the work-house has something
+to do with it. Then the question may occur, why the ordinary
+accommodation for wayfarers in the casual wards of work-houses has
+become insufficient or less ample than formerly? Or, when travelling, we
+may see whole families creeping along the roads apparently without
+object or aim; and if, after giving them a coin, you ask them where they
+are going to, and why they are going? you will be struck with the
+vagueness of their replies. Wherever you meet them, you find they are
+going from this place to that; and if you were to meet them every day
+for a twelvemonth, the answers would always be as indefinite. At another
+time, we may be deeply concerned in the subject of prison discipline;
+and while studying reports, returns, and dietaries, the subject of
+workhouse discipline may become associated with it, and induce
+comparisons. And it may come to our knowledge, that there is a vast body
+of persons to whom it is a matter of indifference whether they are
+inmates of a prison or a workhouse. Or the mind may soar above the dull,
+cold, field of politics, and extend its researches to the pure regions
+of morality, leaving the questions of science for those of philosophy;
+and then it will appear that there are causes in operation, and results
+constantly flowing, which escape the "economic" eyes of assistant
+Commissioners.
+
+But we must avoid generalities. We still retain our original ground,
+viz. the rural Union, with its large area and its thinly scattered
+population. The reader must accompany us to the rural Union, where the
+spirit of the prohibitory order exercises its most baneful influence.
+
+We saw the relieving-officer performing his round of duties. The poor
+were assembled at the cottage door. Two classes of applicants were then
+given. We must now, however, look deeper into human nature. The
+destitute consist of the virtuous and the vicious, the vulgar and the
+refined. There stands an able-bodied man with his able-bodied wife, and
+his large healthy family. His weekly wages amount to nine shillings per
+week. If he loses a week's work he is destitute. He is now making an
+application to the relieving-officer. But it is useless. He must walk to
+the Union, and become an inmate, where his dinner awaits him. The man
+who now approaches the officer is like the last, able-bodied and out of
+work; but, unlike him, he has an idle, unthrifty, drunken wife. He is
+always trembling on the confines of destitution; and the instant he is
+without work he is on the brink of starvation. His spirit is broken. His
+children are dirty and ragged, and appear emaciated without disease. He,
+too, must enter the Union. The next is a hard-featured man;--
+
+    "A savage wildness round him hung
+    As of a dweller out of doors;
+    In his whole figure, and his mien,
+    A savage character was seen
+    Of mountains and of dreary moors."
+
+He does not seem to care whether relief is granted or not; and we may
+hear him say, "I don't want relief for myself, I can get my living
+somehow or other--but my wife and child musn't starve. I shan't go to
+the Union--I shall be off--and catch me who can."--In the cottage, a
+woman is seated with her children, whose husband has done that which the
+other has threatened to do. She may be industrious or idle, but she
+cannot support herself, thus suddenly thrown upon her own resources. Let
+us hope that she is allowed the benefit of the amended order.--There is
+the man whose children are approaching the state of womanhood or
+manhood. He has work to do, and he does it. He could manage to eke out a
+subsistence for himself--for his habits are simple and frugal; but his
+children are now a sore trial to him. His daughter has returned to his
+cottage with a child of shame. She has erred, but she cannot be turned
+from his door. She has tried to make the father contribute to the
+support of the child, but without success. Poor ignorant creature,
+instead of taking a competent witness with her, when she asked the man
+to assist her, she was too anxious to hide her shame. Instead of putting
+questions to him, in order "to get up" the corroborative evidence, she
+was too apt to spoil all by passionate upbraidings. And then, when she
+appeared before their worships the justices, she was too much abashed or
+excited, to enable her to develope those latent powers of examination
+and cross-examination which the law supposes her to possess. Those who
+have witnessed those humiliating proceedings in our petty courts of
+justice, and seen the magistrate at one moment kindly acting as counsel
+for the girl, then falling back to his position as judge, and observed
+the evident helplessness of the girl, must have left the court with the
+impression that the whole affair is a disgusting farce. She departs
+without redress. The "corroborative evidence" is declared insufficient.
+She goes to her father's cottage. His heart compels him to give her
+shelter, and a place at his scanty board. But the smallest assistance
+cannot be rendered with impunity. And there he stands an applicant. He
+is told, "you must come into the house." "But it is my daughter." "Then
+she must enter the Union." And, if she does, there she must remain until
+her child dies, or her hair grows grey.--On the other side, and away
+from the rest, stands a coarse-featured man, who has often been an
+inmate of the county jail. He is the smuggler on the coast, the footpad
+on the common, the poacher in the forest, the housebreaker, the
+horse-stealer, the sheep-slayer, or the incendiary. He may be any of
+these. He demands his rights, and threatens vengeance if refused.--We
+turn from this group, and walk slowly to the Union-house, now visible in
+the distance; and, in walking, the time may be well employed in
+reflection. The thought which occurs with the greatest vividness is
+this--for the reception of such a group, what must the arrangements be?
+There is the old man, honest but poor, who seeks there an asylum. There
+is the man old in sin and iniquity, as well as years. There is the
+able-bodied man and woman with their family. There is the able-bodied
+man with his drunken, unthrifty wife, and his emaciated children. There
+is the young girl, whom the season has thrown out of her ordinary field
+employment. There is the woman with her illegitimate child, either
+heart-broken, or glorying in her shame. There is the girl, young in
+years but old in profligacy, suffering for her sins. There is the matron
+in her green old age, the result of a life of industry and prudence. And
+there is the ruffian, and the thief, and the profligate vagrant, male
+and female. Now what arrangements can be made for this assemblage--the
+bad anxious to obtain temporary quarters, the good anxious to retain
+their homes?
+
+Surely they are not classed according to rules in which age, and sex,
+and state of health are the only principles? The widow with the
+prostitute, the aged cottar with the aged vagrant. If this were all, the
+moral consequences would not be so fearful. Does the young girl, who is
+now innocent, associate daily with her who has wandered over half the
+neighbouring counties, sinking lower and lower each journey? If so,
+poison will be instilled, which produces certain moral death. Refer to
+any list, now seven years old, of the inmates of a workhouse, who were
+then aged from twelve to eighteen years, and then inquire what has
+become of them. Or inquire of those who have the administration in
+metropolitan parishes, or in manufacturing and sea-port towns, how many
+of those unfortunates, scarcely yet arrived at the state of womanhood,
+and suffering from loathsome diseases, were brought up, or were sometime
+inmates of one of these Unions. Then there are the children of all
+these;--the children of the farm-labourer associating with those of the
+vagrant, who has quartered himself in the Union during the rains.
+
+The evils which this system occasions are not, unfortunately, either to
+be seen or understood by the casual observer. Even our observer may
+suppose that all is well, after he has inspected the place. He sees
+every thing clean and in order. There are no rags, no unshorn beards, no
+unclean flesh. The ordinary concomitants of virtue are here present--by
+compulsion. The rags, the filthiness of place and person, are absent--by
+order. This is forgotten; and, allowing the outward and visible to
+govern his judgment rather than the inward and spiritual, he leaves the
+place exclaiming, "Well! this is not so bad after all!" The outside is
+indeed white, but it is the whiteness of the sepulchre.
+
+If this group is to be received into one building, there must be
+something peculiar in its arrangements. All these persons are suffering,
+more or less, from the want of food, or lodging, or clothing, or medical
+aid. They are now offered the whole of these blessings, and yet they do
+not feel blessed thereby. He has now that livelihood freely offered to
+him which had cost him many a sigh to procure, and he has often sighed
+in vain. What then can or must be the nature of the arrangements? It
+must be remembered that this Union is presumed to be a test of poverty,
+and therefore the condition of its inmates must be inferior to that of
+the independent labourer.
+
+To effect this, how must the authorities proceed? In the first place,
+there are arrangements which they cannot make. They cannot altogether
+dispense with the counsels of the medical man, while the matter is under
+discussion. And an inspector of prisons should be admitted, certainly,
+as far as the ante-room. Then the locality of the Union-house must not
+be unhealthy. The internal parts of the building must not be exposed to
+the inclemency of the seasons.
+
+The rooms cannot be badly warmed or ventilated. They must not be allowed
+to become filthy. The inmates must not sleep on a damp floor, with loose
+straw for a bed, or an old carpet for a coverlid. Their clothes must not
+be permitted to fall from them in tatters. They must not remain
+twenty-four hours without food. And they cannot experience that gnawing
+anxiety--that sickness of heart which those thousands suffer who rise in
+the morning without knowing where they can obtain a meal, or lay down
+their head at night. These "ills," which constitute so large a portion
+of the poor man's lot, the inmate of this Union cannot be _made_ to
+suffer. Nor can they be detained like prisoners. He must not be confined
+for a longer period, after an application to leave has been made, than
+will allow for forms and casualties. So in three hours he is a free man
+again. What is to be done? Might not his food be touched? Might he not
+be allowed food which, although possessing nutritious qualities, should
+not be palatable? At this point, the prison inspector should be
+consulted. This experiment upon the dietaries has been tried, and with
+what success let public opinion trumpet-tongued proclaim. What must then
+be done? First, the family may, nay, must be divided and distributed
+over the building. The husband is sent to the "Man's Hall," the wife to
+the "Woman's Ward," and the male and female children each to their's.
+This arrangement is inevitable, but is fraught with dangers. The man who
+has lived for months estranged from his wife and children--for seeing
+them at certain times cannot be considered the same thing as living with
+them--may learn to believe that their presence is not necessary to his
+existence. And then it should not be forgotten, that the pain here
+introduced is the pain arising from the infliction of a moral wound. An
+attempt has been made to disturb a set of virtuous emotions in their
+healthy exercise. By this separation they are deprived of their
+necessary aliment; and, if they are not strong, will soon sicken and
+die. Now, those moral feelings which preside over the social hearth are
+those which exercise the greatest influence over the heart of the poor
+man, and bind, and strengthen, and afford opportunities for the
+development of the rest. They are in general the last that leave him.
+And when they are gone, he is bankrupt indeed. It is a pain, too, which
+only the virtuous feel. The lawless, the debauched, and the drunken pass
+unscathed. Is there not danger?
+
+In the second place, the inmates of the Union must work. And here also
+there are limits which a Board cannot pass. Labour cannot be enforced
+from a diseased man. The prudent master of a Union will not require a
+task to be performed which he cannot enforce. The question is, what work
+can the inmates be set to do? Not to lace-making or stocking-weaving,
+for that is the staple of the neighbourhood. To give them this work
+would diminish the demand for labour out of doors. What labour then must
+it be? Here is the rock upon which the vessel is now driving. It must
+certainly be real work. Must it, then, be disagreeable work? It must.
+But there is no work so disagreeable that willing labourers cannot be
+found to do it, and that at a rate of wages reduced by competition.
+Then, again, the most disagreeable kind of labour cannot be done in a
+Union-house. And experience proves, that the number of such employments
+is extremely limited.
+
+There are, however, certain kinds of labour that require no exertion of
+skill--no variety of operation--and consisting of the mechanical and
+monotonous operation of picking, which, if performed in the same room
+during a certain number of hours of each day, and from day to day, and
+from week to week, will become so sickening and wearying, that life with
+all its miseries, doubts, and anxieties, and impending starvation, will
+be welcomed in exchange.
+
+This labour women may perform. Now, in what way can the men be tasked?
+There are certain kinds of mere labour, hard and monotonous, such as
+grinding--or rather turning a handle all day long--without seeing the
+progress or result of the toil. He might also be employed in breaking
+bones. This has been tried, and received a check.
+
+But while the conclave are sitting in "consultation deep" upon this
+knotty question, let us turn to another conclave, and mark their doings.
+They know nothing of the poor-law, or paupers. The two authorities are
+separated, the one from the other, by a gulf, the depth of which
+official persons alone know. _They_ have to do with crime. They have to
+punish the offender. And not only to punish the offender who has
+committed acts which require long imprisonment, but those also who have
+committed petty offences. Upon this latter subject they are engaged. The
+prisoner must be set to work. And then arise the old questions, and with
+the same result. What do they determine?
+
+What has been done? Surely the two bodies have not each issued the same
+regulations to paupers and prisoners. If this be so, the matter cannot
+rest. And that it must be so, is obvious from a mere inspection of the
+means which the workhouse master and the jailer have at their disposal.
+It is not an oversight or an abuse. The data being given, the
+consequences are inevitable. Each conclave has separately arrived at
+nearly the same conclusion. In one case a prison and a prisoner, and a
+brief period of incarceration is given, with the condition, that his
+punishment shall not be so severe as that of the criminal deeply dyed in
+crime; and yet his circumstances shall be less desirable than those of
+the independent labourer. In the other case, a pauper and a Union-house
+is given; and if the condition of the problem be, that the pauper's
+situation shall be less disagreeable than that of the independent
+labourer, the solution becomes impossible; and, if this latter condition
+be left out or forgotten, the result is, that the prisoner and the
+pauper are in the same position. This mode of treating the matter has
+been preferred to that of comparing dietaries and labour-tables, and to
+quoting from evidence showing the indifference with which the prison and
+the workhouse are regarded by the lower class of paupers. Our object has
+been to show that the strict workhouse system leads necessarily to these
+evils.
+
+It is argued, on the other side, that pauperism has diminished in those
+Unions where the "prohibitory order" has been issued; and, in proof
+thereof, we are referred to reports and tables showing diminished
+expenditure. A family, with a judicious out-door management, would be
+able to subsist with the occasional assistance of two, three, or four
+shillings' worth of food weekly. The cost of the family in the house
+would be about 18s. weekly; and yet the expenditure in the rural Union,
+where the "prohibitory order" is in force, has been reduced. No especial
+reference can now be made to the amount of unrelieved suffering which
+this fact discloses. Those who decline the order cannot now be followed
+to their homes; nor can another incident of this system be dwelt
+upon--its tendency to reduce the standard of wages. The employer is
+likely to get labour cheap, when he has a number of unemployed labourers
+to choose from, who have just preferred to "live on" in a half-starved
+condition, rather than submit to a system of prison discipline. To
+return to the allegation, that pauperism has been diminished in those
+Unions where the order is in operation. The reply is--that the
+statistics do not touch the question. They ought to be thrown aside as
+useless, until the condition of those who have refused to enter the
+Union walls has been ascertained. Have their numbers become thinned by
+the ravages of the fever, which their "houseless heads and unfed sides"
+have unfitted them to resist? Have they been unable to pay their
+pittance of rent; and is the cottage, which was once theirs, now falling
+to decay? Have estates thus been thinned without the formality and
+notoriety of a warrant? Have the able-bodied left the Union, and become
+wanderers, seeking for an understocked labour-market; and, finding it
+not, are they becoming, through common lodging-house associations, half
+labourers, half vagrants--labouring to-day, begging to-morrow, and
+stealing the next? Is the inclination to wander growing into a passion?
+Are habits of strolling being formed? Is he gradually deteriorating to
+the half-savage state? Is this so? A great national question is
+involved. The French government know, by experience, the importance of a
+true knowledge of "Les Classes Dangereuses."
+
+Now, if any of these applicants have become wanderers, or have migrated
+to distant towns where charities abound, or have been cut off by
+sickness, or have remained in a state of semi-starvation, the statistics
+would remain the same. Besides, these statistics embrace two periods;
+the present time, when an extremely rigid system of out-door relief is
+in action; and a past time, when the out-door management was loose,
+irregular, and rotten; and for the diminution of expenditure, arising
+from a sound system of out-door relief, no allowance has been made, the
+whole benefit of the economy being referred to the workhouse test.
+
+It is probable much of the evil has been stayed, from the circumstance
+that the "system" has been carried into effect by human agency. A
+certificate of illness from the medical officer would exempt the
+individual from the operation of the rule. Now, the seeds of disease are
+oftentimes deeply hidden in the bodily frame; and the alleged throbbing
+or shooting pain, although the symptoms may not be seen, may have an
+existence, and be certified accordingly.
+
+Then the relieving-officer, after relieving the case as one of sudden
+and urgent necessity to-day, may see the applicant again upon his next
+visit; and knowing that a case is urgent after forty-eight hours'
+fasting, and may be considered sudden, if two days' work only was
+obtained when four days was expected, he may be relieved on the same
+plea again, and again, and again. In point of fact, the relief is an
+allowance.
+
+If this be the practice, a bad mode of out-door relief has grown into
+use, the worst peculiarities of the old method being involved in it. It
+is irregular, partial, and dependent on personal partialities and
+prejudices; and, if persisted in, would revive old times, when the
+overseer gave away, in the first place, to the bold, the insidious, and
+the designing, and modest merit was left to pick up the crumbs.
+
+The result of an inquiry into the two other classes into which England
+is parochially divided would probably be, that many evils have been
+removed or lessened, that others have remained untouched, that much good
+has been secured, and that new abuses have crept in.
+
+Take the Union of small parishes. An improvement has certainly been
+effected by the Union of these. A city or town, because it happened to
+be composed of a large number of small parishes, having no perceptible
+boundaries, but, in virtue of ancient usage or statute-law, was governed
+by so many independent petty powers. It does not require much study to
+ascertain what abuses would be likely to arise, or from what quarter
+they would probably come. It is likely that the round of petty magnates
+would be a small and cozy party; that a man, the moment he became
+initiated, would begin to ascend the ladder of fortune. Jobbery would
+flourish. Such things are not peculiar to England. In Spain and France
+they have been matter of observation. Read the following extract from
+Fabrice's account of the masters he served:--"Le Seigneur Manuel
+Ordonnez, mon maître, est un homme d'une piété profonde. On dit que, dès
+sa jeunesse, n'ayant en vue que le _bien_ des pauvres, il s'y est
+attaché avec un zèle infatigable. Aussi ses soins ne sont-ils pas
+demeurés sans récompense: tout lui a prospéré. Quelle benediction! En
+faisant les affaires des pauvres, il s'est enriché."
+
+These abuses belong to the past, but their existence should not be
+forgotten. Pauperism would flourish. For a system of management,
+proverbially jealous of having its affairs exposed to the gaze of the
+ignorant vulgar, could not look with too curious an eye into the
+circumstances of those who applied for relief. The beadle who flourished
+in those days did not, as some affirm, derive his authority from his
+cocked hat or his gilded coat, but from the real power he exercised.
+
+The overseers were elected with their will, or against it. They often
+served in a perpetual circle. The duty of relieving the poor was too
+often left to subordinate irresponsible officers, whose duties were
+neither expressed nor recognised. Their most arduous task was to keep
+their superior out of hot water. But what kind of cases were relieved,
+and under what circumstances, and what kind of cases were refused, and
+under what circumstances, is now mere matter--matter of tradition, and
+will become a mystery in the course of a few years. Many poor were
+relieved; but the bold, the idle, and the squalid had the best chance.
+Honest, humble poverty approached the overseer's door with fear and
+trembling, and the slightest rebuff or harsh word, which an importune
+application might occasion, would be sufficient to make her leave the
+door unrelieved. While the destitute confirmed pauper would annoy,
+insult, and extract relief, by the scandal of so much squalid
+destitution lying and crouching about the overseer's door.
+
+Now what change has taken place? These parishes have been formed into
+Unions. The churchwardens and overseers of each parish form part of a
+Board of management. This Board of management is completed by the
+addition of a class hitherto unknown in parish matters, viz. the
+guardians who are elected from the parishioners, on grounds in which
+wealth, station, and public importance are elements. All repairs and
+alterations, and the supply of provisions, are subject to contract, and
+open to competition. The parish plumber can no longer make his fortune
+by the repair of the parish pump. All disbursements are recorded, and
+subjected to rigid inspection, and all receipts are duly accounted for.
+
+But the poor, how do they fare? It is necessary to state, with reference
+to this point, that the peculiar politico-economic theories which have
+had such frequent expression in the letters, reports, and orders of the
+Poor-Law Commissioners, have also had their influence upon all persons
+connected with the administration of relief. The idea was, that a severe
+"house test" would nearly destroy pauperism. This dream, however, is
+passing away, and a more humane set of opinions are being engendered.
+
+The circumstances of a city Union are widely different from those of the
+rural Union; and, therefore, many suggestions and strictures which have
+been made against the mode of administering relief in the latter are
+inapplicable to the former. In the rural Union, the chief difficulty is,
+that a long distance must be travelled before the application to the
+relieving-officer can be made, and relief obtained. And it becomes a
+matter of importance to know to what extent the local officers are able
+to perform their duty. In the Union of small parishes, these
+difficulties cannot exist, for the whole diameter may be traversed in
+half-an-hour. Then a relief office is built. It is situated in a poor
+neighbourhood. It is open a certain number of hours in each day; an
+officer is in attendance; and the bread and meat, and other kind of
+food, are in the building. These facts are known to the poor, to the
+magistrates, and to the police. The individual power of the overseer in
+these little parishes falls daily into disuetude. The poor man can
+obtain relief most readily at the office. He need not wait for the
+leisure moment of an overseer--deeply engaged in his private affairs.
+The poor know this, and do not apply to him. Occasionally an application
+is made to an overseer, and if he wish the case to be relieved, his most
+convenient practical course, is to submit the case to the
+relieving-officer, by a note, and then to put a question to the chairman
+at the next board-day.
+
+It will be found that the evil to be apprehended is, that relief in
+certain cases may be too easily obtained, and a class of paupers
+improperly encouraged. This, however, does not necessarily proceed from
+the Union, but from certain other wise notions respecting mendicancy and
+vagrancy.
+
+A certain part of every workhouse is separated from the rest of the
+building, and appropriated to wayfarers. Formerly, at the close of day,
+a number of persons usually applied to the officers for lodging for the
+night. They were questioned as to their mode of livelihood, their object
+in travelling, the distance they had travelled, and the route; and these
+answers were tested by any means at hand. If the result was
+satisfactory, they were admitted, and allowed to pursue their way at an
+early hour in the morning, with an allowance of food. If the result was
+doubtful, or they were convicted of deceit, their application was either
+deferred, refused, or they were required to do work for the relief
+given. Then questions of age, sex, and degrees of health were
+considered. Now, relief precedes inquiry; and as these persons are
+relieved but once, no inquiry is made, and is in fact impossible. Now,
+if a man appears before an officer apparently destitute, he must be
+relieved forthwith. If the man is not relieved, the relieving-officer's
+situation and character are in jeopardy. And so the workhouse at night
+has become open house to all comers. The wards are filled with a strange
+group of beings. The very scum, not of the poor, but the vicious, are to
+be found in these wards. The man who attends these dens does his duty in
+the midst of revilings and cursings, and at the risk of his life. The
+poor man who is really "tramping" in search of work, and has not been
+able to get the threepence for his night's lodging, has not the benefit
+of this change. Fevers and other contagious diseases are likely to be
+generated and spread. Some inquiry has been made into this subject, but
+is by no means exhausted. Further inquiry should be made, and the
+connexion between vagrancy and a strict workhouse system should not be
+overlooked.
+
+The third class into which the parishes and Unions of England have been
+divided in this article, viz. that of populous single parishes, differs
+from that which comprises Unions of small parishes in but few
+particulars. These parishes are generally very populous, and cover a
+small area. The duty of administering relief has always been heavy and
+onerous. The mode of management has generally been determined by local
+acts. A board of management has always existed. In some cases the
+overseers have been elected and paid, because much experience, and the
+devotion of much time, is necessary for the due performance of the
+duties. In other instances, unpaid overseers hold the responsibility,
+and are assisted by subordinate officers. Many of these parishes have
+defied the power of the Commissioners, and retained their independent
+authority. The Boards are composed of men of standing and business
+habits. They are generally well acquainted with the poor, and know much
+better how the relief fund should be expended, than those who see them
+only through the imperfect media of reports and statistics. Many
+novelties in management, enforced on Unions by the Commissioners, have
+been voluntarily adopted, and many time-honoured fictions have been
+exploded. In general, the proceedings of the Commissioners have not been
+to them satisfactory. The new project of district asylums for the
+reception of wayfarers may be given as an example.
+
+These parishes, however, should not escape the inquiry; and a useful
+direction might be given to it, if the subject of classifications in
+workhouses were to be considered in connexion with these populous
+places. Not that special evils exist, but because the subject of
+classification on moral grounds might be more conveniently considered,
+and more severely tested.
+
+We think that an improved classification in workhouses, in which moral
+consideration might be allowed to form an element, might be attempted.
+Very decided opinions have been expressed to the contrary. It is
+generally believed, and has been declared by high authorities, that the
+poor fund is a statutable fund, raised by compulsion, for the relief of
+destitution; and, therefore, the statutable purpose of the fund has
+reference only to the fact of destitution, and not to moral qualities.
+That this may be true in cases of _sudden_ necessity is not denied; but
+with respect to those cases where relief is likely to be permanent--as
+old age--or in those cases in which a period must elapse before the
+relief is withdrawn, the moral character of the individual must, and
+does, form a leading circumstance in the treatment. It is not said that
+the fact of giving or refusing relief should depend on moral
+considerations, but that the mode or manner should be determined by
+them. Take a case. A widow with a family, in the first month of her
+widowhood, applies for relief. During the first three months of her
+husband's illness, his savings were adequate to his necessities. And
+during the last three months, the weekly voluntary gathering of his
+brother workmen, or the allowance from his club, has sufficed; and he
+died without destitution actually coming to his door. His remains have
+been conveyed to the grave; and, with the balance of money from the
+friendly society, or trades' club, she has been supported to the end of
+the first month of her widowhood.
+
+The other case is also a widow. But, as a wife, she was unthrifty and
+drunken, and she has not changed, for her sobriety was more than
+suspected on the day of the funeral. Here, there are no savings, no
+donations from friends, no allowance from a club. Her husband lived and
+died a pauper, was buried as a pauper, and his widow has determined to
+make the most of her destitution, and extract the utmost farthing from
+the reluctant guardians. Each of these cases must be relieved. As
+regards the fact of destitution, the latter case is the worst; but the
+frugal widow suffers the greatest deprivation. To the common observer,
+the state of the bad is one of pure misery, and the state of the other
+simply quiet, frugal, lowliness of condition. The fact, however, really
+is, that the good widow suffers the most keenly; and, excepting certain
+little matters of decency and cleanliness, is really the most destitute.
+The cry, "What will become of my children?" implies in itself a large
+amount of suffering. The thought scarcely occurs to the mind of the
+other. The treatment of these cases must be, and is different; and the
+difference is founded on moral grounds. In one case, if the relief were
+in money, it would be instantly transmitted into gin. Relief in kind
+must be resorted to, and be given in small quantities, and frequently;
+and even then she must be watched, or the bread would never reach the
+mouths of her children. In the other case, a liberal allowance in money,
+given in the first month of her widowhood, would be expended carefully,
+and if given promptly, before her "little home" has been broken up, she
+may be able in a few months to insure a livelihood, and become
+independent of the parish. These cases represent extremes. There is
+every variety of shade between them; and sometimes the case presents so
+mingled a yarn of laziness, and bodily weakness, ignorance, cunning, and
+imprudence, that the guardians scarcely know the proper treatment.
+Boards of guardians have frequently to deal with such cases, and do,
+without expressing it in words, dispose of them on moral grounds,
+although those in high places may be too much occupied with statistics
+and generalities to be aware of the fact.
+
+The question, how far moral considerations can be allowed in the
+classification of workhouses, is one of difficulty, and all opinions and
+suggestions require to be cautiously and guardedly stated. This cannot
+be done now. It may, however, be thought that, in suggesting a moral
+classification, we are getting rid of some of our objections to the
+"strict workhouse system." We may therefore say, that while we think a
+sound system of out-door relief is the preferable mode of dealing with
+poverty and pauperism, yet we believe the workhouse to be a necessary
+adjunct. Under the most favourable circumstances, the Union-house or
+workhouse is a moral pest-house; but, in the large manufacturing town or
+populous metropolitan parish, it is a necessary evil. In cities, where
+wretchedness is seen in its most squalid condition, and where crime
+assumes its most varied and darkest hues, there must always be a
+multitude of human beings whose necessities the public charities cannot
+reach. There are diseases which hospitals will not admit, because they
+can end only in speedy dissolution, or because they are incurable and
+lingering. There are cases, compounded of deceit and misery, which
+private charity passes by. There are aged men and women who have either
+outlived their children or their affection, or who saw them depart many
+years since to foreign lands as emigrants, soldiers, sailors, or
+convicts. And there are young children whose parents have been cut off
+by fever. There are the children of sin and shame. There is the young
+woman, overtaken in her downward career by horrible diseases, and who is
+now pitilessly turned from the door of her who taught her to sin for
+money. There is the vagrant, the debauched, and the criminal, who are
+approaching the end of their career. There are those who, by unexpected
+circumstances, have been deprived of a shelter. And there are those who
+will not work, who have absconded, and whose wives and children are
+without home or food. For all these, and many more, an asylum must
+exist, and this asylum is the workhouse. Is it quite clear that this
+collection of human beings, representing so many varieties of virtue and
+vice, cannot be divided and distributed over the building on principles
+of classification, in which other elements than those of age, sex, and
+healthiness might be admitted? The subject is worthy of full
+investigation.
+
+The subject of out-door relief might also be considered by the
+committee, not so much with a view to ascertain the actual mode in which
+it is dispensed, as to obtain suggestions from subordinate officers of
+improvement in its administration. The stoker of steam-engine can point
+out defects, and suggest simple remedies, which might escape the utmost
+penetration and official research of the principal engineer. This
+subject may be most conveniently considered under this head, because, in
+populous parishes, out-door relief is a prominent feature. In many
+cases, an apparently trivial change, which might be treated very
+contemptuously as a mere affair of detail, would lead to important
+reforms. In the report upon the Andover case, certain stringent remarks
+appear upon the neglect of the relieving-officer in not filling up the
+columns in his report-book headed "wages." Now, to those engaged in the
+administration of relief, the omission is not considered a great fault,
+it being in fact an omission of a mere form. Refer to the application
+and report-book, and the pauper description-book, prepared by the
+Commissioners, and the use of which _is enforced in all Unions_. They
+consist in a series of narrow columns. Each column is headed by an
+interrogatory, and appears to require a very brief answer. Refer to the
+column headed "weekly earning," &c. In this column, it is the duty of
+the relieving-officer to enter the amount of wages earned by the pauper.
+Now, in most populous parishes, the mode of living of those who receive
+relief is so irregular and precarious, as to preclude the possibility of
+ascertaining the amount of their earnings. The number of carpenters,
+bricklayers, smiths, and masons who receive relief is almost incredibly
+few. There are many who style themselves carpenters, &c. who have no
+knowledge of the trade. The bulk of the relieved poor consists of such a
+group as this--jobbing-smiths and carpenters, who are generally old or
+unskilful; aged men and women, and infirm persons, who do certain kinds
+of rough needlework, take care of children and sick people. There are
+cases where the head of the family is sickly, and whose employ is
+occasional. There are widows who do needlework by the piece--not for
+tradesmen, but for those who have received the work for those who
+received it from the tradesmen. There are those who wash and charr by
+the half or quarter of a day. There are men who make money-boxes,
+cigar-cases, children's toys, list-shoes, and cloth caps, and send their
+wives and children to sell them in the streets. If the weather is fine,
+they go singly; if the night be rainy, they form a miserable group at
+the corner of great thoroughfares. There are men who frequent quays,
+docks, markets, and coach-offices. There are those who sell in the
+streets, fruit, vegetables, and fish. There are those who sweep
+crossings, and pick up bones, rags, and excrement; and there are those
+who say they do nothing; and the most searching inquiry is at fault, and
+yet they appear to thrive. In this multitude, there are thousands who do
+not apply for parochial relief once in ten years. Now, try to fix the
+wages of those who really compose the mass of pauperism in towns. Who
+can conscientiously do it? The most correct statement must be erroneous.
+By frequent visitation, the officer acquires an intimate knowledge of
+their condition. When the Board are disposing of the out-relief cases,
+it is by this knowledge the Board are guided. The column of brief
+answers, read by the clerk, are so many algebraic symbols to the
+majority, and convey no particular meaning; and this explains the
+conduct of the Andover Guardians, which is otherwise inexplicable. They
+must have had some data before them in dealing with cases, and the
+earnings of the paupers could not possibly be omitted. There is no doubt
+that the report-book was tacitly considered as a form necessary to be
+filled up, because there were orders to that effect, but as having no
+practical utility. And yet, how easily might the evil have been avoided!
+The individual who devised and drew up the form should have thought less
+of its statistical completeness, and more of its practical use. He
+should have seated himself in the Boardroom, while the business of the
+week was being transacted, a silent but observant spectator; and then,
+with his mind imbued with the fact, he might have drawn up a form of
+report-book which would have been useful, statistically and practically.
+The principle of the book would have been that of the merchant's ledger,
+in which, upon reference to a particular folio, an account of business
+transactions with a person during many years may be seen at a glance.
+Its construction would be obvious, and its chief feature might be easily
+shown. It would be a book of the largest size. Each case would have its
+own double page. On the left side, columns, as at present, might appear;
+and on the right would appear a most circumstantial account of the
+pauper's circumstances. If this page had been commenced in 1836, and
+Mary Miles had received relief, either continuously or from time to
+time, until 1846, the page would probably be filled; and its contents
+being read by the clerk upon each appearance of the pauper before the
+Board, a minute account of the character and circumstances of the case
+would be disclosed, together with the several amounts of relief ordered
+or refused, and the several opinions of the Board, as recorded at
+different times, which would enable the Board to dispense with the
+verbal statements of the relieving-officer. At present, a case, however
+often relieved, is essentially a new one. The Board of Guardians is a
+changing body; the individuals composing it may not attend regularly;
+and thus the relieving-officer becomes the only person conversant with
+the facts and merits of the case, and he is enabled, or compelled, to
+exercise a degree of authority or influence which is highly inexpedient.
+
+How easily may these and other evils be remedied! But how, and by whom?
+This brings us back to our starting-point. An inquiry must be instituted
+into the actual working of the existing machinery. It must be conducted
+in a sober spirit, and without reference to theories; not in a reckless
+spirit of destruction, but of improvement. The question is, What
+remedial measures or improvement can be adopted in the administration of
+the English Poor-Laws? And if this paper has shown any imperfections,
+suggested any improvement, or should give the inquiry a useful
+direction, its object would be gained.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[47] "By sudden and urgent necessity, the Commissioners understand any
+case of destitution requiring instant relief, before the person can be
+received into the workhouse; as, for example, when a person is deprived
+of the usual means of support, by means of fire, or storm, or
+inundation, or robbery, or riot, or any other similar cause, which he
+could not control, where it had occurred, and which it would have been
+impossible or very difficult for him to foresee and prevent."--_Eighth
+Report of the Poor-Law Commissioners._ App. A.; No. 2.
+
+
+
+
+PRUSSIAN MILITARY MEMOIRS.
+
+
+     _Wanderungen eines alten Soldaten_, von WILHELM BARON VON RAHDEN,
+     ehemaligem Hauptmann in Königl. Preuss. und Konigl. Niederländ.
+     Diensten, designirtem Capitain im Kaiserl. Russ. Generalstabe,
+     zuletzt Brigade-Général im Genie-Corps der Spanisch-Carlistischen
+     Armee von Aragon und Valencia. Erster Theil. Befreiungs Kreig von
+     1813, 1814, and 1815. Berlin: 1846.
+
+
+Military memoirs are a popular class of literature. If few non-military
+men make them their chief study, still fewer do not upon occasion
+willingly take them up and dip with pleasure into their animated pages.
+The meekest and most pacific, those in whose composition no spark of the
+belligerent and pugnacious is discernible, yet dwell with interest upon
+the strivings, dangers, and exploits of more martial spirits. Even the
+softer sex, whilst gracefully shuddering at the bloodshed and horrors of
+war, will ofttimes seriously incline to read of the disastrous chances,
+moving accidents, and hair-breadth 'scapes that checker a soldier's
+career. The poetical and the picturesque of military life appeal to the
+imagination, and act as counterpoise to the massacres and sufferings
+that painfully shock the feelings. Amidst the wave and rustle of silken
+banners, the glitter and clash of steel, the clang of the brazen
+trumpet, and hurra of the flushed victor, the blood that buys the
+triumph and soaks the turf vanishes or is overlooked; the moans of those
+who die upon the field, linger in hospital, or pine in stern captivity,
+are faintly heard, if not wholly drowned. The pomp and pageantry of war,
+the high aspirations and heroic deeds of warriors, too often make us
+forget the countless miseries the strife entails--the peaceful peasant's
+ravaged homestead, the orphan's tears, the widow's desolation.
+
+Although the public mind dwells upon military matters less in England
+than in France and Germany, neither of these countries has, during the
+thirty years' peace, been more prolific than our own in books of a
+military character. We speak not of strategical works, but of the
+pleasant and sometimes valuable narratives of individual adventure that
+have flowed in abundance from the pens of soldiers of every class and
+grade. Not a branch of the service, from the amphibious corps of the
+marines to the aristocratic cohorts of the guards, but has paid tribute,
+in many cases a most liberal one, to the fund of military literature.
+The sergeant and the general, the lieutenant and the lieutenant-colonel,
+the showy hussar and the ponderous dragoon, the active rifleman and the
+stately grenadier--men of all ranks and arms--have, upon hanging up the
+sabre, taken up the pen, and laboured more or less successfully to add
+their mite to the stores of history and stock of entertainment. The
+change from the excitement and bustle of active service to the monotony
+and inertion of peacetime, is indeed great, and renders occupation
+essential to stave off ennui. In ruder days than the present, the
+dice-box and pottle-pot were almost sole resources. In the rare
+intervals of repose afforded by a more stirring and warlike age, the
+soldier knew no other remedies, against the _tædium vitæ_ that assailed
+him. When "wars were all over, and swords were all idle," "the veteran
+grew crusty as he yawned in the hall," and he drank. Now it is
+otherwise. Refinement has driven out debauchery, and the unoccupied
+_militaire_, superior in breeding and education to his brother in arms
+of a former century, often fills up his leisure by telling of the
+battles, sieges, and fortunes he has passed; reciting them, not, like
+Othello, verbally and to win a lady's favour, but in more permanent
+black and white, for the instruction and amusement of his fellows.
+
+Whilst paying a well-merited tribute to the talents of our English
+military authors, we willingly acknowledge the claims of men, who,
+although born in another clime, and speaking a different tongue, are
+yet allied to us by blood, have fought under the same standard, and bled
+in the same cause. One of these, a German officer who shared the
+reverses and triumphs of the three eventful years, 1813 to 1815,
+beginning at Lutzen and ending with Waterloo, has recently published a
+volume of memoirs. It contains much of interest, and well deserves a
+notice in our pages.
+
+William Baron von Rahden is a native of Silesia. His father, an officer
+in the Prussian service, was separated from his wife, after ten years'
+wedlock, by one of those divorces so easily procurable in Germany, and
+returned to Courland, his native country, leaving his children to their
+mother's care. At the age of six years, William, the second son, was
+adopted by a Silesian nobleman, a soldier by profession, who had served
+under Frederick the Great, and who, although he had long left the
+service, still retained in full force his military feelings and
+characteristics. The apartments of his country house were hung with
+portraits of his warlike ancestors; the officers of the neighbouring
+garrison were his constant guests. Thus it is not surprising that young
+Rahden's first associations and aspirations were all military, and that
+he eagerly looked forward to the day when he should don the uniform and
+signalise himself amongst his country's defenders. His wishes were early
+gratified. When only ten years old, he was sent to the military school
+at Kalisch.
+
+The novitiate of a Prussian officer at the commencement of the present
+century was a severe ordeal, the road to rank any thing but a flowery
+path, and it was often with extreme unwillingness that the noble
+families of South Prussia yielded their sons to the tender mercies of
+the Kalisch college. The boys had frequently to be hunted out in the
+forests, where, through terror of the drill or in obedience to their
+parents, they had sought refuge, and when caught they were conducted in
+troops to their destination. On reaching the Prosna, a little river near
+Kalisch, they were stripped naked, their hair was cut close, and they
+were then driven into the water, whence, after a thorough washing, they
+emerged upon the opposite bank, there to be metamorphosed into Prussian
+warriors. The same operation, with the exception of the bath in the
+Prosna, was undergone by the willing recruits. Baron von Rahden gives a
+humorous account of the equipment of these infant soldiers, and of his
+own appearance in particular.
+
+"The little lad of ten years old, broader than he was long, with his
+closely cropped head, upon the hinder part of which a bunch of hair was
+left, whereto to fasten a tail eight or ten inches long, and with a
+stiff stock over which his red cheeks puffed out like cushions, was
+altogether a most comical figure. The old uniform coats originally blue,
+but now all faded and threadbare, with facings of a brick-dust colour
+and great leaden buttons, never fitted the young bodies to which they
+were allotted; they were always either too long and broad, or too narrow
+and short. The same was the case with the other portions of the uniform,
+which were handed down from one generation of cadets to another, without
+reference to any thing but the number affixed to them. I got No. 24; I
+was heir to some lanky long-legged urchin, into whose narrow garments I
+had to squeeze my unwieldy figure. A yellow waistcoat of immoderate
+length, short white breeches, fastened a great deal too tight below the
+knee, grey woollen stockings and half-boots, composed the costume, which
+was completed by a little three-cornered hat, pressed low down over the
+eyes, with the view of imparting somewhat of the stern aspect of a
+veteran corporal to the red and white face of the juvenile wearer."
+
+Such was the clothing of Prussia's future defenders. Their fare was of
+corresponding quality; abundant, but coarse in the extreme. The harsh
+and unswerving enactments of the great Frederic had as yet been but
+little amended. Moreover, by the system of military economy existing in
+1804, both food and raiment were lawfully made a source of profit to the
+captain of this company of cadets. The director of the establishment
+Major Von Berg, was an excellent man, zealous for the improvement of his
+pupils, and striving his utmost to instil into them a military spirit.
+Under his superintendence strict discipline was maintained, and
+instruction advanced apace.
+
+The year 1806 brought the French into Prussia. Marshal Ney visited
+Kalisch, and placed a score of cadets in the newly-formed Polish
+regiments. In due time the others, as they were given to understand,
+were to be similarly disposed of. Young Rahden wrote to his adopted
+father, begging to be removed from the college, lest he should be made
+to serve with the enemies of his country. But the old officer looked
+further forward than the impatient boy; he knew that it was no time for
+the youth of Prussia to abandon the military career; that the day would
+come when their country would claim their services. His reply was
+prompt, brief, and decided. "I will not take you home," he wrote; "for
+then you will learn nothing. Be a Polish or a French cadet, I care not;
+only become an honourable soldier, and all that is in my power will I do
+for you. But do not come to me like our young officers from Jena; for if
+you do, you will get neither bread nor water, but a full measure of
+disgrace. Your faithful father, T." This letter made a strong impression
+upon Von Rahden, and he nerved himself to endure what he now viewed as
+inevitable. For another year he remained at Kalisch, until, in December
+1807, news came of the approach of Prince Ferdinand of Pless, who had
+thrown himself, with a few thousand men, between the French army, then
+on its march to Poland, and the Bavarians and Wurtembergers under Jerome
+Buonaparte. This intelligence caused universal alarm in the college of
+Kalisch, now become French.
+
+"On the broad road in front of our barracks, large bodies of Polish
+boors, in coarse linen frocks, were drilled for the service of Napoleon
+by officers in Prussian uniforms; certainly a singular mixture. At the
+cry--'The Prussians are coming!' they all ran away, the officers the
+very first, and this might have given me an inkling of the reasons and
+motives of my father's severe letter. Under cover of the general
+confusion, a Prussian artilleryman muffled me and six other Silesian
+cadets in the linen frocks of the recruits, and hurried us off through
+field and forest, over bog and sand, to the Prince of Pless, whom we
+fell in with after thirty-six hours' wanderings. We were all weary to
+death. Nevertheless, five of my companions were immediately placed
+amongst the troops, who continued their route without delay; only myself
+and a certain Von M----, still younger than me, were left behind, as
+wholly unable to proceed. Of what passed during the next six weeks, I
+have not the slightest recollection. I afterwards learned that I had
+been seized with a violent nervous fever, the result of fatigue and
+excitement, and that I was discovered by a Bavarian officer in a Jew
+tavern near Medzibor, close to the frontier. The uniform beneath my
+smock-frock, and a small pocket-book, told my name and profession, and
+under a flag of truce I was sent into Breslaw, then besieged, to my
+mother, whom I had not seen for seven years."
+
+After two years passed in idleness, young Von Rahden was attached as
+bombardier to the artillery at Glatz, and found himself under the
+command of a certain Lieutenant Holsche, an officer of impetuous
+bravery, but somewhat rough and hasty, and apt to show slight respect to
+his superiors. At that time, 1809, the Duke of Brunswick was recruiting
+at Nachod in Bohemia, within two German miles of Glatz, his famous black
+corps, the death's-head and _memento mori_ men--the Corps of Revenge, as
+it was popularly called in Germany. Numbers of Prussians, officers of
+all arms, left their homes in Silesia, where they vegetated on a scanty
+half-pay, to swell his battalions; and even from the garrison of Glatz
+officers and soldiers daily deserted to him, eager to exchange inaction
+for activity. Subsequently, many of these were tried and severely
+punished for their infringement of discipline, and over-eagerness in the
+cause of oppressed Germany, but the year 1813 again found them foremost
+in the ranks of their country's defenders.
+
+On a certain morning, subsequent to Von Rahden's arrival at Glatz, the
+young artillery cadets were assembled on the parade-ground outside the
+gates of the fortress, and went through their exercise with four light
+guns, drawn, as was then the custom, by recruits instead of horses.
+Holsche, who was also known as the "Straw-bonnet" commandant, from his
+desperate defence of a detached work of the fort of Silberberg, which
+bore that name, was present. Although usually free and jocose with his
+subordinates, on that day he was grave and preoccupied, and twisted his
+black mustache with a thoughtful air. It was an oppressive and stormy
+morning, and distant thunder mingled with the sound of cannon, which the
+wind brought over from Bohemia.
+
+"By a succession of marches and flank movements, Holsche took us through
+the river Neisse, which flowed at the extremity of the parade-ground,
+and was then almost dry. We proceeded across the country, and finally
+halted in a shady meadow. Here the word of command brought us round the
+lieutenant, who addressed us in a suppressed voice:--'Children,' said
+he, pointing towards Bohemia, 'yonder will I lead you; there you will be
+received with open arms. There, horses, not men, draw the guns, and many
+of you will be made sergeants and even officers. Will you follow me?' A
+loud and unanimous hurra was the reply. For a quarter of an hour on we
+went, over hedge and ditch, at a rapid pace. A heavy rain soaked the
+earth and rendered it slippery, the wheels of the gun-carriages cut deep
+into the ground, until we panted and nearly fell from our exertions to
+get them along. Suddenly the word was given to halt. 'Boys,' cried the
+lieutenant, 'many of you are heartily sick of this work; that I plainly
+see. Listen, therefore! I will not have it said that I compelled or
+over-persuaded any one. He who chooses may return, not to the town, but
+home to his mother. You children, in particular,' he added, stepping up
+to the first gun, to which five young lads, of whom I was the least,
+were attached as bombardiers, 'you children _must_ remain behind.'
+Against this decision we all protested. We would not go back, we
+screamed at the top of our voices. Holsche seemed to reflect. After a
+short pause, the tallest and stoutest fellow in the whole battery came
+to the front, and in a voice broken by sobs, begged the lieutenant to
+let him go home to his mother. 'Oho!' shouted Holsche, 'have I caught
+you, you buttermilk hero? Boys!' he continued, addressing himself to all
+of us, 'how could you believe that my first proposal was a serious one?
+I only wished to ascertain how many cowards there were amongst you.
+Thank God, there is but one! Help me to laugh at the fellow!' A triple
+shout of laughter followed the command; then 'Right about' was the word,
+and in an hour's time, weary and wet through, we were again in our
+barracks."
+
+The pluck and hardihood displayed on this occasion by the boy-bombardier
+won the favour of Holsche, who took him into the society of the
+officers, gave him private lessons in mathematics, and did all he could
+to bring him forward in his profession. But, soon afterwards, Rahden's
+destination was altered, and, instead of continuing in the artillery, he
+was appointed to the second regiment of Silesian infantry, now the
+eleventh of the Prussian line. In this regiment he made his first
+campaigns, and served for nearly twenty years. In the course of the war
+he frequently fell in with his friend Holsche, and we shall again hear
+of that eccentric but gallant officer.
+
+The year 1813 found Von Rahden, then nineteen years of age, holding a
+commission as second lieutenant in the regiment above named, and
+indulging in brilliant day-dreams, in which a general's epaulets, laurel
+crowns, and crosses of honour, made a conspicuous figure. But a very
+small share of these illusions was destined to realisation. For the
+time, however, and until experience dissipated them, they served to
+stimulate the young soldier to exertion, and to support him under
+hardship and suffering. Such stimulus, however, was scarcely needed. The
+hour was come for Germany to start from her long slumber of depression,
+and to send forth her sons, even to the very last, to victory or death.
+The disasters of the French in Russia served as signal for her uprising.
+
+"The great events which the fiery sign in the heavens (the comet of
+1811) was supposed to forerun, came to pass in the last months of the
+following year. The French bulletin of the 5th December 1812, announced
+the terrible fate of the Grande Armée, and removed the previously
+existing doubt, whether it were possible to humble the invincible
+Emperor and his presumptuous legions. It was a sad fate for veteran
+soldiers, grown grey in the harness, to be frozen to death, or, numbed
+and unable to use their weapons, to be defencelessly murdered. Such was
+the lot of the French, and although they were then our bitterest foes,
+to-day we may well wish that they had met a death more suitable to brave
+men. At Malo-Jaroslawetz, at Krasnoi, and by the Beresina, whole
+battalions of those frozen heroes were shot down, unable to resist. Do
+the Russians still commemorate such triumphs? Hardly, one would fain
+believe. No man of honour, in our sense of the word, would now command
+such massacres; for only when our foes are in full possession of their
+physical and moral strength, is victory glorious. But at that time I
+lacked the five-and-thirty years' experience that has enabled me to
+arrive at these conclusions; I was almost a child, and heartily did I
+rejoice that the whole of the Grande Armée was captured, slain, or
+frozen. The joy I felt was universal, if that may serve my excuse.
+
+"Like some wasted and ghastly spectre, hung around with rags, its few
+rescued eagles shrouded in crape, the remains of the great French army
+recrossed the German frontier. Sympathy they could scarce expect in
+Germany; pity they found, and friendly arms and fostering care received
+the unfortunates. So great a mishap might well obliterate hostile
+feelings; and truly, it is revolting to read, in the publications of the
+time, that 'at N---- or B---- the patriotic inhabitants drove the French
+from their doors, refusing them bread and all refreshment.' Then,
+however, I rejoiced at such barbarity, which appeared to me quite
+natural and right. One thing particularly astonished me; it was, that
+amongst the thirty thousand fugitives, there were enough marshals,
+generals, and staff-officers to supply the whole army before its
+reverses. Either they had better horses to escape upon, or better cloaks
+and furs to wrap themselves in; thus not very conscientiously fulfilling
+the duty of every officer, which is to share, in all respects, the
+dangers and fatigues of his subordinates."[48]
+
+The hopes and desires of every Prussian were now concentrated on one
+single object--the freedom of the Fatherland. Breslaw again became the
+focus of the whole kingdom. From all sides thousands of volunteers
+poured in, and the flower of Prussia's youth joyfully exchanged the
+comforts and superfluities of home for the perils and privations of a
+campaigner's life. Universities and schools were deserted; the last
+remaining son buckled on hunting-knife and shouldered rifle and went
+forth to the strife, whilst the tender mother and anxious father no
+longer sought to restrain the ardour of the Benjamin of their home and
+hearts. All were ready to sacrifice their best and dearest for their
+country's liberation. Women became heroines; men stripped themselves of
+their earthly wealth for the furtherance of the one great end. In
+Breslaw the enthusiasm was at the hottest. In an idle hour, Von Rahden
+had sauntered to the college, the Aula Leopoldina, and stood at an open
+window listening to a lecture on anthropology, delivered by a young, but
+already celebrated professor. Little enough of the learned discourse was
+intelligible to the juvenile lieutenant, but still he listened, when
+suddenly the stillness in the school was broken by the clang of wind
+instruments.
+
+The people shouted joyful hurras, casements were thrown open, and
+thronged with women waving their handkerchiefs. Professor and scholars
+hurried to the windows and into the street. What had happened? It was
+soon known. A score of couriers, blowing furious blasts upon their small
+post-horns, dashed through the town-gates, and the next instant a shout
+of "War! War!" burst from ten thousand throats. The couriers brought
+intelligence of the alliance just contracted at Kalisch between the
+Emperor Alexander and the King of Prussia.
+
+When the clamour and rejoicing amongst the students had a little
+subsided, their teacher again addressed them. All were silent. Twisting
+a small silver pencil-case between his thin fingers, he began as
+follows: "My young friends! It would be difficult to resume the thread
+of a lecture thus abruptly broken by the sound of the war-trumpet. At
+this moment our country demands of us other things than a quiet abode in
+the halls of study. I propose to you, therefore, that we all, without
+exception, at once join the ranks of our country's defenders, and
+henceforward wield the sword instead of the pen." This patriotic
+proposal was received with joyous applause. Professor Steffens and
+hundreds of his hearers left the lecture-room, exchanged the university
+gown for the uniform, and from that day were the pith and marrow of the
+black band of Lutzow. It is matter of history how Henry Steffens, at the
+head of his wild Jägers, greatly distinguished himself in the field, won
+the Iron Cross, and by his animated eloquence and noble example, drew
+thousands of brave defenders around the standard of German independence.
+Thirty-two years later, at Berlin, Baron von Rahden followed his mortal
+remains to their last resting-place.
+
+Other examples of devotion, less known but not less touching, are cited
+in the volume before us. When the King of Prussia's celebrated
+proclamation "TO MY PEOPLE," had raised German enthusiasm to its highest
+pitch, and the noble-hearted women of Silesia sent their jewels to the
+public treasury, replacing them by iron ornaments, a young girl at
+Breslaw, who had nothing of value to contribute, cut off the luxuriant
+golden tresses that adorned her graceful head, and sold them, that she
+might add her mite to the patriotic fund. The purchaser gave a high
+price, but yet made an enormous profit; for no sooner was the story
+known, than hundreds of those then arming for the fight flew to obtain a
+golden hair-ring, to wear as a talisman in the battle-field. This
+heroine, Baron von Rahden believes, was a Fraulein von Scheliha, a name
+noted in the annals of Prussian patriotism. The three sons of a Herr von
+Scheliha, officers in various regiments, fell in the campaign of 1813.
+Their mother and only sister died of broken hearts, and the father,
+bowed down under his grief, sold his estate and country-house, which now
+only served to remind him of his losses. The King of Prussia sent him
+the Iron Cross; and that and the sympathy of all who knew his sad
+history, were the only remaining consolations of the bereaved old man. A
+Silesian count, named Reichenbach, wrote to the King in the following
+terms: "If it please your majesty to allow me, I will send five thousand
+measures of corn and my draught oxen to the military stores for rations,
+and my best horses to the ---- regiment of cavalry; I will equip all the
+men on my estates capable of bearing arms, and they shall join the ----
+regiment of infantry, and I will pay ten thousand thalers into the
+military chest. For my three sons I crave admission into the army as
+volunteers. And, finally, I humbly implore of your majesty that I
+myself; who, although advanced in years, am strong and willing, may be
+permitted to march by their side, to teach then to fight and, if needs
+be, to die. Meanwhile, my wife and daughters shall remain at home to
+prepare lint, sew bandages, and nurse the sick and wounded."
+
+A Major Reichenbach commanded Von Rahden's battalion, and under his
+guidance the young lieutenant first smelled powder. It was at Lutzen, a
+bloody fight, and no bad initiation for an unfledged soldier. Although
+modest and reserved when speaking of his own exploits, it is not
+difficult to discern that on this, as on many subsequent occasions, the
+baron bore himself right gallantly. At eleven o'clock the army of the
+Allies stood in order of battle, Von Rahden's battalion, which formed
+part of General Kleist's division, in the centre, and well to the front.
+At a distance of six or eight hundred paces, the hostile masses moved to
+and fro, alternately enveloped in clouds of dust, and disappearing
+behind trees and houses. The fight began with artillery. "The first
+round-shot whizzed close over the heads of the battalion, and buried
+itself in the ground a few hundred paces in our rear. A second
+immediately followed, carrying away a few bayonets and the drum-major's
+cane. Each time the whole battalion, as if by word of command, bobbed
+their heads, and the men pressed closer together. In front of us sat our
+commandant, Count Reichenbach, reining in his splendid English roan,
+which snorted and curveted with impatience. The count had not bowed his
+head; he had made the Rhine campaigns, and a cannon-ball was nothing new
+to him. He turned to the battalion, slapping his leg with his right
+hand, whilst a comical twitching of his nose and at the corner of his
+mouth betrayed his discontent. 'Men!' said he, 'balls that whistle do
+not hit, so it is useless to fear them. Henceforward, let no one dare to
+stoop.' Hardly had the words left his lips when a third shot passed
+close over his head and dashed into the battalion. This time very few
+made the respectful salutation which had occasioned the count's reproof,
+but astonishment and horror were visible on every countenance when we
+saw our dear comrades struck down by our side.
+
+"After an hour's cannonade the infantry advanced. Skirmishers were
+thrown out, and the musketry came into play; and truly, often as I have
+been in action, such firing as at Lutzen I never since heard. From about
+mid-day till nine at night, one uninterrupted roll; not even for a
+moment were single shots to be distinguished. My old comrades will bear
+witness to the truth of this.
+
+"Our light company hastened forward as skirmishers, Lieutenant Merkatz
+led them on, and, with waving sword and a joyful shout, rushed towards
+the foe, full a hundred paces in front of his men. Soon the wounded
+straggled, and were carried past us by dozens--amongst others Anselme,
+captain of the company. A rifle-ball had shattered his right shoulder.
+When I saw him, twenty-five years later, as a general, he still carried
+his arm in a sling, fragments of bone frequently came away, and his
+sufferings were very great. Such wounds as his no gold, or title, or
+decorations can repay; in the consciousness of having done one's duty
+the only compensation is to be found."
+
+Von Rahden was soon called upon to replace a wounded officer, and he
+hurried to the front. Before he reached the skirmishers, he met the dead
+body of the young prince of Hesse-Homburg, who served as staff-officer
+in the first regiment of Silesian infantry. He had entered action as he
+would have gone to parade, in full dress, with a star upon his breast,
+and wearing all the insignia of his rank. General Ziethen remonstrated
+with him on the imprudence of thus rendering himself a conspicuous mark,
+but he was deaf to the warning, and refused to take off his star.
+"This," said he, "is the soldier's most glorious parade-ground." The
+next moment a ball struck him, and he fell mortally wounded from his
+horse.
+
+We shall not follow Baron Von Rahden through the bloody day of Lutzen,
+in the course of which he received a wound, not sufficiently severe,
+however, to compel him to leave the field. Neither of that action, nor
+of any subsequent one, does he give a general account, but professes
+merely to relate what he himself saw. As a subaltern officer, his sphere
+of observation was, of course, very limited. He recites his own
+adventures and the proceedings of his battalion, or, at most, of the
+division to which it was attached, and is careful to name those officers
+who particularly distinguished themselves. He urges the surviving
+veterans of those eventful campaigns to follow his example, and publish
+their reminiscences, as a means of rescuing from unmerited oblivion the
+names of many who especially signalised themselves whilst defending the
+holy cause of German independence. It was a period prolific in heroes;
+and if the manoeuvres and discipline of the Prussian army had been
+more in proportion with the gallant spirit that animated the majority of
+its members, doubtless the struggle would have been briefer. As it was,
+the campaign of 1813 opened with a reverse which it was vainly
+endeavoured to cloak by mendacious bulletins. "The nobly fought and
+gloriously won action of Gross-Gröschen," said the official accounts of
+the battle of Lutzen. But stubborn facts soon refuted the well-intended
+but injudicious falsehoods, propounded to maintain the moral courage of
+the nation. The French entered Dresden, driving out the rear-guard of
+the retreating Allies, who, on the evening of the 12th of May,
+established their camp, or rather their bivouac, for tents they had
+none, near Bautzen, and fortified their position by intrenchments and
+redoubts. On the 20th the fight began; 28,000 Prussians and 70,000
+Russians, so says the baron, against 150,000 French. A large
+disproportion; and, moreover, the troops of the Allies were not made the
+most of by their commanders. General Kleist's corps, consisting of but
+5000 men, was left from ten in the morning till late in the afternoon to
+defend itself unassisted against over-powering numbers of the French.
+And most gallant their defence was. They fought before the eyes of both
+armies, on the heights of Burk, which served as a stage for the
+exhibition of their courage, and of the calm skill of their commander.
+Von Rahden records the fact, that the Emperor Alexander sent several
+times to Kleist to express his praise and admiration; and that his last
+message was, that he could kiss Kleist's feet (a thorough Russian
+testimony of respect) for his splendid behaviour with the advanced
+guard. At length large bodies of the French having moved up to support
+the assailants, a reinforcement was sent to Kleist to cover his retreat.
+It consisted of Von Rahden's battalion, which, on the retrograde
+movement being commenced, was for some time completely isolated, and
+bore the whole brunt of the fight. Orders were given to clear a
+corn-field which afforded shelter to the enemy. Here is a spirited
+description of the fight that ensued.
+
+"I led the skirmishes of the first and second company. We entered the
+field, and instantly found ourselves within fifteen or twenty paces of
+the French marines, whom Napoleon had attached to the army, and whom we
+recognised by the red lace on their shakos. We were so near each other,
+that when our opponents fired I felt the heat of the burnt powder. The
+battalion was about fifty paces behind us, but on rather higher ground.
+It deployed into line, and fired a volley over our heads, which some of
+the bullets missed by a trifle. A very unpleasant sensation and critical
+moment; and many of my men showed an eagerness to get out of this double
+fire, or at least to shelter themselves from it as much as possible. The
+bugler tried to run; I caught him by the coat skirt, and ordered him to
+sound the assembly, meaning to retire with my skirmishers to the right
+flank of the battalion. He obeyed, clapped his bugle to his lips, and
+began a quavering call. Suddenly the sounds ceased, and the bugler fell
+backwards, spitting and sputtering with his mouth, stamping and striking
+out with his feet and hands; then, jumping up, he ran off like a madman.
+A bullet had entered the sound-hole of his bugle. At the same moment I
+felt a hard rap on the right hip, and was knocked down. It was a
+canister-shot; the blood poured out in streams, and, before I could join
+the battalion, my boot was full of it. My comrades were hard at work;
+after a few volleys, they kept up an incessant file-fire. They were
+drawn up in line, only two deep, the third rank having been taken for
+skirmishers. Luckily the enemy had no cavalry at hand, or it would have
+been all up with us, for we should never have been able to form a
+square. It was all that the officers and serrafiles could do to keep the
+men in their places. The French infantry surrounded us on three sides,
+but they kept behind the hedges, and amongst the high corn, and showed
+no disposition to come to close quarters, when the bayonet and but-end
+would have told their tale. On the other hand, from the adjacent heights
+the artillery mowed us down with their canister. The fight lasted about
+an hour; half a one more, and to a certainty we should all have been
+annihilated or prisoners, for we were wholly unsupported. Sporschil and
+other writers have said that Blucher sent General Kleist a reinforcement
+of three thousand infantry. To that I reply that our battalion was at
+most six hundred strong, and I did not see another infantry soldier in
+the field. The other troops had retired far across the plain. Suddenly
+the earth shook beneath our feet, and two magnificent divisions of
+Russian cuirassiers charged to the rescue. The French infantry sought
+the shelter of their adjacent battery, and we retreated wearily and
+slowly towards our lines. The sun, which had shone brightly the whole
+day, had already set when we reached a small village, and again extended
+our skirmishers behind the walls and hedges. Once more the earth
+trembled; and, with unusual rapidity for an orderly retreat, back came
+the brilliant cuirassiers, with bloody heads, and in most awful
+confusion. The French infantry and artillery had given them a rough
+reception. A few hostile squadrons followed, and, as soon as the
+Russians were out of the way, I opened fire with my skirmishers; but I
+was ordered to cease, for the distance was too great, and it was mere
+waste of ammunition."
+
+Von Rahden's hurt was but a flesh wound, and did not prevent his sharing
+in the next day's fight, and in the retreat which concluded it. He was
+then obliged to go into hospital, and only on the last day of June
+rejoined his regiment in cantonments between Strehlen and Breslaw. At
+the latter town he visited his mother. She had mourned his death, of
+which she had received a false account from a soldier of his regiment,
+who had seen him struck down by a bullet at Lutzen, and had himself been
+wounded and carried from the field before Von Rahden regained
+consciousness and rejoined his corps.
+
+The truce which, during the summer of 1813, afforded a brief repose to
+the contending armies, was over, and the cause of the Allies
+strengthened by the accession of Austria. Hostilities recommenced; and
+on the 27th August we find our young lieutenant again distinguishing
+himself, at the head of his sharpshooters, in the gardens of Dresden.
+Several wet days, bad quarters, and short commons, had pulled down the
+strength and lowered the spirits of the Allied troops. Exhausted and
+discouraged, they showed little appetite for the bloody banquet to which
+they were invited. Suddenly a hurra, but no very joyous one, ran through
+the ranks. The soldiers had been ordered to utter it, in honour of the
+Emperor Alexander and King of Prussia, who now, with their numerous and
+brilliant staff, rode along the whole line of battle, doubtless with the
+intention of raising the sunken spirits of the men. Close in front of
+the baron's battalion the two monarchs halted; and there it was that
+General Moreau was mortally wounded, at Alexander's side, by a French
+cannon-shot. The following details of his death are from the work of a
+well-known Russian military author, General
+Michailefski-Danielefski:--"Moreau was close to the Emperor Alexander,
+who stood beside an Austrian battery, against which the French kept up a
+heavy fire. He requested the Russian sovereign to accompany him to
+another eminence, whence a better view of the battle-field was
+obtainable. 'Let your majesty trust to my experience,' said Moreau, and
+turning his horse, he rode on, the emperor following. They had proceeded
+but a few paces, when a cannon-ball smashed General Moreau's right foot,
+passed completely through his horse, tore away his left calf, and
+injured the knee. All present hurried to assist the wounded man. His
+first words, on recovering consciousness, were--'I am dying; but how
+sweet it is to die for the right cause, and under the eyes of so great a
+monarch!' A litter was formed of Cossack lances; Moreau was laid upon
+it, wrapped in his cloak, and carried to Koitz, the nearest village.
+There he underwent, with the courage and firmness of a veteran soldier,
+the amputation of both legs. The last bandage was being fastened, when
+two round-shot struck the house, and knocked down a corner of the very
+room in which he lay. He was conveyed to Laun, in Bohemia, and there
+died, on the 2d of September. Such was the end of the hero of
+Hohenlinden."
+
+General Michailofski, it must be observed, has been accused by Sporschil
+of stretching the truth a little, when by so doing he could pay a
+compliment to his deceased master. The adulatory words which he puts
+into Moreau's mouth, may therefore never have been uttered by that
+unfortunate officer. Some little inexactitudes in the account above
+quoted are corrected by Captain Von Rahden. Moreau's litter was composed
+of muskets, and not of lances; he was taken to Räcknitz, and not to
+Koitz; and so forth. Upon the 2d of September, Von Rahden and eighteen
+other Prussian officers, stood beside the bed whereon Moreau had just
+expired, and divided amongst them a black silk waistcoat that had been
+worn by the deceased warrior. "I still treasure up my shred of silk,"
+says the baron, "as a soldierly relic, and as I should a tatter of a
+banner that had long waved honourably aloft, and at last tragically
+fallen. In these days few care about such memorials, and a railway share
+is deemed more valuable. Practically true; but horribly unpoetical!"
+
+In 1813, one battle followed hard upon the heels of the other. It was a
+war of giants, and small breathing-time was given. The echoes of the
+fight had scarcely died away at Dresden, when they were reawakened in
+the fertile vale of Toeplitz. The action of Kulm was a glorious one for
+the Allies. On the first day, the 29th of August, the Russians, under
+Ostermann Tolstoy, reaped the largest share of laurels; on the 30th,
+Kleist and the Prussians nobly distinguished themselves. The latter,
+after burning their baggage, made a forced march over the mountains, and
+fell upon the enemy's rear on the afternoon of the second day's
+engagement. Here Von Rahden was again opposed to his old and gallant
+acquaintances the French marines, who, refusing to retreat, were
+completely exterminated. The action over, his battalion took up a
+position near Arbesau, with their front towards Kulm. On the opposite
+side of the road a Hungarian regiment was drawn up.
+
+"The sun had set, and distant objects grew indistinct in the twilight,
+when we suddenly saw large masses of troops approach us. These were the
+French prisoners, numbering, it was said, eight or ten thousand. First
+came General Vandamme, on horseback, his head bound round with a white
+cloth: a Cossack's lance had grazed his forehead. Close behind him were
+several generals, (Haxo and Guyot;) and then, at a short interval, came
+twenty or thirty colonels and staff-officers. On the right of these
+marched an old iron-grey colonel, with two heavy silver epaulets
+projecting forwards from under his light-blue great-coat, the cross of
+the Legion of Honour on his breast, a huge chain with a bunch of gold
+seals and keys dangling from his fob. He had been captured by very
+forbearing foes, and he strode proudly and confidently along. He was
+about ten paces from the head of our battalion, which was drawn up in
+column of sections, when suddenly three or four of our Hungarian
+neighbours leaped the ditch, and one of them, with the speed of light,
+snatched watch and seals from the French colonel's pocket. Captain Von
+Korth, who commanded our No. 1 company, observed this, sprang forward,
+knocked the blue-breeched Hungarians right and left, took the watch from
+them, and restored it to its owner. The latter, with the ease of a
+thorough Frenchman, offered it, with a few obliging words, to Captain
+Von Korth, who refused it by a decided gesture, and hastened back to his
+company. All this occurred whilst the French prisoners marched slowly
+by, and the captain had not passed the battalion more than ten or
+fifteen paces, when he turned about, and with the cry of "_Vive le brave
+capitaine Prussien!_" threw chain and seals into the middle of our
+company. The watch he had detached and put in his pocket. Von Korth
+offered ten and even fifteen _louis d'ors_ for the trinkets, but could
+never discover who had got them; whoever it was, he perhaps feared to be
+compelled to restore them without indemnification."
+
+"The Emperor Alexander received Vandamme, when that general was brought
+before him as prisoner, with great coolness, but nevertheless promised
+to render his captivity as light as possible. Notwithstanding that
+assurance, Vandamme was sent to Siberia. On his way thither, the proud
+and unfeeling man encountered many a hard word and cruel taunt, the
+which I do not mean to justify, although he had richly earned them by
+his numerous acts of injustice and oppression. In the spring of 1807,
+he had had his headquarters in the pretty little town of Frankenstein in
+Silesia, and, amongst various other extortions, had compelled the
+authorities to supply him with whole sackfuls of the delicious red
+filberts which grow in that neighbourhood. When, upon his way to the
+frozen steppes, he chanced to halt for a night in this same town of
+Frankenstein, the magistrates sent him a huge sack of his favourite
+nuts, with a most submissive message, to the effect that they well
+remembered his Excellency's partiality to filberts, and that they begged
+leave to offer him a supply, in hopes that the cracking of them might
+beguile the time, and occupy his leisure in Siberia."
+
+At Kulm the captain of Von Rahden's company was slain. He had ridden up
+to a French column, taking it, as was supposed, for a Russian one, and
+was killed by three of the enemy's officers before he found out his
+mistake. Each wound was mortal; one of his assailants shot him in the
+breast, another drove his sword through his body, and the third nearly
+severed his head from his shoulders with a sabre-cut. The day after the
+battle, before sunrise, Von Rahden awakened a non-commissioned officer
+and three men, and went to seek and bury the corpse. It was already
+stripped of every thing but the shirt and uniform coat; they dug a
+shallow grave under a pear-tree, and interred it. The mournful task was
+just completed when a peasant came by. Von Rahden called him, showed him
+the captain's grave, and asked if he might rely upon its not being
+ploughed up. "Herr Preusse," was the answer, "I promise you that it
+shall not; for the ground is mine, and beneath this tree your captain
+shall rest undisturbed." The promise was faithfully kept. In August
+1845, the baron revisited the spot. The tree still stood, and the
+soldier's humble grave had been respected.
+
+Whilst wandering over the field of battle, followed by Zänker, his
+sergeant, Von Rahden heard a suppressed moaning, and found amongst the
+brushwood, close to the bank of a little rivulet, a sorely wounded
+French soldier. The unfortunate fellow had been hit in three or four
+places. One ball had entered behind his eyes, which projected, bloody
+and swollen, from their sockets, another had shattered his right hand,
+and a third had broken the bones of the leg. He could neither see, nor
+move, nor die; he lay in the broad glare of the sun, parched with
+thirst, listening to the ripple of the stream, which he was unable to
+reach. In heart-rending tones he implored a drink of water.
+Six-and-thirty hours had he lain there, he said, suffering agonies from
+heat, and thirst, and wounds. "In an instant Zänker threw down his
+knapsack, filled his canteen, and handed it to the unhappy Frenchman,
+who drank as if he would never leave off. When at last satisfied, he
+said very calmly, 'Stop, friend! one more favour; blow my brains out!' I
+looked at Zänker, and made a sign with my hand, as much as to say, 'Is
+your gun loaded?' Zänker drew his ramrod, ran it into the barrel quite
+noiselessly, so that the wounded man might not hear, and nodded his head
+affirmatively. Without a word, I pointed to a thicket about twenty paces
+off, giving him to understand that he was not to fire till I had reached
+it, and, hurrying away, I left him alone with the Frenchman. Ten minutes
+passed without a report, and then, on turning a corner of the wood, I
+came face to face with Zänker. 'I can't do it, lieutenant,' said he.
+'Thrice I levelled my rifle, but could not pull the trigger.' He had
+left the poor French sergeant-major--such four gold chevrons on his
+coat-sleeve denoted him to be--a canteen full of water, had arranged a
+few boughs above his head to shield him from the sun, and as soon as we
+reached the camp, he hastened to the field hospital to point out the
+spot where the wounded man lay, and procure surgical assistance."
+
+The battle of Kulm was lost by the French through the negligence of
+Vandamme, who omitted to occupy the defiles in his rear--an
+extraordinary blunder, for which a far younger soldier might well be
+blamed. The triumph was complete, and, in conjunction with those at the
+Katzbach and Gross-Beeren, greatly raised the spirits of the Allies. At
+Kulm, the French fought, as usual, most gallantly, but for once they
+were outmanoeuvred. A brilliant exploit of three or four hundred
+chasseurs, belonging to Corbineau's light cavalry division, is worthy
+of mention. Sabre in hand, they cut their way completely through
+Kleist's corps, and did immense injury to the Allies, especially to the
+artillery. Of themselves, few, if any, escaped alive. "Not only," says
+Baron Von Rahden, "did they ride down several battalions at the lower
+end of the defile, and cut to pieces and scatter to the winds the staff
+and escort of the general, which were halted upon the road, but they
+totally annihilated our artillery for the time, inasmuch as they threw
+the guns into the ditches, and killed nearly all the men and horses. By
+this example one sees what resolute men on horseback, with good swords
+in their hands, and bold hearts in their bosoms, are able to
+accomplish." In a letter of Prince Augustus of Prussia, we find that
+"the artillery suffered so great a loss at Kulm, that there are still
+(this was written in the middle of September, fifteen days after the
+action) eighteen officers, eighty non-commissioned officers, one hundred
+and twenty-six bombardiers, seven hundred and eighteen gunners, besides
+bandsmen and surgeons, wanting to complete the strength." In both days'
+fight the present King of the Belgians greatly distinguished himself. He
+was then in the Russian service, and, on the 29th, fought bravely at the
+head of his cavalry division. On the 30th, the Emperor Alexander sent
+him to bring up the Austrian cavalry reserves, and the judgment with
+which he performed this duty was productive of the happiest results.
+
+The Russian guards fought nobly at Kulm, and held the valley of Toeplitz
+one whole day against four times their numbers. To reward their valour,
+the King of Prussia gave them the Kulm Cross, as it was called, which
+was composed of black shining leather with a framework of silver. The
+Prussians were greatly annoyed at its close resemblance to the first and
+best class of the Iron Cross, which order had been instituted a few
+months previously, and was sparingly bestowed, for instances of
+extraordinary personal daring, upon those only who fought under Prussian
+colours. It was of iron with a silver setting, and could scarcely be
+distinguished from the Kulm cross. "Many thousands of us Prussians,"
+says the Baron, "fought for years, poured out our blood, and threw away
+our lives, in vain strivings after a distinction which the Muscovite
+earned in a few hours. For who would notice whether it was leather or
+iron? The colour and form were the same, and only the initiated knew the
+difference, which was but nominal. In the severe winter of 1829-30, when
+travelling in a Russian sledge and through a thorough Russian
+snow-storm, along the shores of the Peipus lake, I passed a company of
+soldiers wrapped in their grey coats. On the right of the company were
+ten or twelve Knights of the Iron Cross, as it appeared to me, and of
+the first class of that order. This astonished me so much the more, that
+in Prussia it was an unheard-of thing for more than one or two private
+soldiers in a regiment to achieve this high distinction. I started up,
+and rubbed my eyes, and thought I dreamed. At Dorpat I was informed that
+several hundred men from the Semenofskoi regiment of guards, (the heroes
+of Kulm,) had been drafted into the provincial militia as a punishment
+for having shared in a revolt at St Petersburg."
+
+On the 14th of October occurred the battle of cavalry in the plains
+between Güldengossa, Gröbern, and Liebertwolkwitz, where the Allied
+horse, fifteen thousand strong, encountered ten to twelve thousand
+French dragoons, led by the King of Naples, who once, during that day,
+nearly fell into the hands of his foes. The incident is narrated by Von
+Schöning in his history of the third Prussian regiment of dragoons, then
+known as the Neumark dragoons. "It was about two hours after daybreak;
+the regiment had made several successful charges, and at last obtained a
+moment's breathing-time. The dust had somewhat subsided; the French
+cavalry stood motionless, only their general, followed by his staff,
+rode, encouraging the men, as it seemed, along the foremost line, just
+opposite to the Neumark dragoons. Suddenly a young lieutenant, Guido von
+Lippe by name, who thought he recognised Murat in the enemy's leader,
+galloped up to the colonel. 'I must and will take him!' cried he; and,
+without waiting for a Yes or a No, dashed forward at the top of his
+horse's speed, followed by a few dragoons who had been detached from the
+ranks as skirmishers. At the same time the colonel ordered the charge to
+be sounded. A most brilliant charge it was, but nothing more was seen of
+Von Lippe and his companions. Two days afterwards, his corpse was found
+by his servant, who recognised it amongst a heap of dead by the scars of
+the yet scarcely healed wounds received at Lutzen. A sabre-cut and a
+thrust through the body had destroyed life." An interesting confirmation
+of this story may be read in Von Odeleben's "Campaign of Napoleon in
+Saxony in the year 1813," p. 328. "He (Murat) accompanied by a very
+small retinue, so greatly exposed himself, that at last one of the
+enemy's squadrons, recognising him by his striking dress, and by the
+staff that surrounded him, regularly gave him chase. One officer in
+particular made a furious dash at the king, who, by the sudden facing
+about of his escort, found himself the last man, a little in the rear,
+and with only one horseman by his side. In the dazzling anticipation of
+a royal prisoner, the eager pursuer called to him several times, 'Halt,
+King, halt!' At that moment a crown was at stake. The officer had
+already received a sabre-cut from Murat's solitary attendant, and as he
+did not regard it, but still pressed forward, the latter ran him through
+the body. He fell dead from his saddle, and the next day his horse was
+mounted by the king's faithful defender, from whose lips I received
+these details. Their truth has been confirmed to me from other sources.
+Murat made his rescuer his equerry, and promised him a pension. The
+Emperor gave him the cross of the legion of honour."
+
+The second Silesian regiment suffered terribly at the great battle of
+Leipzig. Von Rahden's battalion, in particular, was reduced at the close
+of the last day's fight to one hundred and twenty effective men,
+commanded by a lieutenant, the only unwounded officer. Kleist's
+division, of which it formed part, had sustained severe losses in every
+action since the truce, and after Leipzig it was found to have melted
+down to one-third of its original strength. Disease also broke out in
+its ranks. To check this, to recruit the numbers, and repose the men,
+the division was sent into quarters. Von Rahden's regiment went to the
+duchy of Meiningen, and his battalion was quartered in the town of that
+name. The friendly and hospitable reception here given to the victors of
+Kulm and Leipzig was well calculated to make them forget past hardships
+and sufferings. The widowed Duchess of Meiningen gave frequent balls and
+entertainments, to which officers of all grades found ready admittance.
+The reigning duke was then a boy; his two sisters, charming young women,
+were most gracious and condescending. In those warlike days, the
+laurel-wreath was as good a crown as any other, and raised even the
+humble subaltern to the society of princes.
+
+"It chanced one evening," says the Baron, "that our major, Count
+Reichenbach, stood up to dance a quadrille with the Princess Adelaide of
+Meiningen. His toilet was not well suited to the ball-room; his boots
+were heavy, the floor was slippery, and he several times tripped. At
+last he fairly fell, dragging his partner with him. His right arm was in
+a sling, and useless from wounds received at Lutzen, and some short time
+elapsed before the princess was raised from her recumbent position by
+the ladies and gentlemen of the court, and conducted into an adjoining
+apartment. With rueful countenance, and twisting his red mustache from
+vexation, Count Reichenbach tried to lose himself in the crowd, and to
+escape the annoyance of being stared at and pointed out as the man who
+had thrown down the beautiful young princess. It was easy to see that he
+would rather have stormed a dozen hostile batteries than have made so
+unlucky a _debût_ in the royal ball-room. In a short quarter of an hour,
+however, when the fuss caused by the accident had nearly subsided, the
+princess reappeared, looking more charming than ever, and sought about
+until she discovered poor Count Reichenbach, who had got into a corner
+near the stove. With the most captivating grace, she invited him to
+return to the dance, saying, loud enough for all around to hear, 'that
+she honoured a brave Prussian soldier whose breast was adorned with the
+Iron Cross, and whose badly-wounded arm had not prevented his fighting
+the fight of liberation at Leipzig, and that with all her heart she
+would begin the dance again with him.' The Count's triumph was complete;
+the court prudes and parasites, who a moment before had looked down upon
+him from the height of their compassion, now rivalled each other in
+amiability. With a well-pleased smile the Count stroked his great beard,
+led the princess to the quadrille, and danced it in first-rate style."
+The reader will have recognised our excellent Queen Dowager in the
+heroine of the charming trait which an old soldier thus bluntly
+narrates. The kind heart and patriotic spirit of the German Princess
+were good presage of the benevolence and many virtues of the English
+Queen. "When, in May 1836," continues Captain Von Rahden, "I was
+presented, as captain in the Dutch service, to the Princess Adelaide,
+then Queen of England, at St James's Palace, her majesty perfectly
+remembered the incident I have here narrated to my readers. To her
+inquiries after Count Reichenbach, I unfortunately had to reply that he
+was long since dead."
+
+In January 1814, the Baron's regiment left Meiningen, crossed the Rhine,
+joined the great Silesian army under old Blucher, and began the campaign
+in France. The actions of Montmirail, Méry sur Seine, La Ferté sous
+Jouarre, and various other encounters, followed in rapid succession.
+Hard knocks for the Allies, many of them. But all Napoleon's brilliant
+generalship was in vain; equally in vain did his young troops emulate
+the deeds of those iron veterans whose bones lay bleaching on the
+Beresina's banks, and in the passes of the Sierra Morena. The month of
+February was passed in constant fighting, and was perhaps the most
+interesting period of the campaigns of 1813-14. On the 13th, the
+Prussian advanced guard, Ziethen's division, was attacked by superior
+numbers and completely beaten at Montmirail. Von Rahden's battalion was
+one of those which had to cover the retreat of the routed troops, and
+check the advance of the exulting enemy. Retiring slowly and in good
+order, the rearmost of the whole army, it reached the village of Etoges,
+when it was assailed by a prodigious mass of French cavalry. But the
+horsemen could make no impression on the steady ranks of Count
+Reichenbach's infantry.
+
+"Here the hostile dragoons, formed in columns of squadrons and
+regiments, charged us at least twelve or fifteen times, always without
+success. Each time Count Reichenbach let them approach to within fifty
+or sixty paces, then ordered a halt, formed square, and opened a heavy
+and well-sustained fire, which quickly drove back the enemy. As soon as
+they retired, I and my skirmishers sprang forward, and peppered them
+till they again came to the charge, when we hurried back to the
+battalion. Count Reichenbach himself never entered the square, but
+during the charges took his station on the left flank, which could not
+fire, because it faced the road along which our artillery marched. Our
+gallant commander gave his orders with the same calm coolness and
+precision as on the parade ground. His voice and our volleys were the
+only sounds heard, and truly that was one of the most glorious
+afternoons of Count Reichenbach's life. Our western neighbours love to
+celebrate the deeds of their warriors by paint-brush and graver; our
+heroes are forgotten, but for the occasional written reminiscences of
+some old soldier, witness of their valiant deeds. And truly, if Horace
+Vernet has handed Colonel Changarnier down to posterity for standing
+_inside_ his square whilst it received the furious but disorderly charge
+of semi-barbarous horse, he might, methinks, and every soldier and true
+Prussian will share my opinion, find a far worthier subject for his
+pencil in Count Reichenbach, awaiting _outside_ his square the
+formidable attacks of six thousand French cavalrymen.
+
+"It became quite dark, and the enemy ceased to charge. Pity it was! for
+such was the steadiness and discipline of our men, that the defence went
+on like some well-regulated machine, and might have been continued for
+hours longer, or till our last cartridge was burnt. The count seemed
+unusually well pleased. Twirling his mustache with a satisfied chuckle,
+he offered several officers and soldiers a dram from a little flask
+which he habitually carried in his holster, and turned to me with the
+words, 'Well done, my dear Rahden, bravo!' On hearing this praise, short
+and simple as it was, I could have embraced my noble commander for joy,
+and with feelings in my heart which only such men as Reichenbach know
+how to awaken, I resumed my place on the right of the battalion, which
+now marched away."
+
+Gradually the Allies approached Paris. On the 28th March, at the village
+of Claye, only five leagues from the capital, Kleist's division came to
+blows with the French troops under General Compan, who had marched out
+to meet them. As usual, Von Rahden was with the skirmishers, as was also
+another lieutenant of his battalion, a Pole of gigantic frame and
+extraordinary strength, who here met his death. He was rushing forward
+at the head of his men, when a four-pound shot struck him in the breast.
+It went through his body, passing very near the heart, but, strange to
+say, without causing instant death. For most men, half an ounce of lead
+in the breast is an instant quietus; but so prodigious was the strength
+and vitality of this Pole, that he lingered, the baron assures us, full
+six-and-thirty hours.
+
+"We now followed up the French infantry, which hastily retreated to a
+farm-yard surrounded by lofty linden and chestnut trees, and situated on
+a small vine-covered hill. When half-way up the eminence, we saw, upon
+the open space beneath the trees, several companies of the enemy in full
+parade uniform, with bearskin caps, large red epaulets upon their
+shoulders, and white breeches, form themselves into a sort of phalanx,
+which only replied to our fire by single shots. Presently even these
+ceased. Scheliha and myself immediately ordered our men to leave off
+firing; and Scheliha, who spoke French very intelligibly, advanced to
+within thirty paces of the enemy and summoned them to lay down their
+arms, supposing that they intended to yield themselves prisoners. They
+made no reply, but stood firm as a wall. Scheliha repeated his summons:
+a shot was fired at him. This served as a signal to our impatient
+followers, who opened a murderous fire upon the dense mass before them.
+We tried a third time to get the brave Frenchmen to yield; others of our
+battalions had come up, and they were completely cut off; but the sole
+reply we received was a sort of negative murmur, and some of them even
+threatened us with their muskets. Within ten minutes they all lay dead
+or wounded upon the ground; for our men were deaf alike to commands and
+entreaties, and to the voice of mercy. Most painful was it to us
+officers to look on at such a butchery, impotent to prevent it." It
+afterwards appeared that these French grenadiers, who belonged to the
+_Jeune Garde_, had left Paris that morning. By some mismanagement their
+stock of ammunition was insufficient, and having expended it, they
+preferred death, with arms in their hands, to captivity.
+
+At eight o'clock on the thirtieth, Kleist's and York's corps, now
+united, passed the Ourcq canal, and marched along the Pantin road
+towards Paris. Upon that morning they saw old Blucher for the first time
+for more than a month. He seemed on the brink of the grave, and wore a
+woman's bonnet of green silk to protect his eyes, which were dangerously
+inflamed. He was on horseback, but was soon obliged to return to his
+travelling carriage in rear of the army, and to give up the command to
+Barclay de Tolly. "Luckily," says the baron, "the troops knew nothing of
+the substitution." Although it would probably hardly have mattered much,
+for there was little more work to do. For that year this was the last
+day's fight. After some flank movement which took up several hours, the
+allied infantry attacked the village of La Villette, but were repulsed
+by the artillery from the adjacent barrier. The brigade batteries
+loitered in the rear, and Prince Augustus, vexed at their absence, sent
+an aide-de-camp to bring them up. One of them was commanded by
+Lieutenant Holsche, Von Rahden's former instructor at the artillery
+school, of whom we have already related an anecdote. Although an
+undoubtedly brave and circumspect officer, on this occasion he remained
+too far behind the infantry; and Captain Decker,[49] who was dispatched
+to fetch him, was not sorry to be the medium of conveying the Prince's
+sharp message, the less so as he had observed a certain nonchalance and
+want of deference in the artillery lieutenant's manner of receiving the
+orders of his superiors. At a later period, Baron Von Rahden heard from
+Decker himself the following characteristic account of his reception by
+the gallant but eccentric Holsche.
+
+"I came up to the battery," said Decker, "at full gallop. The men were
+dismounted, and their officer stood chatting with his comrades beside a
+newly-made fire. 'Lieutenant Holsche,' said I, rather sharply, 'his
+Royal Highness is exceedingly astonished that you remain idle here, and
+has directed me to command you instantly to advance your battery against
+the enemy.'
+
+"'Indeed?' was Holsche's quiet reply, 'his Royal Highness is
+astonished!' and then, turning to his men with the same calmness of tone
+and manner, 'Stand to your horses! Mount! Battery, march!'
+
+"I thought the pace commanded was not quick enough, and in the same loud
+and imperious voice as before, I observed to Lieutenant Holsche that he
+would not be up in time; he had better move faster. 'Indeed! not quick
+enough?' quietly answered Holsche, and gave the word, 'March, march!' We
+now soon got over the ground and within the enemy's fire, and,
+considering my duty at an end, I pointed out to the Lieutenant the
+direction he should take, and whereabouts he should post his battery.
+But Holsche begged me in the most friendly manner to go on and show him
+exactly where he should halt. I naturally enough complied with his
+request. The nearer we got to the French, the faster became the pace,
+until at last we were in front of our most advanced battalions. The
+bullets whizzed about us on all sides; I once more made a move to turn
+back, and told Holsche he might stop where he was. With the same
+careless air as before, he repeated his request that I would remain, in
+order to be able to tell his Royal Highness where Lieutenant Holsche and
+his battery had halted! What could I do? It was any thing but pleasant
+to share so great a danger, without either necessity or profit; and
+certainly I might very well have turned back, but Holsche, by whose side
+I galloped, fixed his large dark eyes upon my countenance, as though he
+would have read my very soul. We were close to our own skirmishers; on
+we went, right through them, into the middle of the enemy's riflemen,
+who, quite surprised at being charged by a battery, retired in all
+haste. It really seemed as if the artillery was going over to the enemy.
+At two hundred paces from the French columns, however, Holsche halted,
+unlimbered, and gave two discharges from the whole battery, with such
+beautiful precision and astounding effect, that he sent the hostile
+squadrons and battalions to the right about, and even silenced some of
+the heavy guns within the barriers. That done he returned to me, and
+begged me to inform the Prince where I had left Lieutenant Holsche and
+his battery. 'Perhaps,' added he, 'his Royal Highness will again find
+occasion to be astonished; and I shall be very glad of it.' And truly
+the Prince and all of us _were_ astonished at this gallant exploit; it
+had been achieved in sight of the whole army, and had produced a
+glorious and most desirable result."
+
+For this feat Holsche was rewarded with the Iron Cross of the first
+class. He had already at Leipzig gained that of the second, and on
+receiving it his ambition immediately aspired to the higher decoration.
+Many a time had he been heard to vow, that if he obtained it, he would
+have a cross as large as his hand manufactured by the farrier of his
+battery, and wear it upon his breast. To this he pledged his word. The
+manner in which he kept it is thus related by his old friend and pupil.
+
+"We were on our march from Paris to Amiens, when we were informed, one
+beautiful morning, that our brigade battery, under Lieutenant Holsche,
+was in cantonments in the next village. The music at our head, we
+marched through the place in parade time, and paid Holsche military
+honours as ex-commandant of the Straw-bonnet, which title he still
+retained. Intimate acquaintance and sincere respect might well excuse
+this little deviation from the regulations of the service. Our hautboys
+blew a favourite march, to which Holsche himself had once in Glatz
+written words, beginning:--
+
+    'Natz, Natz, Annemarie,
+    Da kommt die Glätzer Infanterie.'
+
+In his blue military frock, with forage cap and sword, Holsche stood
+upon a small raised patch of turf in front of his quarters, gravely
+saluting in acknowledgment of the honours paid him, which he received
+with as proud a bearing as if he was legitimately entitled to them. This
+did not surprise us, knowing him as we did, but not a little were we
+astonished when we saw an Iron Cross of the first class, as large as a
+plate, fastened upon his left breast. The orders for the battle of Paris
+and the other recent fights in France had just been distributed; Holsche
+was amongst the decorated, and the jovial artilleryman took this
+opportunity to fulfil his oft-repeated vow. Only a few hours before our
+arrival he had had the cross manufactured by his farrier."
+
+This dashing but wrong-headed officer soon afterwards became a captain,
+and subsequently major, but his extravagances, and especially his
+addiction to wine, got him into frequent trouble, until at last he was
+put upon the retired list as lieutenant-colonel, and died at Schweidnitz
+in Silesia.
+
+At six in the evening of the 30th March, the last fight of the campaign
+was over, and aides-de-camp galloped hither and thither, announcing the
+capitulation of Paris. Right pleasant were such sounds to the ears of
+the war-worn soldiers. Infantry grounded their arms, dragoons
+dismounted, artillerymen leaned idly against their pieces; Langeron
+alone, who had begun the storm of Montmartre, would not desist from his
+undertaking. Officers rode after him, waving their white handkerchiefs
+as a signal to cease firing, but without effect. The Russians stormed
+on; and if Langeron attained his end with comparatively small loss, the
+enemy being already in retreat, there were nevertheless four or five
+hundred men sacrificed to his ambition, and that he might have it to say
+that he and his Russians carried Montmartre by storm. Whilst the rest of
+the troops waited till he had attained his end, and congratulated each
+other on the termination of the hardships and privations of the
+preceding three months, a Russian bomb-carriage took fire, the drivers
+left it, and its six powerful horses, scorched and terrified by the
+explosion of the projectiles, ran madly about the field, dragging at
+their heels this artificial volcano. The battalions which they
+approached scared them away by shouts, until the unlucky beasts knew not
+which way to turn. At last, the shells and grenades being all burnt out,
+the horses stood still, and, strange to say, not one of them had
+received the slightest injury.
+
+Terrible was the disappointment of Kleist's and York's divisions, when
+they learned on the morning subsequent to the capitulation that they
+were not to enter Paris; but, after four-and-twenty hours' repose in the
+faubourg Montmartre, where they had passed the previous night, were to
+march from the capital into country quarters. Their motley and
+weather-beaten aspect was the motive of this order--a heart-breaking one
+for the brave officers and soldiers who had borne the heat and burden of
+the day during a severe and bloody campaign, and now found themselves
+excluded on the earthly paradise of their hopes. They had fought and
+suffered more than the Prussian and Russian guards; but the latter were
+smart and richly uniformed, whilst the poor fellows of the line had
+rubbed off and besmirched in many a hard encounter and rainy bivouac
+what little gilding they ever possessed. So long as fighting was the
+order of the day, they were in request; but it was now the turn of
+parades, and on these they would cut but a sorry figure. So "right
+about" was the word, and Amiens the route. A second day's respite was
+allowed them, however; and although they were strictly confined to their
+quarters, lest they should shock the sensitiveness of the Parisian
+_bourgeoisie_ by their ragged breeks, long beards, and diversity of
+equipment, some of the officers obtained leave to go into Paris. Von
+Rahden was amongst these, and, after a dinner at Véry's, where his
+Silesian simplicity and campaigning appetite were rather astonished by
+the exiguity of the _plats_ placed before him, whereof he managed to
+consume some five-and-twenty, after admiring the wonders of the Palace
+Royal, and the rich uniforms of almost every nation with which the
+streets were crowded, he betook himself to the Place Vendôme to gaze at
+the fallen conqueror's triumphant column. It was surrounded by a mob of
+fickle Parisians, eager to cast down from its high estate the idol they
+so recently had worshipped. One daredevil fellow climbed upon the
+Emperor's shoulders, slung a cord round his neck, dragged up a great
+ship's cable and twisted it several times about the statue. The rabble
+seized the other end of the rope, and with cries of "_à bas ce
+canaille!_" tugged furiously at it. Their efforts were unavailing,
+Napoleon stood firm, until the Allied sovereigns, who, from the window
+of an adjacent house, beheld this disgraceful riot, sent a company of
+Russian grenadiers to disperse the mob. The masses gave way before the
+bayonet, but not till the same man who had fastened the rope, again
+climbed up, and with a white cloth shrouded the statue of the once
+adored Emperor from the eyes of his faithless subjects. It is well known
+that, a few weeks later, the figure was taken down by order of the
+Emperor Alexander, who carried it away as his sole trophy, and gave it a
+place in the winter palace at St Petersburg. When Louis XVIII. returned
+to Paris, a broad white banner, embroidered with three golden lilies,
+waved from the summit of the column; but this in its turn was displaced,
+by the strong south wind that blew from Elba in March 1815, when
+Napoleon re-entered his capital. A municipal deputation waited upon him
+to know what he would please to have placed on the top of the triumphant
+column. "A weathercock" was the little corporal's sarcastic reply. Since
+that day, the lilies and the tricolor have again alternated on the
+magnificent column, until the only thing that ought to surmount it, the
+statue of the most extraordinary man of modern, perhaps of any, times,
+has resumed its proud position, and once more overlooks the capital
+which he did so much to improve and embellish.
+
+"I now wandered to the operahouse," says the baron, "to hear Spontini's
+_Vestale_. The enormous theatre was full to suffocation; in every box
+the Allied uniforms glittered, arms flashed in the bright light, police
+spies loitered and listened, beautiful women waved their kerchiefs and
+joined in the storm of applause, as if that day had been a most glorious
+and triumphant one for France. The consul Licinius, represented, if I
+remember aright, by the celebrated St Priest, was continually
+interrupted in his songs, and called upon for the old national melody
+'Vive Henri Quatre,' which he gave with couplets composed for the
+occasion, some of which, it was said, were improvisations. In the midst
+of this rejoicing, a rough voice made itself heard from the upper
+gallery. '_A bas l'aigle imperial!_' were the words it uttered, and in
+an instant every eye was turned to the Emperor's box, whose purple
+velvet curtains were closely drawn, and to whose front a large and
+richly gilt eagle was affixed. The audience took up the cry and repeated
+again and again--'_A bas l'aigle imperial!_' Presently the curtains were
+torn asunder, a fellow seated himself upon the cushioned parapet, twined
+his legs round the eagle, and knocked, and hammered, till it fell with a
+crash to the ground. Again the royalist ditty was called for, with _ad
+libitum_ couplets, in which the words '_ce diable à quatre_' were only
+too plainly perceptible; the unfortunate consul had to repeat them till
+he was hoarse, and so ended the great comedy performed that day by the
+'Grande Nation.' Most revolting it was, and every right-thinking man
+shuddered at such thorough Gallic indecency."
+
+Baron Von Rahden tells the story of his life well and pleasantly,
+without pretensions to brilliancy and elegance of style, but with
+soldierly frankness and spirit. We have read this first portion of his
+memoirs with pleasure and interest, and may take occasion again to refer
+to its lively and varied contents.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[48] In the third volume of Von Schöning's _History of the Artillery_,
+we find the following extract from an official report of Captain
+Spreuth, an artillery officer, dated Königsberg, 18th December 1812.
+"The 'Grand Army' is retreating across the Weichsel, if indeed it may be
+called a retreat; it is more like a total rout or disbandment, for the
+fugitives came without order or baggage. The post-horses are at work day
+and night. From the 16th to the 17th, 71 generals 60 colonels, 1243
+staff and other officers, passed through this place; the majority
+continued their route on foot, being unable to procure horses; the
+officers' baggage is all lost, some of it has been plundered by their
+own men, and we have even seen officers fighting in the streets with the
+common soldiers."
+
+[49] The noted military writer, Carl Von Decker, since General.
+
+
+
+
+ADVICE TO AN INTENDING SERIALIST.
+
+A LETTER TO T. SMITH, ESQ., SCENE-PAINTER AND TRAGEDIAN AT THE
+AMPHITHEATRE.
+
+
+My dear Smith,--Your complaint of my unwarrantable detention of the
+manuscript which, some months ago, you were kind enough to forward for
+my perusal, is founded upon a total misconception of the nature of my
+interim employments. I have not, as you somewhat broadly insinuate, been
+prigging bits of your matchless rhetoric in order to give currency and
+flavour to my own more maudlin articles. The lemon-peel of Smith has not
+entered into the composition of any of my literary puddings; neither
+have I bartered a single fragment of your delectable facetiæ for gold. I
+return you the precious bundle as safe and undivulged as when it was
+committed to my custody, and none the worse for the rather extensive
+journey which it has materially contributed to cheer.
+
+The fact is, that I have been sojourning this summer utterly beyond the
+reach of posts. To you, whose peculiar vocation it is to cater for the
+taste of the public, I need hardly remark that novelty is, now-a-days,
+in literature as in every thing else, an indispensable requisite for
+success. People will not endure the iteration of a story, however well
+it may be told. The same locality palls upon their ears, and that style
+of wit which, last year, was sufficient to convulse an audience, may, if
+continued for another session, be branded with the infamy of slang. Even
+our mutual friend Barry, whose jests are the life of the arena, is quite
+aware of this unerring physiological rule. He does not depend upon
+captivating the galleries for ever by his ingenious conundrum of getting
+into an empty quart bottle. His inimitable "be quiet, will ye?" as the
+exasperated Master of the Ring flicks off an imaginary fly from his
+motley inexpressibles, is now reserved as a great point for rare and
+special occasions; and he now lays in a new stock of witticisms at the
+commencement of each campaign, as regularly as you contract for
+lamp-black and ochre when there is an immediate prospect of a grand new
+military spectacle. The want of attention to this rule has, I fear,
+operated prejudicially upon the fortunes of our agile acquaintance,
+Hervio Nano, whom I last saw devouring raw beef in the character of a
+human Nondescript. Harvey depended too much upon his original popularity
+as the Gnome Fly, and failed through incessant repetition. The public at
+length would not stand the appearance of that eternal blue-bottle. The
+sameness of his entomology was wearisome. He should have varied his
+representations by occasionally assuming the characters of the Spectre
+Spider, or the Black Tarantula of the Tombs.
+
+Now you must know, that for the last three years I have been making my
+living exclusively out of the Swedish novels and the Countess Ida von
+Hahn-Hahn. To Frederike Bremer I owe a prodigious debt of gratitude; for
+she has saved me the trouble--and it is a prodigious bore--of inventing
+plots and characters, as I was compelled to do when the Rhine and the
+Danube were the chosen seats of fiction. For a time the literary plough
+went merrily through the sward of Sweden; nor can I, with any degree of
+conscience, complain of the quality of the crop. But, somehow or other,
+the thing was beginning to grow stale. People lost their relish for the
+perpetual raspberry jam, tart-making, spinning, and the other processes
+of domestic kitchen economy which formed our Scandinavian staple;
+indeed, I had a shrewd suspicion from the first that the market would
+soon be glutted by the introduction of so much linen and flannel. It is
+very difficult to keep up a permanent interest in favour of a heroine in
+homespun, and the storeroom is but a queer locality for the interchange
+of lovers' sighs. I therefore was not surprised, last spring, to find my
+publishers somewhat shy of entering into terms for a new translation of
+"_Snorra Gorvundstrul; or, The Barmaid of Strundschensvoe_," and, in
+the true spirit of British enterprise, I resolved to carry my flag
+elsewhere.
+
+On looking over the map of the world, with the view of selecting a novel
+field, I was astonished to find that almost every compartment was
+already occupied by one of our literary brethren. There is in all Europe
+scarce a diocese left unsung, and, like romance, civilisation is making
+rapid strides towards both the east and the west. In this dilemma I
+bethought me of Iceland as a virgin soil. Victor Hugo, it is true, had
+made some advances towards it in one of his earlier productions; but, if
+I recollect right, even that daring pioneer of letters did not penetrate
+beyond Norway, and laid the scene of his stirring narrative somewhere
+about the wilds of Drontheim. The bold dexterity with which he has
+transferred the Morgue from Paris to the most artic city of the world,
+has always commanded my most entire admiration. It is a stroke of
+machinery equal to any which you, my dear Smith, have ever introduced
+into a pantomime; and I question whether it was much surpassed by the
+transit of the Holy Chapel to Loretto. In like manner I had intended to
+transport a good deal of ready-made London ware to Iceland; or
+rather--if that will make my meaning clearer--to take my idea both of
+the scenery and characters from the Surrey Zoological Gardens, wherein
+last year I had the privilege of witnessing a superb eruption of Mount
+Hecla. On more mature reflection, however, I thought it might be as well
+to take an actual survey of the regions which I intend henceforward to
+occupy as my own especial domain; and--having, moreover, certain reasons
+which shall be nameless, for a temporary evacuation of the metropolis--I
+engaged a passage in a northern whaler, and have only just returned
+after an absence of half a year. Yes, Smith! Incredible as it may appear
+to you, I have actually been in Iceland, seen Hecla in a state of
+conflagration; and it was by that lurid light, while my mutton was
+boiling in the Geyser, that I first unfolded your manuscript, and read
+the introductory chapters of "SILAS SPAVINHITCH; _or, Rides around the
+Circus with Widdicomb and Co._"
+
+I trust, therefore, that after this explanation, you will discontinue
+the epithet of "beast," and the corresponding expletives which you have
+used rather liberally in your last two epistles. When you consider the
+matter calmly, I think you will admit that you have suffered no very
+material loss in consequence of the unavoidable delay; and, as to the
+public, I am quite sure that they will devour Silas more greedily about
+Christmas, than if he had made his appearance, all booted and spurred,
+in the very height of the dog-days. You will also have the opportunity,
+as your serial is not yet completed, of reflecting upon the justice of
+the hints which I now venture to offer for your future guidance--hints,
+derived not only from my observation of the works of others, but from
+some little personal experience in that kind of popular composition;
+and, should you agree with me in any of the views hereinafter expressed,
+you may perhaps be tempted to act upon them in the revision and
+completion of your extremely interesting work. First, then, let me say a
+few words regarding the purpose and the nature of that sort of
+_feuilleton_ which we now denominate the serial.
+
+Do not be alarmed, Smith. I am not going to conglomerate your faculties
+by any Aristotelian exposition. You are a man of by far too much
+practical sense to be humbugged by such outworn pedantry, and your own
+particular purpose in penning Silas is of course most distinctly
+apparent. You want to sack as many of the public shillings as possible.
+That is the great motive which lies at the foundation of all literary or
+general exertion, and the man who does not confess it broadly and openly
+is an ass. If your study of Fitzball has not been too exclusive, you may
+perhaps recollect the lines of Byron:--
+
+    "No! when the sons of song descend to trade,
+     Their bays are sear, their former laurels fade,
+     Let such forego the poet's sacred name,
+     Who rack their brains for lucre, not for fame;
+     Low may they sink to merited contempt,
+     And scorn remunerate the mean attempt!
+     Such be their meed, such still the just reward
+     Of prostituted muse and hireling bard!"
+
+Now these, although they have passed current in the world for some
+thirty years, are in reality poor lines, and the sentiment they intend
+to inculcate is contemptible. Byron lived long enough to know the value
+of money, as his correspondence with the late Mr Murray most abundantly
+testifies--indeed, I question whether any author ever beat him at the
+art of chaffering. If it be a legitimate matter of reproach against an
+author that he writes for money, then heaven help the integrity of every
+profession and trade in this great and enlightened kingdom! What else,
+in the name of common sense, should he write for? Fame? Thank you! Fame
+may be all very well in its way, but it butters no parsnips; and, if I
+am to be famous, I would much rather case my renown in fine linen than
+in filthy dowlas. Let people say what they please, the best criterion of
+every article is its marketable value, and no man on the face of this
+earth will work without a reasonable wage.
+
+Your first and great purpose, therefore, is to make money, and to make
+as much as you can. But then there is another kind of purpose, which, if
+I was sure you could comprehend me, I should call the intrinsic one, and
+which must be considered very seriously before you obtrude yourself upon
+the public. In other words, what is to be the general tendency of your
+work? "Fun," I think I hear you reply, "and all manner of sky-larking."
+Very good. But then, my dear friend, you must consider that there is a
+sort of method even in grimacing. There is a gentleman connected with
+your establishment, who is popularly reported to possess the inestimable
+talent of turning his head inside out. I never saw him perform that
+cephalic operation, but I have heard it highly spoken of by others who
+have enjoyed the privilege. But this it is obvious, though a very
+admirable and effective incident, could hardly be taken as the
+groundwork of a five-act play, or even a three-act melodrama; and, in
+like manner, your fun and sky-larking must have something of a positive
+tendency. I don't mean to insinuate that there is no story in Silas
+Spavinhitch. He is, if I recollect aright, the younger son of a
+nobleman, who falls in love--at Astley's, of course--with Signora
+Estrella di Canterini, the peerless Amazon of the ring. He forsakes his
+ancestral halls, abjures Parliament, and enlists in the cavalry of the
+Hippodrome. In that gallant and distinguished corps he rises to an
+unusual rank, utterly eclipses Herr Pferdenshuf, more commonly known by
+the title of the Suabian acrobat--wins the heart of the Signora by
+taming Centaur, the fierce Arabian stallion; and gains the notice and
+favour of royalty itself, by leaping the Mammoth horse over nineteen
+consecutive bars. Your manuscript ends at the point where Spavinhitch,
+having accidentally discovered that the beautiful Canterini is the
+daughter of Abd-el-Kader by a Sicilian princess, resolves to embark for
+Africa with the whole chivalry of the Surrey side, and, by driving the
+French from Algiers, to substantiate his claim upon the Emir for his
+daughter's hand. There is plenty incident here; but, to say the truth, I
+don't quite see my way out of it. Are you going to take history into
+your own hands, and write in the spirit of prophecy? The experiment is,
+to say the least of it, dangerous; and, had I been you, I should have
+preferred an earlier period for my tale, as there obviously could have
+been no difficulty in making Spavinhitch and his cavaliers take a
+leading part in the decisive charge at Waterloo.
+
+Your serial, therefore, so far as I can discover, belongs to the
+military-romantic school, and is intended to command admiration by what
+we may call a series of scenic effects. I an not much surprised at this.
+Your experience has lain so much in the line of gorgeous spectacle, and,
+indeed, you have borne a part in so many of those magnificent tableaux
+in which blue fire, real cannon, charging squadrons, and the
+transparency of Britannia are predominant, that it was hardly to be
+expected that the current of your ideas would have flowed in a humbler
+channel. At the same time, you must forgive me for saying, that I think
+the line is a dangerous one. Putting tendency altogether aside, you
+cannot but recollect that a great many writers have already
+distinguished themselves by narratives of military adventure. Of these,
+by far the best and most spirited is Charles Lever. I don't know whether
+he ever was in the army, or bore the banner of the Enniskillens; but I
+say deliberately, that he has taken the shine out of all military
+writers from the days of Julius Cæsar downwards. There is a rollocking
+buoyancy about his battles which to me is perfectly irresistible. In one
+chapter you have the lads of the fighting Fifty-fifth bivouacking under
+the cork-trees of Spain, with no end of spatchcocks and sherry--telling
+numerous anecdotes of their early loves, none the worse because the
+gentleman is invariably disappointed in his pursuit of the
+well-jointured widow--or arranging for a speedy duel with that ogre of
+the army, the saturnine and heavy dragoon. In the next, you have them
+raging like lions in the very thick of the fight, pouring withering
+volleys into the shattered columns of the Frenchmen--engaged in
+single-handed combats with the most famous marshals of the empire, and
+not unfrequently leaving marks of their prowess upon the persons of
+Massena or Murat. Lever, in fact, sticks at nothing. His heroes
+indiscriminately hob-a-nob with Wellington, or perform somersets at
+leap-frog over the shoulders of the astounded Bonaparte; and, though
+somewhat given to miscellaneous flirtation, they all, in the twentieth
+number, are married to remarkably nice girls, with lots of money and
+accommodating papas, who die as soon as they are desired. It may be
+objected to this delightful writer--and a better never mixed a
+tumbler--that he is, if any thing, too helter-skelter in his narratives;
+that the officers of the British army do not, as an invariable rule, go
+into action in a state of _delirium tremens_; and that O'Shaughnessy, in
+particular, is rather too fond of furbishing up, for the entertainment
+of the mess, certain stories which have been current for the last fifty
+years in Tipperary. These, however, are very minor points of criticism,
+and such as need not interfere with our admiration of this light lancer
+of literature, who always writes like a true and a high-minded
+gentleman.
+
+Now, my dear Smith, I must own that I have some fear of your success
+when opposed to such a competitor. You have not been in the army--that
+is, the regulars--and I should say that you were more conversant in
+theory and in practice with firing from platforms than firing in
+platoons. I have indeed seen you, in the character of Soult, lead
+several desperate charges across the stage, with consummate dramatic
+effect. Your single combat with Gomersal as Picton, was no doubt a
+masterpiece of its kind; for in the course of it you brought out as many
+sparks from the blades of your basket-hilts, as might have served in the
+aggregate for a very tolerable illumination. Still I question whether
+the style of dialogue you indulged in on that occasion, is quite the
+same as that which is current on a modern battle-field. "Ha! English
+slave! Yield, or thou diest!" is an apostrophe more appropriate to the
+middle ages than the present century; and although the patriotism of the
+following answer by your excellent opponent is undeniable, its propriety
+may be liable to censure. Crossing the stage at four tremendous strides,
+the glorious Gomersal replied, "Yield, saidst thou? Never! I tell thee,
+Frenchman, that whilst the broad banner of Britain floats over the
+regions on which the day-star never sets--while peace and plenty brood
+like guardian angels over the shores of my own dear native isle--whilst
+her sons are brave, and her daughters virtuous--whilst the British lion
+reposes on his shadow in perfect stillness--whilst with thunders from
+our native oak we quell the floods below--I tell thee, base satellite of
+a tyrant, that an Englishman never will surrender!" In the applause
+which followed this declaration, your remark, that several centuries
+beheld you from the top of a canvass pyramid, was partially lost upon
+the audience; but to it you went tooth and nail for at least a quarter
+of an hour; and I must confess that the manner in which you traversed
+the stage on your left knee, parrying all the while the strokes of your
+infuriated adversary, was highly creditable to your proficiency in the
+broadsword and gymnastic exercises.
+
+But all this, Smith, will not enable you to write a military serial. I
+therefore hope, that on consideration you will abandon the Algiers
+expedition, and keep Silas in his native island, where, if you will
+follow my advice, you will find quite enough for him to do in the way of
+incident and occupation.
+
+Now let us return to the question of tendency. Once upon a time, it was
+a trite rule by which all romance writers were guided, that in the
+_denoûment_ of their plots, virtue was invariably rewarded, and vice as
+invariably punished. This gave a kind of moral tone to their writings,
+which was not without its effect upon our grandfathers and grandmothers,
+many of whom were inclined to consider all works of fiction as direct
+emanations from Beelzebub. The next generation became gradually less
+nice and scrupulous, demanded more spice in their pottage, and attached
+less importance to the prominence of an ethical precept. At last we
+became, strictly speaking, a good deal blackguardised in our taste.
+Ruffianism in the middle ages bears about it a stamp of feudality which
+goes far to disguise its lawlessness, and even to excuse its immorality.
+When a German knight of the empire sacks and burns some peaceful and
+unoffending village--when a Bohemian marauder of noble birth bears off
+some shrieking damsel from her paternal castle, having previously
+slitted the weasand of her brother, and then weds her in a subterranean
+chapel--or when a roaring red-bearded Highlander drives his dirk into a
+gauger, or chucks a score of Sassenachs, tied back to back, with a few
+hundredweight of greywacke at their heels, into the loch--we think less
+of the enormity of the deeds than of the disagreeable habits of the
+times. It does not follow that either German, Bohemian, or Celt, were
+otherwise bad company or disagreeable companions over a flagon of
+Rhenish, a roasted boar, or a gallon or so of usquebæ. But when you come
+to the Newgate Callendar for subjects, I must say that we are getting
+rather low. I do not know what your feelings upon the subject may be,
+but I, for one, would certainly hesitate before accepting an invitation
+to the town residence of Mr Fagin; neither should I feel at all
+comfortable if required to plant my legs beneath the mahogany in company
+with Messrs Dodger, Bates, and the rest of their vivacious associates.
+However fond I may be of female society, Miss Nancy is not quite the
+sort of person I should fancy to look in upon of an evening about
+tea-time; and as for Bill Sykes, that infernal dog of his would be quite
+enough to prevent any advances of intimacy between us. In fact, Smith,
+although you may think the confession a squeamish one, I am not in the
+habit of selecting my acquaintance from the inhabitants of St Giles, and
+on every possible occasion I should eschew accepting their
+hospitalities.
+
+I have, therefore, little opportunity of judging whether the characters
+depicted by some of our later serialists, are exact copies from nature
+or the reverse. I have, however, heard several young ladies declare them
+to be extremely natural, though I confess to have been somewhat puzzled
+as to their means of accurate information. But I may be allowed _en
+passant_ to remark, that it seems difficult to imagine what kind of
+pleasure can be derived from the description of a scene, which, if
+actually contemplated by the reader, would inspire him with loathing and
+disgust, or from conversations in which the brutal alternates with the
+positive obscene. The fetid den of the Jew, the stinking cellar of the
+thief, the squalid attic of the prostitute, are not haunts for honest
+men, and the less that we know of them the better. Such places no doubt
+exist--the more is the pity; but so do dunghills, and a hundred other
+filthy things, which the imagination shudders at whenever they are
+forced upon it,--for the man who willingly and deliberately dwells upon
+such subjects, is, notwithstanding all pretext, in heart and soul a
+nightman! Don't tell me about close painting after nature. Nature is
+not always to be painted as she really is. Would you hang up such
+paintings in your drawing-room? If not, why suffer them in print to lie
+upon your drawing-room tables? What are Eugene Sue and his English
+competitors, but coarser and more prurient Ostades?
+
+Oh, but there is a moral in these things! No doubt of it. There is a
+moral in all sin and misery, as there is in all virtue and happiness.
+There is a moral every where, and the veriest bungler cannot fail to
+seize it. But is that a reason why the minds of our sons and daughters
+should be polluted by what is notoriously the nearest thing to contact
+with absolute vice--namely, vivid and graphic descriptions of it by
+writers of undenied ability? Did _Life in London_, or the exploits of
+Tom, Jerry, and Logic, make the youth of the metropolis more staid, or
+inspire them with a wholesome horror of dissipation? Did the memoirs of
+Casanova ever reclaim a rake--the autobiography of David Haggart convert
+an aspiring pickpocket--or the daring feats of Jack Sheppard arrest one
+candidate for the gallows? These are the major cases; but look at the
+minor ones. What are the favourite haunts of the heroes in even the most
+blameless of our serials? Pot-houses--cigariums--green-rooms of
+theatres--hells--spunging-houses--garrets--and the scullery! Nice and
+improving all this--isn't it, Smith?--for the young and rising
+generation! No need now for surreptitious works, entitled, "A Guide to
+the Larks of London," or so forth, which used formerly to issue from the
+virgin press of Holywell Street. Almost any serial will give hints
+enough to an acute boy, if he wishes to gain an initiative knowledge of
+subjects more especially beneath the cognisance of the police. They will
+at least guide him to the door with the red lamp burning over it, and
+only one plank betwixt its iniquity and the open street. And all this is
+for a moral! Heaven knows, Smith, I am no Puritan; but when I think upon
+the men who now call themselves the lights of the age, and look back
+upon the past, I am absolutely sick at heart, and could almost wish for
+a return of the days of Mrs Radcliffe and the Castle of Otranto.
+
+Now, my dear fellow, as I know you to be a thoroughly good-hearted
+man--not overgiven to liquor, although your estimate of beer is a just
+one--a constant husband, and, moreover, the father of five or six
+promising olive-branches, I do not for a moment suppose that you are
+likely to inweave any such tendencies in your tale. You would consider
+it low to make a prominent character of a scavenger; and although some
+dozen idiots who call themselves philanthropists would brand you as an
+aristocrat for entertaining any such opinion, I think you are decidedly
+in the right. But there is another tendency towards which I suspect you
+are more likely to incline. You are a bit of a Radical, and, like all
+men of genius, you pique yourself on elbowing upwards. So far well. The
+great ladder, or rather staircase of ambition, is open to all of us, and
+it is fortunately broader than it is high. It is not the least too
+narrow to prevent any one from approaching it, and after you have taken
+the first step, there is nothing more than stamina and perseverance
+required. But then I do not see that it is necessary to be perpetually
+plucking at the coat-tails, or seizing hold of the ankles of those who
+are before. Such conduct is quite as indecorous, and indeed ungenerous,
+as it would be to kick back, and systematically to smite with your heel
+the unprotected foreheads of your followers. Nor would I be perpetually
+pitching brickbats upwards, in order to show my own independence; or
+raising a howl of injustice, because another fellow was considerably
+elevated above me. In the social system, Smith, as it stands at present,
+has always stood, and will continue to stand long after Astley's is
+forgotten, it is not necessary that every one should commence at the
+lowest round of the staircase. Their respective fathers and progenitors
+have secured an advantageous start for many. They have achieved, as the
+case may be, either rank or fame, or honour, or wealth, or credit--and
+these possessions they are surely entitled to leave as an inheritance of
+their offspring. If we want to rise higher in the social scale than
+they did, we must make exertions for ourselves; if we are indolent, we
+must be contented to remain where we are, though at imminent risk of
+descending. But you, I take it for granted, and indeed the most of us
+who owe little to ancestral enterprise and are in fact men of the
+masses, are struggling forward towards one or other of the good things
+specified above, and no doubt we shall in time attain them. In the
+meanwhile, however, is it just--nay, is it wise--that we should mar our
+own expectancies, and depreciate the value of the prizes which we covet,
+by abusing not only the persons but the position of those above us? How
+are they to blame? Are they any the worse that they stand, whether
+adventitiously or not, at a point which we are endeavouring to reach? Am
+I necessarily a miscreant because I am born rich, and you a martyr
+because you are poor? I do not quite follow the argument. If there is
+any one to blame, you will find their names written on the leaves of
+your own family-tree; but I don't see that on that account you have any
+right to execrate me or my ancestors.
+
+I am the more anxious to caution you against putting any such rubbish
+into your pages, because I fear you have contracted some sort of
+intimacy with a knot of utilitarian ninnyhammers. The last time I had
+the pleasure of meeting you at the Ducrow's Head, there was a
+seedy-looking, ill-conditioned fellow seated on your right, who, between
+his frequent draughts of porter, (which you paid for,) did nothing but
+abuse the upper classes as tyrants, fools, and systematical grinders of
+the poor. I took the liberty, as you may remember, of slightly differing
+from some of his wholesale positions; whereupon your friend, regarding
+me with a cadaverous sneer, was pleased to mutter something about a
+sycophant, the tenor of which I did not precisely comprehend. Now,
+unless I am shrewdly mistaken, this was one of the earnest men--fellows
+who are continually bawling on people to go forward--who set themselves
+up for popular teachers, and maunder about "a oneness of purpose,"
+"intellectual elevation," "aspirations after reality," and suchlike
+drivel, as though they were absolute Solons, not blockheads of the
+muddiest water. And I was sorry to observe that you rather seemed to
+agree with the rusty patriot in some of his most sweeping strictures,
+and evinced an inclination to adopt his theory of the coming Utopia,
+which, judging from the odour that pervaded his apostolic person and
+raiment, must bear a strong resemblance to a modern gin-shop. Now,
+Smith, this will not do. There may be inequalities in this world, and
+there may also be injustice; but it is a very great mistake to hold that
+one-half of the population of these islands is living in profligate ease
+upon the compulsory labour of the other. I am not going to write you a
+treatise upon political economy; but I ask you to reflect for a moment,
+and you will see how ludicrous is the charge. This style of thinking,
+or, what is worse, this style of writing, is positively the most
+mischievous production of the present day. Disguised under the specious
+aspect of philanthropy, it fosters self-conceit and discontent, robs
+honest industry of that satisfaction which is its best reward, and,
+instead of removing, absolutely creates invidious class-distinctions.
+And I will tell you from what this spirit arises--it is the working of
+the meanest envy.
+
+There never was a time when talent, and genius, and ability, had so fair
+a field as now. The power of the press is developed to an extent which
+almost renders exaggeration impossible, and yet it is still upon the
+increase. A thousand minds are now at work, where a few were formerly
+employed. We have become a nation of readers and of writers. The
+rudiments of education, whatever may be said of its higher branches, are
+generally distributed throughout the masses--so much so, indeed, that
+without them no man can hope to ascend one step in the social scale.
+This is a great, though an imperfect gain, and, like all such, it has
+its evils.
+
+Of these not the least is the astounding growth of quackery. It assails
+us every where, and on every side; and, with consummate impudence, it
+asserts its mission to teach. Look at the shoals of itinerant lecturers
+which at this moment are swarming through the land. No department of
+science is too deep, no political question too abstruse, for their
+capacity. They have their own theories on the subjects of philosophy and
+religion--of which theories I shall merely remark, that they differ in
+many essentials from the standards both of church and college--and these
+they communicate to their audience with the least possible regard to
+reservation. Had you ever the pleasure, Smith, of meeting one of these
+gentlemen amongst the amenities of private life? I have upon various
+occasions enjoyed that luxury; and, so far as I am capable of judging,
+the Pericles of the platform appeared to me a coarse-minded, illiterate,
+and ignorant Cockney, with the manners and effrontery of a bagman. Such
+are the class of men who affect to regenerate the people with the
+tongue, and who are listened to even with avidity, because impudence,
+like charity, can cover a multitude of defects; and thus they stand,
+like so many sons of Telamon, each secure behind the shelter of his
+brazen shield. As to the pen-regenerators, they are at least equally
+numerous. I do not speak of the established press, the respectability
+and talent of which is undeniable; but of the minor crew, who earn their
+bread partly by fostering discontent, and partly by pandering to the
+worst of human passions. The merest whelp, who can write a decent
+paragraph, considers himself, now-a-days, entitled to assume the airs of
+an Aristarchus, and will pronounce opinions, _ex cathedrâ_, upon every
+question, no matter of what importance, for he too is a teacher of the
+people!
+
+This is the lowest sort of quackery; but there are also higher degrees.
+Our literature, of what ought to be the better sort, has by no means
+escaped the infection. In former times, men who devoted themselves to
+the active pursuit of letters, brought to the task not only high talent,
+but deep and measured thought, and an accumulated fund of acquirement.
+They studied long before they wrote, and attempted no subject until they
+had thoroughly and comprehensively mastered its details. But we live
+under a new system. There is no want of talent, though it be of a
+rambling and disjointed kind; but we look in vain for marks of the
+previous study. Our authors deny the necessity or advantage of an
+apprenticeship, and set up for masters before they have learned the
+rudiments of their art, and they dispense altogether with reflection.
+Few men now think before they write. The consequence is, that a great
+proportion of our modern literature is of the very flimsiest
+description--vivid, sometimes, and not without sparkles of genuine
+humour; but so ill constructed as to preclude the possibility of its
+long existence. No one is entitled to reject models, unless he has
+studied them, and detected their faults; but this is considered by far
+too tedious a process for modern ingenuity. We are thus inundated with a
+host of clever writers, each relying upon his peculiar and native
+ability, jesting--for that is the humour of the time--against each
+other, and all of them forsaking nature, and running deplorably into
+caricature.
+
+These are the men who make the loudest outcry against the social system,
+and who appear to be imbued with an intense hatred of the aristocracy,
+and indeed with every one of our time-honoured institutions. This I know
+has been denied; but, in proof of my assertion, I appeal to their
+published works. Read any one of them through, and I ask you if you do
+not rise from it with a sort of conviction, that you must search for the
+cardinal virtues solely in the habitations of the poor--that the rich
+are hard, selfish, griping, and tyrannical--and that the nobility are
+either fools, spendthrifts, or debauchees? Is it so, as a general rule,
+in actual life? Far from it. I do not need to be told of the virtue and
+industry which grace the poor man's lot; for we all feel and know it,
+and God forbid that it should be otherwise. But we know also that there
+is as great, if not greater temptation in the hovel than in the palace,
+with fewer counteracting effects from education and principle to
+withstand it; and it is an insult to our understanding to be told, that
+fortune and station are in effect but other words for tyranny,
+callousness, and crime.
+
+The fact is, that most of these authors know nothing whatever of the
+society which they affect to describe, but which in truth they grossly
+libel. Their starting-point is usually not a high one; but by dint of
+some talent--in certain cases naturally great--and a vivacity of style,
+joined with a good deal of drollery and power of bizarre description,
+they at last gain a portion of the public favour, and become in a manner
+notables. This is as it should be; and such progress is always
+honourable. Having arrived at this point, not without a certain degree
+of intoxication consequent upon success, our author begins to look about
+him and to consider his own position--and he finds that position to be
+both new and anomalous. On the one hand he has become a lion. The
+newspapers are full of his praises; his works are dramatized at the
+minor theatres; he is pointed at in the streets, and his publisher is
+clamorous for copy. At small literary reunions he is the cynosure of all
+eyes. And so his organ of self-esteem continues to expand day by day,
+until he fancies himself entitled to a statue near the altar in the
+Temple of Fame--not very far, perhaps, from those of Shakspeare, of
+Spencer, or of Scott. One little drop of gall, however, is mingled in
+the nectar of his cup. He does not receive that consideration which he
+thinks himself entitled to from the higher classes. Peers do not wait
+upon him with pressing invitations to their country-seats; nor does he
+receive any direct intimation of the propriety of presenting himself at
+Court. This appears to him not only strange but grossly unfair. He is
+one of nature's aristocracy--at least so he thinks; and yet he is
+regarded with indifference by the body of the class aristocrats! Why is
+this? He knows they have heard of his name; he is convinced that they
+have read his works, and been mightily tickled thereby; yet how is it
+that they show no manner of thirst whatever for his society? In vain he
+lays in scores of apple-green satin waistcoats, florid cravats, and a
+wilderness of mosaic jewellery--in vain he makes himself conspicuous
+wherever he can--he is looked at, to be sure; but the right hand of
+fellowship is withheld. Gradually he becomes savage and indignant. No
+man is better aware than he is, that not one scion of the existing
+aristocracy could write a serial or a novel at all to be compared to
+his; and yet Lord John and Lord Frederick--both of them literary men
+too--do not insist upon walking with him in the streets, and never once
+offer to introduce him to the bosom of their respective families! Our
+friend becomes rapidly bilious; is seized with a moral jaundice; and
+vows that, in his next work, he will do his uttermost to show up that
+confounded aristocracy. And he keeps his vow.
+
+Now, Smith, to say the least of it, this is remarkably silly conduct,
+and it argues but little for the intellect and the temper of the man. It
+is quite true that the English aristocracy, generally speaking, do not
+consider themselves bound to associate with every successful candidate
+for the public favour; but they neither despise him nor rob him of one
+tittle of his due. The higher classes of society are no more exclusive
+than the lower. Each circle is formed upon principles peculiar to
+itself, amongst which are undoubtedly similarity of interest, of
+position, and of taste; and it is quite right that it should be so. You
+will understand this more clearly if I bring the case home to yourself.
+I shall suppose that the success of Silas Spavinhitch is something
+absolutely triumphant--that it sells by tens and hundreds of thousands,
+and that the treasury of your publisher is bursting with the accumulated
+silver. You find yourself, in short, the great literary lion of the
+day--the intellectual workman who has produced the consummate
+masterpiece of the age. What, under such circumstances, would be your
+wisest line of conduct? I should decidedly say, to establish an account
+at your banker's, enjoy yourself reasonably with your friends, make Mrs
+Smith and your children as happy as possible, and tackle to another
+serial without deviating from the tenor of your way. I would not, if I
+were you, drop old acquaintances, or insist clamorously upon having new
+ones. I should look upon myself, not as a very great man, but as a very
+fortunate one; and I would not step an inch from my path to exchange
+compliments with King or with Kaisar. Don't you think such conduct
+would be more rational than quarrelling with society because you are not
+worshipped as a sort of demi-god? Is the Duke of Devonshire obliged to
+ask you to dinner, because you are the author of Silas Spavinhitch? Take
+my word for it, Smith, you would feel excessively uncomfortable if any
+such invitation came. I think I see you at a ducal table, with an
+immense fellow in livery behind you, utterly bewildered as to how you
+should behave yourself, and quite as much astounded as Abon Hassan when
+hailed by Mesrour, chief of the eunuchs, as the true Commander of the
+Faithful! How gladly would you not exchange these _soufflés_ and
+_salmis_ for a rump-steak and onions in the back-parlour of the Ducrow's
+Head! Far rather would you be imbibing porter with Widdicomb than
+drinking hermitage with his Grace--and O!--horror of horrors! you have
+capsized something with a French name into the lap of the dowager next
+you, and your head swims round with a touch of temporary apoplexy, as
+you observe the snigger on the countenance of the opposite lackey, who,
+menial as he is, considers himself at bottom quite as much of a
+gentleman, and as conspicuous a public character as yourself.
+
+And--mercy on me!--what would you make of yourself at a ball? You are a
+good-looking fellow, Smith, and nature has been bountiful to you in
+calf; but I would not advise you to sport that plum-coloured coat and
+azure waistcoat of an evening. Believe me, that though you may pass
+muster in such a garb most creditably on the Surrey side, there are
+people in Grosvenor Square who will unhesitatingly pronounce you a
+tiger. And pray, whom are you going to dance with? You confess to
+yourself, whilst working on those relentless and impracticable kids,
+that you do not know a single soul in the saloon except the man who
+brought you there, and he has speedily abandoned you. That staid,
+haughty-looking lady with the diamonds, is a Countess in her own right,
+and those two fair girls with the auburn ringlets are her daughters, the
+flower of the English nobility, and the name they bear is conspicuous in
+history to the Conquest. Had you not better walk up to the noble matron,
+announce yourself as the author of Silas Spavinhitch, and request an
+introduction to Lady Edith or Lady Maude? You would just as soon consent
+to swing yourself like Fra Diavolo on the slack-rope! And suppose that
+you were actually introduced to Lady Maude, how would you contrive to
+amuse her? With anecdotes of the back slums, or the green-room, or the
+witticisms of medical students? Would you tell her funny stories about
+the loves of the bagmen, or recreations with a migratory giantess in the
+interior of a provincial caravan? Do you think that, with dulcet prattle
+of this sort, you could manage to efface the impression made long ago
+upon her virgin heart by that handsome young guardsman, who is now
+regarding you with a glance prophetic of a coming flagellation? Surely,
+you misguided creature, you are not going to expose yourself by dancing?
+Yes, you are! You once danced a polka with little Laura Wilkins on the
+boards at Astley's, and ever since that time you have been labouring
+under the delusion that you are a consummate Vestris. So you claw your
+shrinking partner round the waist, and set off, prancing like the pony
+that performs a pas-seul upon its hinder legs; and after bouncing
+against several couples in your rash and erratic career, you are
+arrested by the spur of a dragoon, which rips up your inexpressibles,
+lacerates your ankle, and stretches you on the broad of your back upon
+the floor, to the intense and unextinguishable delight of the assembled
+British aristocracy.
+
+Or, by way of a change, what would you say to go down with your
+acquaintance, Lord Walter, to Melton? You ride well--that is, upon
+several horses, with one foot upon the crupper of the first, and the
+other upon the shoulder of the fourth. But a hunting-field is another
+matter. I think I see you attempting to assume a light and jaunty air in
+the saddle; your long towsy hair flowing gracefully over the collar of
+your spotless pink; and the nattiest of conical castors secured by a
+ribband upon the head which imagined the tale of Spavinhitch. You have
+not any very distinct idea of what is going to take place; but you
+resolve to demean yourself like a man, and cover your confusion with a
+cigar. The hounds are thrown into cover. There is a yelping and the
+scouring of many brushes among the furze; a red hairy creature bolts out
+close beside you, and, with a bray of insane triumph, you commence to
+canter after him, utterly regardless of the cries of your
+fellow-sportsmen, entreating you to hold hard. In a couple of minutes
+more, you are in the middle of the hounds, knocking out the brains of
+one, crushing the spine of another, and fracturing the legs of a third.
+A shout of anger rises behind; no matter--on you go. Accidents will
+happen in the best regulated hunting-fields--and what business had these
+stupid brutes to get under your horse's legs? Otherwise, you are
+undeniably a-head of the field; and won't you show those tip-top fellows
+how a serialist can go the pace? But your delusion is drawing to an end.
+There is a clattering of hoofs, and a resonant oath behind you--and
+smack over your devoted shoulders comes the avenging whip of the
+huntsman, frantic at the loss of his most favourite hounds, and
+execrating you for a clumsy tailor. "Serve him right, Jem! Give it him
+again!" cries the Master of the hounds--a very different person from
+your old friend the Master of the Ring--as the scarlet crowd rushes by;
+and again and again, with intensest anguish, you writhe beneath the
+thong wielded by the brawny groom--and, after sufficient chastisement,
+sneak home to anoint your aching back, and depart, ere the sportsmen
+return, for your own Paddingtonian domicile.
+
+Now, Smith, are you not convinced that it would be the height of folly
+to expose yourself to any such unpleasant occurrences? To be sure you
+are; and yet there are some dozen of men, no better situated than
+yourself, who would barter their ears for the chance of being made such
+laughingstocks for life. The innate good sense and fine feeling of the
+upper classes, prevents these persons from assuming so extremely false
+and ridiculous a position, and yet this consideration is rewarded by the
+most foul and malignant abuse. It is high time that these gentlemen
+should be brought to their senses, and be taught the real value of
+themselves and of their writings. Personally they are objectionable and
+offensive--relatively they are bores--and, in a literary point of view,
+they have done much more to lower than to elevate the artistic standard
+of the age. Their affectation of philanthropy and maudlin sentiment is
+too shallow to deceive any one who is possessed of the ordinary
+intellect of a man; and in point of wit and humour, which is their
+stronghold, the best of them is far inferior to Paul de Kock, whose
+works are nearly monopolized for perusal by the _flaneurs_ and the
+_grisettes_ of Paris.
+
+Take my advice then, and have nothing to say to the earnest and
+oneness-of-purpose men. They are not only weak but wicked; and they will
+lead you most lamentably astray. Let us now look a little into your
+style, which, after all, is a matter of some importance in a serial.
+
+On the whole, I like it. It is nervous, terse, and epigrammatic--a
+little too high-flown at times; but I was fully prepared for that. What
+I admire most, however, is your fine feeling of humanity--the instinct,
+as it were, and dumb life which you manage to extract from inanimate
+objects as well as from articulately-speaking men. Your very furniture
+has a kind of automatonic life; you can make an old chest of drawers
+wink waggishly from the corner, and a boot-jack in your hands becomes a
+fellow of infinite fancy. This is all very pleasant and delightful;
+though I think, upon the whole, you give us a little too much of it, for
+I cannot fancy myself quite comfortable in a room with every article of
+the furniture maintaining a sort of espionage upon my doings. Then as to
+your antiquarianism you are perfect. Your description of "the old
+deserted stable, with the old rusty harness hanging upon the old decayed
+nails, so honey-combed, as it were, by the tooth of time, that you
+wondered how they possibly could support the weight; while across the
+span of an old discoloured stirrup, a great spider had thrown his web,
+and now lay waiting in the middle of it, a great hairy bag of venom, for
+the approach of some unlucky fly, like a usurer on the watch for a
+spendthrift,"--that description, I say, almost brought tears to my eyes.
+The catalogue, also, which you give us of the decayed curry-combs all
+clogged with grease, the shankless besoms, the worm-eaten corn-chest,
+and all the other paraphernalia of the desolate stable, is as finely
+graphic as any thing which I ever remember to have read.
+
+But your best scene is the opening one, in which you introduce us to the
+aërial dwelling of Estrella di Canterini, in Lambeth. I do not wish to
+flatter you, my dear fellow; but I hold it to be a perfect piece of
+composition, and I cannot resist the temptation of transcribing a very
+few sentences:--
+
+"It was the kitten that began it, and not the cat. It isn't no use
+saying it was the cat, because I was there, and I saw it and know it;
+and if I don't know it, how should any body else be able to tell about
+it, if you please? So I say again it was the kitten that began it, and
+the way it all happened was this.
+
+"There was a little bit, a small tiny string of blue worsted--no! I am
+wrong, for when I think again the string was pink--which was hanging
+down from a little ball that lay on the lap of a tall dark girl with
+large lustrous eyes, who was looking into the fire as intently as if she
+expected to see a salamander in the middle of it. Huggs, the old cat,
+was lying at her feet, coiled up with her tail under her, enjoying, to
+all appearance, a comfortable snooze: but she wasn't asleep, for all the
+time that she was pretending to shut her eyes, she was watching the
+movements of a smart little kitten, just six weeks old, who was pouncing
+upon, and then letting go, like an imaginary mouse, a little roll of
+paper, which, between ourselves, bore a strong resemblance to two or
+three others which occupied a more elevated position, being, in fact,
+placed in a festoon or sort of fancy-garland round the head of the dark
+girl who was so steadfastly gazing into the fire. But this sort of thing
+didn't last long; for the kitten, after making a violent pounce, shook
+its head and sneezed, as if it had been pricked by a pin, which was the
+case, and then cried mew, as much as to say, 'You nasty thing! if I had
+known that you were going to hurt me, I wouldn't have played with you so
+long; so go away, you greasy little rag!' And then the kitten put on a
+look of importance, as if its feelings had been injured in the nicest
+points, and then walked up demurely to Huggs, and began to pat her
+whiskers, as if it wanted, which it probably did, to tell her all about
+it. But Huggs didn't get up, or open her great green eyes, but lay still
+upon the rug, purring gently, as though she were dreaming that she had
+got into a dairy, and that there was nobody to interfere at all between
+her and the bowls of cream. So the smart little kitten gave another pat,
+and a harder one than the last, which might have roused Huggs, had it
+not observed at that moment the little pink string of worsted. Now the
+end of the little pink string reached down to within a foot of the
+floor, so that the smart little kitten could easily reach it; so the
+smart little kitten wagged its tail and stood up upon its hind-paws, and
+caught hold of the little pink string by the end, and gave it such a
+pull, that the worsted ball rolled off the girl's knee and fell upon the
+head of Huggs, who made believe to think that it was a rat, and got up
+and jumped after it, and the kitten ran too, and gave another mew, as
+much as to say, that the worsted was its own finding out, and that Huggs
+shouldn't have it at all. All this wasn't done without noise; so the
+tall girl looked round, and seeing her worsted ball roll away, and Huggs
+and the kitten after it, she said in a slightly foreign accent,
+
+"'Worrit that Huggs!'
+
+"All this while there was sitting at the other side of the fire, a young
+girl, a great deal younger than the other; in fact, a little, very
+little child, who was sucking a dried damson in her mouth, and looked as
+if she would have liked to have swallowed it, but didn't do it, for fear
+of the stone. Now Huggs was the particular pet of the little girl, who
+wouldn't have her abused on any account, and she said,
+
+"''Twor'n't Huggs, aunt Strelly, 'twore the kitten!'
+
+" 'Eliza Puddifoot!' replied the other, in a somewhat raucous and
+melo-dramatic tone--'Eliza Puddifoot! I is perticklarly surprised, I is,
+that you comes for to offer to contradick me. I knows better what's what
+than you, and all I says is, that there 'ere Huggs goes packing out of
+the windor!'
+
+"The child--she was a very little one--burst into a flood of tears."
+
+Now, that is what I call fine writing, and no mistake. There is a
+breadth--a depth--a sort of _chiaroscuro_, about the picture which
+betrays the hand of a master, and shows how deeply you have studied in a
+school which has no equal in modern, and never had a parallel in former
+times.
+
+Almost equal to this is your sketch of the soirée at Mr Grindlejerkin's,
+which is written with a close observance of character, and, at the same
+time, an ease and playfulness which cannot fail of attracting a large
+share of the popular regard. Your hero, Mr Spavinhitch, has
+distinguished himself so much by throwing a somerset through a blazing
+hoop, that at last he receives the honour of an invitation to the
+hospitalities of the Master of the Ring.
+
+"I can tell you, that an uncommonly fine man Mr Grindlejerkin was, with
+a stout Roman nose, only a little warty, and black whiskers curling
+under his chin, and a smart little imperial that gave quite a cock to
+his countenance, and made him altogether look a good deal like a hero.
+He was dressed in bright bottle-green, was Mr Grindlejerkin--that is, in
+so far as regarded his coat, which was garnished with large silver
+buttons and a horse's head upon them: but his trousers were of a
+light-blue colour, a little faded or so, and creased, as if they had
+been sent out a good deal to the washing, and had come home without
+having been pressed carefully through the mangle. He had evidently been
+drinking, had Mr Grindlejerkin, for he leaned against the fireplace in a
+sort of vibratory manner, as if he were not very sure of his own
+equilibrium, and couldn't trust it. However, he did his best to welcome
+Silas, which he did with an air of patronising affability, as if he
+wished him to understand that he was not to be considered as letting
+himself down by inviting a voltigeur to his table.
+
+"'Now, Mr Spavinhitch,' said Mr Grindlejerkin, 'glad to see you, sir, or
+any other rising member of the profession. May I perish of the
+string-halt, sir, if I do not consider you an eminent addition to the
+Ring! Your last vault through the hoops, sir, was extraordinary; upon my
+credentials, quite! It reminded me much of my late esteemed friend
+Goggletrumkins. Ah, what a man that was! Did you know Goggletrumkins, Mr
+Spavinhitch?'
+
+"Silas modestly repudiated that honour.
+
+"'Ah, sir, you should have known him!' replied the stately Master of the
+Ring. 'That was indeed a man, sir; the gem of the British arena. His
+Life-guardsman Shaw, sir, was one of the finest things in nature: quite
+statuesque, sir; it was enough to inspire a nation. You are, perhaps,
+not aware, sir, that he used to sit as a model for the Wellington
+statues?'
+
+"'Indeed!' said Silas.
+
+"'He did, sir,' continued Mr Grindlejerkin solemnly, 'and the boast of
+Astley's now lives in imperishable marble. But I forgot: you do not know
+my lady. Mrs Grindlejerkin, my cherub--Mr Spavinhitch, one of our most
+distinguished recruits.'
+
+"Mrs Grindlejerkin was a tall lady, with black treacly hair, a good deal
+younger than her lord, to whom she had been only recently united. She
+was married off the stage, which she had ornamented since she was three
+years old, when she used to appear as a little fairy crawling out of
+paste-board tulips, and frighten, by the magic of her rod, some older
+imps in green, who used to shoulder their legs like muskets, and go
+through all sorts of strange diabolical manoeuvres. Miss Clara Tiggs,
+such was her virgin name, then rose to the rank of the angels, and might
+be seen any evening flying across the stage with little gauze winglets
+fastened to her back, by aid of which it is not likely that she could
+have flown very far, if it had not been for the cross-wires and the cord
+attached to her waist. But she looked very pretty, did Clara Tiggs, as
+she fluttered from the side-wings like an exaggerated butterfly, and
+rained down white paper flowers upon the heads of imploring lovers. But
+she soon got too heavy for that business, and having no natural genius
+for tragedy, and being rather too splayfooted for the ballet, and too
+stiff-jointed for the hippodrome, she became one of those young ladies
+in white, who always walk before the queens in melodramatic spectacles,
+and who keep in pairs, and look like the most loving and affectionate
+creatures in the world, because they always are holding one another's
+hands. And it possibly might be this appearance of sisterly devotion
+which induced Mr Grindlejerkin to pay his addresses to Miss Clara Tiggs;
+for Miss Clara Tiggs never appeared in public except linked to Miss
+Emily Whax, another nice young lady, who was always dressed in white,
+and who carried around her neck a locket, which was supposed to contain
+the hair of a certain officer who always took a considerable number of
+tickets for her benefit. Such was Mrs Grindlejerkin, who now saluted Mr
+Spavinhitch with a pleasant smile.
+
+"'Clara, my own dear love,' said Mr Grindlejerkin after a pause, 'can
+you tell me what we are to have for supper?'
+
+"'La! Mr Grindlejerkin,' replied the lady, 'how should I know?
+Sassengers and pettitoes, I suppose. It's very odd,' continued she,
+addressing Silas--'it's very odd, but Mr Grindlejerkin always _does_ ask
+me what he is to have for supper!'
+
+"Silas didn't think it was odd at all, for the same idea had just been
+floating through his mind; but as he did not think it would be right to
+say so, he merely smiled, whereupon Mrs Grindlejerkin, who was a
+good-natured body in the main, smiled too, and Mr Grindlejerkin began to
+smile, but checked himself, and didn't, because it might have been
+thought that he was letting down his dignity. So he contented himself
+with ringing the bell, and directed the servant-girl who answered it,
+rather ferociously, to bring him a tumbler of rum-and-water.
+
+"'Ha! Bingo, my buck, how are you?' cried the Master of the Ring to the
+principal clown, who now entered the apartment, and who, being a
+personage of much consideration and importance in the theatrical
+circles, might be addressed with any kind of familiarity without a
+compromise of official reserve. 'How are ye, Bingo? Well and herty, eh?
+Won't you take a drop of summat?'
+
+"'I will,' replied the clown in a melancholy voice, well corresponding
+to his features, which, when the paint was washed off, were haggard and
+malagugrious in the extreme. 'I will; but I am not well. Spasms in the
+heart, kidneys, merry-thought, and liver. A silent sorrow here. Age
+brings care. I thank you. Stop. I like it stiff.'
+
+"'That's my rum 'un!' said Mr Grindlejerkin. 'Drown dull care in
+Jamaikey. But here is the Signora Estrella. Madame, you are most
+welcome!'
+
+"Silas felt the blood rise to his temples. And so at last he could meet
+her, the lady of his heart, the bright star of his boyish existence, not
+in the feverish whirl of the arena, beneath the glare of gas, surrounded
+by clouds of sawdust and the gazing eyes of thousands, but in the calm
+sanctuary of private life, where, at least if he could find the courage,
+he might pour forth the incense of his soul, and tell her how madly, how
+desolatingly he had begun to love her--no, not begun, for it seemed to
+him as if he had loved her long before he ever saw her: as if the love
+of her were something implanted in his bosom before yet he knew what it
+was to undergo the agonies of teething; long before, like a roasting
+oyster, he lay in his silken cradle, and squared with tiny and
+ineffectual fists at the approaching phantoms of time, existence, and
+futurity. It seemed to him as though the doll, with which, when a very
+little child, he had played, had just the same dark lustrous eyes, with
+something bead-like and mysterious in their expression, which lent such
+an inexpressible fascination to the countenance of the beautiful
+Canterini. That doll! he had fondled it a thousand times in his baby
+arms: had called it his duck, his dolly, his wifikin, and numerous other
+terms of childish prattle and endearment: had grown jealous of it,
+because, when his little brother kissed it, it did not cry out or show
+any symptoms of anger, and so, in a mad moment of rage and remorse, he
+had struck the waxen features against a mantelpiece, and shivered them
+into innumerable fragments. What would he not have given at that moment
+to have recalled the doll! But it could not be. The fragments had been
+long, long ago swept into the dust-hole of oblivion, and though they
+might afterwards have been carried out and scattered over the fresh
+green fields, where there are trees, and cows, and little singing-birds,
+and flowers, they could not be--oh no, never--reunited! But the lady,
+the Signora! no rude hand had marred the wax of that countenance; for
+though very, very pale, there still lingered beneath her eyes a touch of
+the enchanting carmine.
+
+"'The Signora,' said Mr Bingo. 'Fine woman. Grass though. Decidedly
+grass. All flesh is, you know.' And with this remark the mimic resumed
+his tumbler.
+
+"The Signora turned her dark lustrous eyes upon Silas, and instantly
+encountered his ardent and devoted gaze. She did not shrink from it;
+true love never does, for it is always bold if not happy; but she grew a
+shade paler as she accepted that involuntary homage, and, with a
+graceful wave of her hand, she sunk upon a calico sofa.
+
+"'The sassengers is dished!' said the pudding-faced servant-maid; and
+the whole party, now increased by the addition of Mr Jonas Fitzjunk, who
+did the nautical heroes, and Whang Gobretsjee Jeehohupsejee, the Brahmin
+conjurer, who talked English with a strong Aberdeen accent, besides one
+or two other notables, adjourned to the supper-room.
+
+"'Signora, sassenger?' said Mr Grindlejerkin.
+
+"'If you pleases; underdone and graveyless,' replied the beautiful
+foreigner.
+
+"'Oh, that I were that sausage, that so I might touch those ripe and
+tempting lips!' thought Silas, as he reached across the Brahmin for the
+pickles.
+
+"'Can the buddy no tak' a care!' cried Jeehohupsejee; 'fat's he gauen to
+dee wi' the wee joug?'
+
+"'Hush, conjurer!' cried Bingo. 'Eat. Swallow. That's your sort. Life is
+short. Victuals become cold.'
+
+"'Mr Grindlejerkin!' screamed the helpmate of that gentleman suddenly
+from the lower end of the table. 'Mr Grindlejerkin! I wish you would
+come here and stop Mr Fitzjunk from winking at me!'
+
+"'Mr Fitzjunk!' thundered the Master of the Ring, 'do you know, sir,
+that that lady has the honour to be my wife? What do you mean by this
+conduct, sir? How dare you wink?'
+
+"'Avast there, messmate!' said Fitzjunk, who always spoke as if he were
+in command of a Battersea steamer. 'Avast there! None of your
+fresh-water and loblolly-boy terms, if you please. Shiver my binnacle,
+if things haven't come to a pretty pass, when an old British sailor
+can't throw out a signal of distress to one of the prettiest craft that
+ever showed her sky-scrapers where Neptune's billows roll!'
+
+"'Oh, Mr Fitzjunk! but you _did_ wink at me!' said Mrs Grindlejerkin,
+considerably mollified by the compliment.
+
+"'I knows I did,' replied the representative of the British navy. 'The
+more by token, as how I ha'n't got nothing here to stow away into my
+locker; so I shut up one deadlight twice, and burned a blue fire for a
+cargo of pettitoes to heave to.'
+
+"'Was that all, sir?' said Mr Grindlejerkin, still rather sternly.
+
+"'Ay, ay, sir!' replied the tar.
+
+"'Then I shall be happy to drown all unkindness in a pot of porter,
+sir.'
+
+"'Good!' said Mr Bingo, 'Right. Harmony preserved. Glad to join you. Cup
+of existence. Gall at bottom.'
+
+"'I beg your pardink, sir,' said the Signora looking full at Silas, who
+was seated exactly opposite--'I beg your pardink, sir, but vos you
+pleased to vish anythink?'
+
+"'No, lady!' replied Silas blushing scarlet. 'No, lady, not I--That
+is--'
+
+"'O, very vell!' observed the Signora; 'it don't much sicknify; only I
+thought you might vant somethink, 'cos you vos a treadin' on my toes!'"
+
+I shall not, my dear Smith, pursue this delightful scene any further.
+It is enough to substantiate your claim--and I am sure the public will
+coincide with me in this opinion--to a very high place amongst the
+domestic and sentimental writers of the age. You have, and I think most
+wisely, undertaken to frame a new code of grammar and of construction
+for yourself; and the light and airy effect of this happy innovation is
+conspicuous not only in every page, but in almost every sentence of your
+work. There is no slipslop here--only a fine, manly disregard of syntax,
+which is infinitely attractive; and I cannot doubt that you are destined
+to become the founder of a far higher and more enduring school of
+composition, than that which was approved of and employed by the fathers
+of our English literature.
+
+You work will be translated, Smith, into French and German, and other
+European languages. I am sincerely glad of it. It is supposed abroad
+that a popular author must depict both broadly and minutely the manners
+of his particular nation--that his sketches of character have reference
+not only to individuals, but to the idiosyncrasy of the country in which
+he dwells. Your works, therefore, will be received in the saloons of
+Paris and Vienna--it may be of St Petersburg--as conveying accurate
+pictures of our everyday English life; and I need hardly remark how much
+that impression must tend to elevate our national character in the eyes
+of an intelligent foreigner. Labouring under old and absurd prejudices,
+he perhaps at present believes that we are a sober, unmercurial people,
+given to domestic habits, to the accumulation of wealth, and to our own
+internal improvements. It is reserved for you, Smith, to couch his
+visionary eye. You will convince him that a great part of our existence
+is spent about the doors of theatres, in tap-rooms, pot-houses, and
+other haunts, which I need not stay to particularize. You will prove to
+him that the British constitution rests upon no sure foundation, and
+that it is based upon injustice and tyranny. Above all, he will learn
+from you the true tone which pervades society, and the altered style of
+conversation and morals which is universally current among us. In minor
+things, he will discover, what few authors have taken pains to show, the
+excessive fondness of our nation for a pure Saxon nomenclature. He will
+learn that such names as Seymour, and Howard, and Percy--nay, even our
+old familiars, Jones and Robinson--are altogether proscribed among us,
+and that a new race has sprung up in their stead, rejoicing in the
+euphonious appellations of Tox and Wox, Whibble, Toozle, Whopper,
+Sniggleshaw, Guzzlerit, Gingerthorpe, Mugswitch, Smungle, Yelkins,
+Fizgig, Parksnap, Grubsby, Shoutowker, Hogswash, and Quiltirogus. He
+will also learn that our magistrates, unlike the starched official
+dignitaries of France, are not ashamed to partake, in the public
+streets, of tripe with a common workman--and a hundred other little
+particulars, which throw a vast light into the chinks and crevices of
+our social system.
+
+I therefore, Smith, have the highest satisfaction in greeting you, not
+only as an accomplished author, but as a great national benefactor. Go
+on, my dear fellow, steadfastly and cheerfully, as you have begun. The
+glories of our country were all very well in their way, but the subject
+is a hackneyed one, and it is scarcely worth while to revive it. Be it
+yours to chronicle the weaknesses and peculiarities of that society
+which you frequent--no man can do it better. Draw on for ever with the
+same felicitous pencil. Do not fear to repeat yourself over and over
+again; to indulge in the same style of one-sided caricature; and to harp
+upon the same string of pathos so long as it will vibrate pleasantly to
+the public ear. What we want, after all, is sale, and I am sure that you
+will not be disappointed. Use these hints as freely as you please, in
+the composition of that part of Silas Spavinhitch which is not yet
+completed; and be assured that I have offered them not in an arrogant
+spirit, but, as some of our friends would say, with an earnest tendency
+and a serious oneness of purpose. Good-by, my dear Smith! It is a
+positive pain to me to break off this letter, but I must conclude.
+Adieu! and pray, for all our sakes and your own, take care of yourself.
+
+
+
+
+A NEW SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY.
+
+
+ON A STONE.
+
+I have been toiling up this long steep road, under that broiling sun,
+for more than an hour; my cabriolet is I know not where. The last time I
+saw it was at the turn of the road, full half-a-mile behind me, and the
+lean postilion trying to put something comfortable into that lanky
+carcase of his at the auberge. "Içi on loge à pied et à cheval;" so said
+the sign: why did not I, who was literally _à pied_, stop and enjoy
+myself a little? whereas I stalked proudly by: and now that rogue of the
+big boots and the powdered queue, and the short jacket and the noisy
+whip, is getting still more and more slowness out of his sorry horses,
+and is the man _à cheval_, treated by the busy little woman of the house
+as her worthiest customer. The Marquis will be at least two hours in
+advance of me: I shall not see Madame till night: positively I will run
+down the hill again and pull that rascal off his horse. Am I not paying
+for the accommodation of posting? have I not a right to get on? do I not
+fee him like a prince? I'll try a shout at him.
+
+"Hilloa! hilloa! come along there!"--I might as well shout in the middle
+of the Atlantic; and as for running back again, why, I shall have to
+come over the same ground once more: the tariff shall be his fate: not a
+liard more: and I'll write him down in the post-book; I will crush the
+reptile: I'll annihilate him!
+
+Here, sit thee down, man: art thou not come hither to enjoy thyself? why
+this impatience? why this anxiety to go over ground in a hurry which, a
+few hours ago, thou wouldst have given many a crown to visit at thy
+leisure? Sit thee down and look around thee: hurry no man's cattle, and
+fret not thyself out of thy propriety.
+
+And, truly, 'tis a wondrous spot! what a wide extent of grassy slopes
+and barren rocky wastes! how white and hard and rough the road; how
+smooth the hill-side; how blue the distant landscape; how more than blue
+the cloudless sky! Look onwards towards the distant east; why, you can
+see almost across France to the Jura: what endless ridges of mountains,
+one above the other, like the billows of the green sea: what boundless
+plains between! But turn, for a moment, to the hills on either side of
+you; look at those wild copses of fir and stunted oak making good their
+'vantage ground wherever the scanty vegetation will allow them; and
+above, look at the little round clumps of box-trees, dotting the
+mountain-breast with their shadows, and relieving the dull uniformity of
+its surface. So dark are they that you might take them for black cattle
+at a distance; but that, ever and anon, the sun brings out from them a
+bright green tint, and dispels the illusion.
+
+Here, then, on this stone, am I resting, hundreds of miles away from my
+dull fatherland; where I have left behind me nought but pride and ennui,
+and heart-corroding cares, and soul-harrowing occupations. I have
+quitted that dense, black, throng of men, whose minds, pent up in the
+narrow circle of their insular limits, are intent on one thing only--and
+that thing, money! Thou land of the rich and the poor; of the lord and
+the slave; of the noble and the upstart; chosen home of labour and
+never-ending care; I have bid thee adieu: my face is to the world; my
+lot is on the waters of boundless life; and I am free to choose my
+dwelling wherever the clime suits my fancy, and my wishes tally with the
+clime. In this dry and barren valley, amidst those lofty hills, where
+once fire and sulphur and burning rocks poured forth as the only
+elements, and where the melted lava flowed along the face of the earth
+like an unloosed torrent; in this lonely spot, where few living beings
+are seen, and yet where the vast reproductive energies of the world
+have been so widely developed--even here, let me commune a while with
+nature and with myself.
+
+Thou mysterious power of expansion, whatever thou art, whether some
+igneous form existing within the womb of Earth, and demonstrating
+thyself ere our tiny planet revolved in its present orb--or whether some
+product of the combination of chemical fluids originating flames, and
+melting this prison-house with fervent heat--say when didst thou
+convulse this fair land, and raise up from the circumjacent plains these
+mountain-masses that now tower over my head? For I see around me the
+traces not of one, but of four separate convulsions; and I can pursue in
+fancy the long lapse of ages which have served to modify the crude forms
+of thy products, and to change the various classes of animated life
+which have lived and died at the feet of these vast steeps. First come
+thy granitic ebullitions, slow, lumpy, and amorphous--partly
+incandescent, yet glowing with heat that cooled not for ages;--and then,
+when these rude ribs of the earth had been worn and channeled by
+atmospheric action, through time too vast to be reckoned, they split
+again with a mighty rending up of their innermost frame, and thy power,
+fell spirit of destruction! thrust forth the great chain of the Monts
+Dor, and the Cantal. There thou raisedst them stratum above stratum of
+volcanic rock; and scoriæ and boiling mud, and lava, and porphyry, and
+basalt, and light pumice, tier above tier, till the seven-thousandth
+foot above Old Ocean's level had been reached; and then thou restedst
+from thy labours awhile, rejoicing in thy force, and proud of the chaos
+thou hadst occasioned. But not to slumber long; for, glad to have made a
+new mineral combination, thou didst thrust forth at the northern point
+of thy work the great trachytic mass of the Puy de Dôme: there it stands
+with its solid hump of felspathic crystals, a vast watch-tower of
+creation--white and purple within, glassy-green without. And then burst
+out the full hubbub of this mischief--twenty vast craters vomiting forth
+molten rocks and cinders and the deep lava-stream, and throwing their
+products leagues upon leagues, afar into the fair country:--twenty Etnas
+thundering away at the same time, and answered by twenty more in the
+Vivaraix, and the infernal chorus kept up by as many in the Cantal:--all
+the batteries of the Plutonic artillery launching forth destruction at
+once from the summits of their primæval bastions. Well was it for man
+that he existed not when this Titanic warfare was going on, and when
+these hills, like those of ancient Thessaly, were heaped, each upon
+each, up to heaven's portal! If Europe then existed, it must have been
+shaken to its furthest bounds:--Hecla must have answered to the distant
+roar; and even the old Ural must have heaved its unwieldy sides.
+
+And now, what see we? A sea of volcanic waves; dark
+lava-currents--rough, black, and fresh as though vomited but
+yesterday:--vast chasms, red and burnt, and cinders, as though the fire
+which raised them were not yet extinguished. Why, from the Puy de Parion
+I could swear that smoke must rise at times, and that sulphurous vapours
+must still keep it in perpetual desolation. Yes, though winter's rains
+and snows visit this volcanic chain full sharply, and though the
+gigantic sawing force of frost disintegrates the softer portions of
+this, the Fire-king's Home, yet there they stand--and so they shall
+stand, till nature be again convulsed, the imperishable monuments, the
+stupendous demonstrations, of the Creator's illimitable energy. Yes, let
+the Almighty but touch these hills again, and they shall smoke!
+
+Thou dull, senseless stone, with thy numberless crystals variegating and
+glittering on the hard resting-place that I have chosen, whence came
+those minerals that combined to form thee? Did they exist, pell-mell,
+beneath, in the vast Tartaric depths, ready to assimilate themselves on
+the first signal of eruption? or did they arise suddenly,
+instantaneously, on the first darting of the electric current that
+summoned their different atoms into new forms of existence? Whence came
+this green olivine?--whence this plate of specular iron?--whence this
+quartz and felspar; and all these other minerals I see around me? Thou
+rude product of the great infernal Foundery, thy very existence is a
+problem--much more the formation of thy component parts.
+
+Stone! thou art not more varied in thy aspect--not less intelligible in
+thy constitution--not harder, not more unfeeling, than the heart of man!
+I would sooner have thee for my companion and my bosom friend, than any
+of that melancholy, solemn-faced crowd of hypocrites I have left behind
+me. Refuse me not thy rough welcome: thou art, for the time being, my
+couch: thou art even warmed by my contact: hast thou, then, some
+sympathy with the wanderer? Thou dull, crystallised block, I will think
+of thee, and will remember thy solid virtues, when the uncongenial
+offices of man shall plague me no more!
+
+
+THE PHILOSOPHER.
+
+"Monsieur!" said the postilion: "Monsieur!" he repeated; and he looked
+round wistfully to see if any one was at hand. Now, I hate to be
+interrupted in a reverie; and, indeed, I was so absorbed in the
+wheelings of a kite over my head, that I was thinking of any thing but
+of my lazy guide and my rolling wheels. A loud
+clack--clack--slap--tap--crack--crack of the whip, flourished over his
+head with all the gusto and the _savoir-craquer_ of a true postilion,
+brought me to myself. "Monsieur, I have been waiting your orders here
+for half an hour."
+
+The coolness with which the fellow lied, disarmed me of my wrath in a
+minute: I had else docked him of his pigtail, or broken the wooden sides
+of his boots for him. But he had such an imperturbable air of
+self-satisfaction, and he thrust his thumb so knowingly into his little
+black pipe, and this again he plunged with such nonchalance into his
+pocket, that I saw he was a philosopher of the true school--and I
+profited by his example.
+
+"Fellow," said I, "dost know that I have promised myself the pleasure of
+passing half an hour with M. de Montlosier on my road to the baths: and
+that at the rate thou takest me at, I shall not see Mont Dor till
+to-morrow?"
+
+"Don't be afraid, Monsieur: I know the Count's house well: we are not
+more than an hour's drive from it: I go there with some one or other
+every week; and as for Mont-Dor-les-bains, why--that depends on
+Monsieur: if you get there by dark it will do, I suppose--the provisions
+will not all be eaten, nor the beds filled!"
+
+Lucky fellow to live in a world where no greater stimulus to labour
+exists than here! why should we toil and wear ourselves to death as we
+do in England for the mere means of living--and forget the lapse of life
+itself? So, pocketing my dignity, and also pocketing sundry specimens of
+my mute companions the stones, I mounted into the cabriolet--and lost
+myself once more in my thoughts till I arrived at the Ferme de Randan.
+
+Just where the Puy de Vache circles round with two other red hollow
+craters, and at the end of a black sea of lava, stood the philosopher's
+house: a plain low building: half farm half cottage: with a few trees
+and enclosures shutting it in, and two or three acres of garden-ground
+bringing up the rear. There was an air of simplicity about the whole
+exceedingly striking, and the more so if one thought of the
+simple-minded man who dwelt within. My name was announced: my letters of
+introduction presented: and the Comte de Montlosier welcomed me to his
+mountain home.
+
+"You see me here, sir," he said, "quite a farmer; I am tired of the busy
+world: who would not be, after having lived in it so long, and after
+having seen such events? I can here give myself up to my books: I can
+speculate on the wonders of this remarkable district, I can attend to my
+little property--for I have not much remaining--and I can receive my
+friends. You would not believe it, but Dr D---- of Oxford was with me
+last week: he came to look at our volcanoes, and he stayed with me
+several days: a charming little man, sir, and very active in climbing
+over hills. You will excuse me, perhaps, if I do not offer to accompany
+you to the summit of the Puy de Vache: but my servants are at your
+orders: had I as few years over my head as when I first visited
+Arthur's Seat, I would be at your side in all your mountain rambles; but
+age and ease are fond of keeping company."
+
+"Ah, Monsieur le Comte, I came to make your acquaintance; your hills I
+will see at another time."
+
+"Young man, you are wrong: these volcanic mountains are worthy of your
+deepest study; for myself, I am nothing but a broken-down old man. I
+have nothing here attractive to my friends. The spot is full of charms
+for myself, but not for others. I have so many old associations
+connected with it: 'tis my paternal estate: I had to fly from it during
+those terrible days, and I never thought to see it again: but now that I
+find myself once more restored to it, my unwillingness to quit the place
+increases every day. After all, you can learn more about Auvergne from
+your learned countryman, Poulett Scrope, than from me; my little work,
+by the way, is at your service if you will accept it: I am as a lamp
+going out, you find me flickering, and when next you pass this way, the
+light may be extinguished."
+
+"True, sir; and it is from these expiring flames that the brightest
+sparks may be sometimes derived: at any rate I would know from you
+wherewith to trim my own lamp for future days."
+
+"Alas," replied the Count, "the present generation are not willing to
+give credit to the last for all they have witnessed, for all they have
+undergone. Had you, like me, seen all the phases of the Revolution, from
+the time when I was sent as a deputy to the States-General from
+Auvergne, to the Reign of Terror, and then the time of exile, and if you
+could have felt the joys of returning to your longlost home again, you
+might indeed look back on your life with emotion--let me say with
+gratitude."
+
+"Did you know many members of the literary and scientific world previous
+to the Revolution?"
+
+"Oh yes, I was acquainted with Condorcet, Lavoisier, and many others of
+that stamp. Who shall say that, in the deaths of those great men, France
+did not lose more than she gained by all her boasted freedom? Ah yes,
+the men of those days were giants in intellect! there was a force of
+originality in them, a vividness of thought and expression, which we
+shall never witness again: and, allow me to say, there was a dignity
+surrounding them, and accompanying them, which, with all our pretended
+liberality and respect for science, we are far from attributing to their
+followers now. Those of us, the actors in some of those tremendous
+scenes who still survive, are but as the blasted oaks of the forest
+after the hurricane has swept by. Some few remain erect; but withered,
+scorched, and leafless: all the rest are prostrate, snapped off at the
+root--many in the full vigour of vegetation: all now rotting on the
+ground. It was a national tempest--a tornado--an earthquake; it was like
+an eruption from the very volcano in whose bosom we are now sitting and
+talking. The world never has seen, and perhaps never shall see, any
+thing half so terrible as our Revolution. My young friend, excuse me;
+perhaps you are a politician--and you are newly arrived in France:
+things are tending to something ominous even at the present day. M. de
+Polignac has just been summoned to office: the king is an easy good
+man--a perfect gentleman--and an honest one, too; but there are people
+near the throne who would be glad to see it tottering, and who are ready
+to take advantage of the least false step. Mark my words, sir, another
+year will produce something decisive in the history of France."
+
+"But surely, M. le Comte, every thing is too much consolidated since the
+Restoration of Louis XVIII. to allow of any fresh changes--the French
+nation have all the liberty they can desire."
+
+"Much more, my dear sir, than they either understand or can enjoy
+properly. I am ashamed to say it, but my fellow countrymen are children
+in constitutional matters: every thing depends on the personal character
+of our governors for the time being. And again, we are too ambitious;
+every body wants to rise--by fair means or by foul; but rise he must:
+and every body expects to be a gainer by change. We are, and I am afraid
+we always shall be, fond of playing at revolutions."
+
+"Permit me to think better of the French, sir. I am delighted with their
+country, and I wish them all the happiness that the possession of so
+fine a territory can cause."
+
+"You are right: it is a fine territory: it might be the first
+agricultural country in Europe: there is hardly a square league of
+ground in it that is not suitable to some useful vegetable production.
+We have none of the cold clays nor barren heathtracts of Great Britain;
+our mountains all admit of pasturage to their tops, or are productive of
+wood; and our climate is so genial that even the bare limestone rocks of
+Provence yield, as you are aware, the finest grapes. Here, in the midst
+of the Monts Dor, you will come upon those vast primæval forests of the
+silver-fir which have never been disturbed from the time of their
+erection, and you will judge for yourself how rich even this district
+really is. Look at our rivers: at our boundless plains, covered with
+corn and wine, and oil: and yet allowed to stand fallow one year in
+three. My good friends in Scotland--for, believe me, I shall ever
+remember with gratitude my stay in Edinburgh--do not farm their lands in
+our slovenly fashion. France, depend upon it, might be made, and I
+believe it will ultimately become, one of the richest and most
+prosperous countries of Europe. The wealth of England is fleeting: when
+you come to lose India and others of your colonies--and 'twill be your
+fate sooner or later, your power will, with your trade, fall to the
+ground: and, like your predecessors in a similar career, the Portuguese
+and the Dutch, you must infallibly become a second or third-rate power.
+France is solid and compact: her wealth lies in her land: you cannot
+break up that: she exists now, and is great without any colony worthy of
+mention: and she cannot but increase. Even Spain, from her mere
+geographical size and position, has a better chance of political
+longevity than England."
+
+"And yet Spain is rather decrepid at present, you will admit, M. le
+Comte."
+
+"True; but a century, you know, is nothing in the life of a
+nation:--England, to speak the truth, was only a second-rate power until
+the reign of George the Second. She has still her social revolution to
+go through: and whatever has been effected for the benefit of this
+country would have come without the Revolution: and it was paying rather
+dear to destroy the whole framework of society for what we should
+certainly have attained by easy and more natural means. It is a fearful
+catastrophe to break up all the old ideas and feelings of a people,
+merely to substitute in their place something new--you know not what:
+better or worse--and most probably the latter. Add to this, that the
+results of the Revolution have fully borne out what I maintain: we are
+neither better nor happier than we should have been had we gone on as
+usual: other countries which have not been revolutionised are just as
+happy and prosperous as we are."
+
+"But then the more equal distribution of property, M. le Comte; has not
+this effected some good?"
+
+"_Some_ it may have caused undoubtedly; but much less than is imagined:
+the effect of it has been only to raise up an aristocracy of money,
+instead of one of birth: and, aristocracy for aristocracy, the former is
+infinitely more overbearing and tyrannical than the latter. Before the
+Revolution, the country was said to be in the hands of the nobles and
+the clergy: what has happened since? It has merely been transferred to
+those of the lawyers and the employés. Every third man you meet, holds
+some place or other under government: and you can hardly transact the
+commonest affairs of life without the aid of the notary or the advocate.
+We cannot boast much of our comparative improvement in morality: for in
+Paris, the prefect of police can inform you, from the registers of
+births, that one in three children now born there is always
+illegitimate."
+
+"Of what good, then, has the Revolution been?"
+
+"My young friend, ask not that question; it was one of those inscrutable
+arrangements of Providence, the aim and extent of which we do not yet
+know. You might as well ask what these puys and volcanoes have done to
+benefit the country, which, no doubt, they once devastated; they may
+even yet break out into activity again, and France may even yet have to
+pass through another social trial. Things have not yet found their level
+amongst us.--But we are getting into a long political and philosophical
+discussion that makes me forget my duties to my guest. I am at least of
+opinion that the volcanoes have done me personally some good; for they
+have formed this wonderful country, and they attract hither many of my
+friends, whom I might otherwise never have seen again. You will
+appreciate them when you arrive at the Baths; and, apropos of this, I am
+coming over there myself in a few days to consult my friend Dr Bertrand.
+This will give me the opportunity of introducing you to several of the
+visitors worth knowing. You will find a gay and gallant crowd there; and
+let me advise you, take care of your heart and your pockets."
+
+"Monsieur, dinner is served," said a domestic, opening the door; so I
+followed the worthy Count into the salle-à-manger.
+
+
+A SHANDRYDAN.
+
+The top of the great plateau of Auvergne looked beautiful the evening I
+reached it--a fine July evening, when the sun had yet three hours to go
+down, and I was about a dozen miles from the village of the Baths. I had
+been vainly flattering myself that something or other might have
+detained M. de Mirepoix's carriage, and that I should have the pleasure
+of viewing this splendid scene in company with Madame. She had so strong
+a taste for the picturesque, that I knew her sympathies would be
+expressed, and I anticipated no small pleasure from eliciting her
+sentiments. To see what is magnificent in the society of one whose
+feelings of the sublime and beautiful emulate your own in intensity,
+multiplies the charm, and elevates the pleasure, by the mutual
+communication of the effects perceived and produced. So I looked out for
+their carriage anxiously.
+
+Nothing met my eye but the long undulating plain stretching like a
+rounded wave or swell of the ocean to the feet of the mountains, and the
+distant blue horizon--to the west nearly as far off as the Garonne--to
+the east as far as the Saone. The plateau was covered with fine grass,
+pastured by large herds of small dark-coloured cattle, goats, and a few
+sheep; wild-flowers grew here and there of fragrant smell, and the tops
+of the vast pine forests peeped up from the ends of the deep ravines
+that run far into the bosom of the still hills. The sky was without a
+cloud, and the sun seemed to gain double glory as he fell towards his
+western bed.
+
+My spirits rose with the scene; I was excited and yet happy; the full
+genial warmth of nature was before me, and around me, and in me. I could
+have danced and sung for joy. I could have stopped there for ever, and I
+wanted somebody to say all this to, and who should re-echo the same to
+me.
+
+There stood the postilion--dull, senseless, brutal animal--he had got
+off his horses, for I was once more out of the cabriolet, and was
+bounding over the turf to look over the edge of a precipice on my right
+hand: there he stood, he had lighted another pipe, and was thinking only
+of a good chopine of wine out of his pour-boire, when he should arrive
+at the village.
+
+"A fine view, mon ami!" said I, at last, in pure despair.
+
+He gave a shrug with his shoulders.
+
+"Very high mountains those," I went on.
+
+He turned round and looked at them; and then tapped his pipe against his
+whip.
+
+"What splendid forests!" I added.
+
+"Monsieur! voyez-vous! it is the most villainous road I know; and if we
+do not push on, we shall not get to Mont Dor before dark. I would not go
+over the bridge at the bottom there in the dark, no Monsieur, not if I
+had the honour to be carrying M. Le Préfet himself. They were never
+found, Monsieur!"
+
+"Who were never found?"
+
+"Why, sir, when Petit-jean was driving M. le Commandant, the last year
+but one--he was going to the Baths for the gout, sir--he did not get
+down to the bridge till near ten at night; there was no parapet then,
+the horses did not know the road, and over they went, roll, roll, all
+the way into the Dor at the bottom; thirty feet, sir, and more, and then
+the cascade to add to that."
+
+"Dreadful! and did no trace remain of the unfortunate traveller and your
+poor friend?"
+
+"Oh, certainly yes! they got well wetted; but they rode the horses into
+the village the same evening."
+
+"Who were lost, then?"
+
+"Petit-jean's new boots, and 'twas the first time he had put them on."
+
+I jumped into the cabriolet; "drive on," said I pettishly, "and go to
+the ----"
+
+"Hi! hardi! Sacré coquin!" and crash went the whip over the off horse's
+flank, enough to cut a steak of his lean sides had there been any flesh
+to spare. In a quarter of an hour we found ourselves going down a steep
+rough road, such as might break the springs of the best carriage,
+chariot, britscha, &c., that ever came out of Long-Acre; and the thumps
+that I got against the sides of my own vehicle, light as it was, made me
+call out for a little less speed, and somewhat more care.
+
+"Don't be afraid, Monsieur! Hi! hardi! heugh!"
+
+I thought it was all over with me; so, holding in my breath, and firmly
+clenching the top of my apron, I looked straight a-head, and made up my
+mind for a pitch over the wall at the bottom, and down through the wood,
+like the commandant and Petit-jean.
+
+Just as we got to the bottom of the hill, we turned a sharp corner, that
+I had not before perceived, and charged, full gallop, right into an old
+shandrydan, that had pulled up, and, with a single horse, was beginning
+to climb the ascent. Our impetus seemed to carry us over the poor animal
+that was straining against its load, for he fell under our two beasts,
+and the shafts of the cabriolet catching the shandrydan under the
+driver's seat, turned it completely topsy-turvy into the midst of the
+road.
+
+Such a shriek, or rather such a chorus of confused cries, came forth
+from the dark sides of that small and closely-shut vehicle!
+
+"Au secours!" "Jesus-Maria!" "Vite, vite!" "Relevez-nous!" "Pour l'amour
+de Dieu!"
+
+They were women's voices:--
+
+"Ah ça, j'étouffe!" said a deep, gruff voice, in the midst of the
+hubbub.
+
+As neither the postilion nor myself were hurt, we were quickly on our
+legs: he trying to get the horses disentangled--for they were kicking
+each other to pieces--and I to aid a thin, meek-looking peasant lad, who
+had been driving the shandrydan, to right the crazy vehicle.
+
+'Twas a square, black-looking thing, covered at top, with no opening
+whatever but a small window in the door behind. It might have been built
+some time in the reign of Louis le Bien-aimé, and its cracked leather
+sides and harness seemed as if they had been strangers to oil ever
+since. If people were not very corpulent, four might have squeezed into
+it--not that they would have been comfortable, but they could have got
+in, and would have sat on the opposite seats, without much room to
+spare.
+
+Some honest old Frenchman, thought I to myself, with his wife and
+daughter, and perhaps their maid. Poor man! he is coming from the Baths,
+cured of some painful malady, and now has had the misfortune to run the
+risk of his life--if, indeed, his bones be not broken--and all through
+that étourdi of a postilion. "If I do not report him to the maître de
+poste!" said I to myself.
+
+"For the love of God, messieurs," said a faint voice, "get us out!"
+
+"The door! the door! open the door then!" said at least three other
+voices, one after the other and all together.
+
+"Je meurs!" wept the bass-voice from the inmost recesses of the
+vehicle--or it might have been from under ground, so deep and sepulchral
+was its tone.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself, monsieur," grumbled the postilion, who had now
+got one of his horses on its legs; "'tis nothing! Come along, you
+varmint!" said he to the poor young peasant, who stood wringing his
+hands and looking distractedly at his whip--'twas broken clean in
+half--"Arrive, te dis-je!--pousse bien là!--là bien! encore! hardi!
+houp!"
+
+The door of the shandrydan burst open, and there emerged, in sadly
+rumpled state, a pitiable confusion of rustled petticoats and tumbled
+headgear, red as the roses on a summer's morn, and dewy as the grass on
+an autumn eve--_six soeurs-de-charité_, all white and black like
+sea-fowl thrown from the shooter's bag--and after them, slowly toiling
+forth and writhing through the door in unwieldy porpoise-guise--M. le
+Curé!
+
+
+
+
+HONOUR TO THE PLOUGH.
+
+    Though clouds o'ercast our native sky,
+      And seem to dim the sun,
+    We will not down in languor lie,
+      Or deem the day is done:
+    The rural arts we loved before
+      No less we'll cherish now;
+    And crown the banquet, as of yore,
+     With Honour to the Plough.
+
+    In these fair fields, whose peaceful spoil
+      To faith and hope are given,
+    We'll seek the prize with honest toil,
+      And leave the rest to Heaven.
+    We'll gird us to our work like men
+      Who own a holy vow,
+    And if in joy we meet again,
+      Give Honour to the Plough.
+
+    Let Art, array'd in magic power,
+      With Labour hand in hand,
+    Go forth, and now in peril's hour
+      Sustain a sinking land.
+    Let never Sloth unnerve the arm,
+      Or Fear the spirit cow;
+    These words alone should work a charm--
+      All Honour to the Plough.
+
+    The heath redress, the meadow drain,
+      The latent swamp explore,
+    And o'er the long-expecting plain
+      Diffuse the quickening store:
+    Then fearless urge the furrow deep
+      Up to the mountain's brow,
+    And when the rich results you reap,
+      Give Honour to the plough.
+
+    So still shall Health by pastures green
+      And nodding harvests roam,
+    And still behind her rustic screen
+      Shall Virtue find a home:
+    And while their bower the muses build
+      Beneath the neighbouring bough,
+    Shall many a grateful verse be fill'd
+      With Honour to the Plough.
+
+
+
+
+LUIGIA DE' MEDICI.
+
+The study of literary history offers an extraordinary charm, when it
+tends to raise the veil, frequently thrown by inattention and
+forgetfulness, over noble and graceful forms, which deserved to excite
+the interest, or even to receive the active thanks of posterity. At such
+moments, we find the mysterious sources of inspiration admired, through
+a long period, for their fulness and sincerity: we go back to the
+forgotten or falsely interpreted causes of celebrated actions, of
+classic writings, of resolutions, whose renown rang through many ages;
+the vagueness of poetic pictures gives place to positive forms; and that
+which appeared but a brilliant phantom is sometimes transformed into a
+living reality.
+
+Among the glorious titles which have borne the name of Michel Angelo
+Buonarotti to so high a pitch of celebrity, the least popular is that
+derived from the composition of his poetical works. The best judges,
+however, regard these productions not only with profound esteem, but yet
+more often with an ardent admiration. Michel Angelo lived during the
+_golden age_ of the Lingua Toscana. Among the poets who filled the
+interval between the publication of the _Orlando_ and that of the
+_Aminta_--first, in order of date, of the _chefs-d'o[eu]vres_ of
+Torquato--not one has raised himself above, nor, perhaps, to the level,
+of Buonarotti. In the study of his writings, we recognise all the
+essential characteristics of his genius, as revealed to the world in his
+marbles, frescos, and the edifices erected by his hand. It is a copious
+poetry--masculine and vigorous--fed with high thoughts--serious and
+severe in the expression. Berni wrote truly of it to Fra Sebastiano--"Ei
+dice cose: voi dite parole!" The poet exists always in entire possession
+of himself: enthusiasm elevates, carries him away, but seduces him
+never. We admire in his mind a constitution firm, healthful, and
+fertile--a constant equilibrium of passion, will, and conception--often
+of fervency--nowhere of delirium. The qualities necessary to the artist
+do no harm to those which make the thinker and good citizen--every
+where, as in the literary laws of ancient Greece, consonance,
+_sophrosyne_, moderation. Michel Angelo, amid the passions and illusions
+of his time, knew how to hold the helm of "that precious bark, which
+singing sailed."[50] Sincere and humble Christian, with a leaning to the
+austere, he succeeded in keeping himself free from all superstition;
+declared republican, he avoided all popular fanaticism, and bore, even
+during the siege of Florence, the _honourable_ hostility of the
+Arrabiati; admirer of Savonarola, he combated the sickly exaggerations
+of the _esprit piagnone_, and remained faithful to the worship of art;
+and last, guest of Leo X., favourite sculptor of Julius II., he never
+suffered himself to be seduced by the Pagan intoxication of the
+Renaissance; from his early youth, the frame, in which he was destined
+to form so many sublime conceptions, was irrevocably determined.
+
+But, in the poetical works of Michel Angelo, as in his works of
+sculpture and design, there is a side of grace and delicacy; the fire of
+a masculine and profound tenderness circulates, so to speak, in all the
+members of this marvellous body. Angelo's regularity of morals was never
+altered by doubts; it acquired, even at an early period, the externals
+of a rigid austerity. But had he, in his youthful years, experienced the
+power of a real love? We have nothing to reply to those who, after an
+attentive perusal of his writings, see in them nothing more than a
+_jeu-d'esprit_ produced by a vain fantasy. But to those who think, with
+us, that truth and force of expression suppose reality and depth of
+sentiment--to those who discover the burning traces of a passion which
+has conquered the heart, and imprinted a new direction on the thoughts
+of the writer, in the precious metal of this classical versification,
+we propose to follow us for a few moments. We shall seek whatever
+historical vestiges have been left of the object of this affection, as
+durable as sincere: we shall afterwards examine the manner in which
+Michel Angelo has expressed it in his rhyme; what order of philosophical
+and religious ideas developed themselves in his mind, in intimate
+connexion with the ardour that penetrated his heart; whatever
+influences, in short, which a love, whose object quitted this life so
+early, appears to have exercised upon the whole duration of a career
+prolonged, with so great _eclat_, for more than sixty years
+afterwards.[51]
+
+The smallest acquaintance with the character of Michel Angelo would lead
+to the belief that, according to the expression of his epoch, he could
+"have fixed his heart nowhere but in a lofty sphere. The conjectures
+which have been formed bore reference to the house of the first citizen
+of Florence and of Italy, at the period of Angelo's entrance on his
+career, to the family of the grandson of Cosmo Pater Patriæ," of the man
+to whom the disinterested voice of foreigners and of posterity has
+confirmed all that his contemporaries attributed to him, in the great
+work of the Italian Renaissance--scientific, literary, artistic
+even--namely, the chief and most brilliant honour.
+
+Lorenzo the Magnificent, born in 1450, married Clarice Orsini in 1468.
+There were born from this alliance, besides the children who died in the
+cradle, three sons and four daughters. In 1492, Pietro succeeded to the
+offices and dignity of his father, and lost them in 1494; Giovanni
+mounted the Pontifical throne, and became the illustrious Leo X.;
+Giuliano died Duke of Nemours and "_prince du gouvernement_" of
+Florence. Of the four daughters, Maddalena became the wife of Francesco
+Cybo, Count dell Anguillara, Lucrezia married Giacopo Salviati; and
+Contessina, Piero Ridolfi. Luigia was the youngest, according to certain
+authorities; Count Pompeo Litta, however, in his _Illustri Famiglie
+Italiane_, places her in order of birth immediately after Maddalena.
+Whichever it may be, Clarice Orsini dying in 1488, Lorenzo contracted no
+other alliance, and, at the end of four years, followed his wife to the
+tomb. We have no means of determining the age Luigia had reached at the
+time of this melancholy event; but, as her marriage was then talked of,
+we cannot give her less than from fifteen to sixteen years. Michel
+Angelo, born the 6th March 1475,[52] wanted a month of his seventeenth
+year when he lost the generous protector of his early youth.
+
+It was in 1490 that Angelo first went to live in the house of the
+Magnificent Lorenzo. Apprenticed, the 1st April 1488, to the "master of
+painting," Domenico di Tommasso del Ghirlandajo, he astonished the grave
+and learned artist by his rapid progress and fire of imagination.
+Ghirlandajo, finding his disposition more decided for sculpture than for
+the pencil, hastened to recommend him to Lorenzo, who, in his gardens,
+situated near the convent of Saint Mark, was exerting himself to create
+a school capable of restoring to Florence the glorious days of the
+Ghiberti and the Donatello. It was no easy task for the prince of the
+Florentine government to buy the child of genius from the timorous
+avarice of his father, Lodovico Buonarotti.[53] At length, an office in
+the financial administration of the state, conferred upon the father,
+and a provision of five ducats monthly settled on the son, but of which
+it was agreed that Lodovico should derive the profit, conquered the
+scruples of the old citizen; and Michel Angelo, adopted as it were,
+among the children of Lorenzo, was enabled, at his own pleasure, to
+divide his hours between the practice of his favourite art, and the
+lessons that Pietro, Giovanni, and Giuliano received at "the Platonic
+Academy," of which the illustrious Politiano was director.
+
+This society, of which Lorenzo was the soul as well as the founder,[54]
+reckoned among its members certain individuals, whose names are still
+held in respect by posterity; and many others who, less distinguished or
+less fortunate, exercised, nevertheless, a useful influence on the
+regeneration of good studies, and the diffusion of the knowledge that
+may be derived from the works of antiquity. Among the former, the first
+rank was unanimously given to Politiano, Pico della Mirandola,
+Leon-Battista Alberti, and Marsilio Ficino. Lorenzo required that his
+sons should be present at the learned discourses of the academy. Michel
+Angelo listened to them in company with Pietro, and Cardinal Giovanni,
+and received most flattering consideration from Politiano. The
+subtilties of Grecian metaphysics, and the technical language of logic,
+discouraged Buonarotti's clear and free understanding; but the sublimity
+of conception, and majesty of expression of the Attic Bee, met with
+marvellous affinities in the disposition of the young Florentine. These
+studies developed in Michel Angelo, the poetical genius of which he has
+left admirable proofs in his marbles, his cartoons, and his writings.
+
+It was not only the affectionate interest of Lorenzo, the intimacy with
+his sons, and the generous cares of Politiano, in the house of the
+Medici, which aided the progress, and inflamed the energy of Michel
+Angelo. At this same time, more profound lessons were repeated in an
+austere pulpit, not far from the delicious gardens of Valfondo. Girolamo
+Savonarola, the celebrated dominican of Saint Mark, was at the zenith of
+his reputation; and his influence over the people of Florence, without
+directly thwarting that of Lorenzo, began, nevertheless, to
+counterbalance it. Michel Angelo, says the most exact of his
+biographers, (Vasari, _Vite dei Pittori_,) read "with great veneration"
+the works written by the enthusiastic and eloquent monk. From him he
+learned to seek in the Holy Scriptures for the pure and direct source of
+the highest inspiration; and, during his whole life, Buonarotti had
+constantly in his hand the sacred volume, and the _Divina Comedia_ of
+Dante, which he regarded as a commentary at once philosophical,
+theological, and, above all, poetical upon the former. An ardent love of
+art confined within due bounds the effect which Savonarola's
+exhortations produced upon the true and serious soul of the young
+sculptor; he neither followed the Dominican in his fanatical hostility
+to the artistic and literary Renaissance, then displaying all the riches
+of its spring, nor in the political aberrations which Savonarola, after
+the death of Lorenzo, had the misfortune to display in the public
+squares of Florence, and even in the heart of her councils.
+
+In the midst of a life so full and already fruitful, which the approach
+of a glory almost unequalled illuminated by a few precursive rays,
+Michel Angelo appears to have opened his heart to the sentiment of a
+love as true and elevated as the other emotions which swayed his soul,
+and directed his faculties: Luigia de' Medici seems to have been its
+object. It is, as already remarked, in the poetical compositions,
+forming the first part of Angelo's collection, that we must endeavour to
+find the imperishable memorials of this tenderness, to which the
+illusions even of early youth appear to have never lent, for a single
+moment, any hope of the union with which it might have been crowned.
+Michel Angelo's timid pride combined with his respect and gratitude to
+interdict to him all designation, even indirect, of the woman to whom
+his affections were bound by a chain whose embrace death alone could
+have relaxed. We shall see in the poetry of Buonarotti none of the
+artifice made use of by Petrarch to render the name of _Laura_
+intelligible, which Camoëns afterwards employed to celebrate Donna
+_Caterina_, and from which, still later, the unhappy Torquato regretted,
+with much bitterness, to have wandered, when, in the intoxication of his
+illusions, he traced the fatal name of _Eleonora_.
+
+    "Quando sara che d'_Eleonora mia_
+    Potro goder in libertade amore."
+    (_Verse stolen from Tasso and given to the Duke of Ferrara._)
+
+It is but rarely, and with a light touch, that Angelo makes allusion to
+the extreme youth of her whom he loves,--
+
+        ----"il corpo umano
+    Mal segue poi ... d'un _angelletta_ il volo."--(_Sonnetto_ 15.)
+
+Once only he speaks of light hair:--
+
+    "Sovra quel _biondo crin_" ...
+
+    (_Sonnetto ultimo._)
+
+Never does he write a word that can be referred to the difference of
+rank existing between them, to the splendour which had surrounded the
+cradle even of the daughter of the great citizen whom all Italy seems to
+have made the arbiter of her political combinations. Michel Angelo
+speaks only of the touching beauty of her who has subjugated him by
+"that serene grace, certain mark of the nobility and purity of a soul in
+perfect harmony with its Creator;" (_Sonnetto 3, et passim_ in the first
+part.) Never does he give us to understand that his love received the
+least encouragement. It has been thought, however, that Luigia had
+detected the attachment of the youth whose genius had as yet been
+attested by no great work, and that she rewarded it by the tenderest
+friendship. It is certain that, in a transport of gratitude, Angelo
+wrote the beautiful verse--
+
+    "Unico spirto, e da me solo inteso!"
+
+    (_Sonnetto_ 16.)
+
+and that, in another _morceau_, he thanks "those beautiful eyes which
+lend him their sweet light, the genius that raises his own to heaven,
+the support that steadies his tottering steps,"
+
+    "Veggio co'bei vostri occhi un dolce lume." ...
+
+    --(_Sonnetto_ 12.)
+
+But, checking himself immediately in these half-revelations, the poet,
+on the contrary, multiplies the complaints torn from him by the coldness
+and apparent indifference of her whose beauty he celebrates, whom he can
+render immortal. See more particularly Sonnet 21--
+
+    "Perchè d'ogni mia speme il verde è spento."
+
+He exclaims even that he has rarely enjoyed the presence on which his
+happiness depends:--"You know neither custom nor opportunity have served
+my affection: it is very rarely that my eyes kindle themselves at the
+fire which burns in yours, guarded by a reserve to which desire scarcely
+dares to approach--
+
+          ----'gli occhi vostri
+    Circonscritti ov' appena il desir vola.'
+
+A single look has made my destiny, and I have seen you, to say truly,
+but once."--(_Madrigale_ 5.)
+
+It has been said that the "divine hand" of Michel Angelo painted the
+portrait of Luigia de' Medici. This is the name given, in reality,
+during the last century, to the head of a young female, "handsome rather
+than really beautiful," writes father Della Valle--a work in which
+Buonarotti's drawing was said to be recognised, with a softer and more
+lively colouring than obtains in the other pictures from his easel.
+Angelo's repugnance to paint portraits is one of the best established
+traits of his character. But he sculptured several--among those
+positively known are that of Julius II., lost in the chateau of Ferrara,
+and another of Gabriel Faërne, preserved in the Museum Capitolinum. We
+know, besides, that he consented to paint the portrait of the noble and
+witty Messer Tomasso de' Cavalieri, (see _Vasari_,) of the natural size;
+but that was a rare favour. "For," said he, "I abhor the obligation to
+copy that which, in nature, is not of infinite beauty." In another
+place, sonnet nineteen, addressing the object of his tenderness, Michel
+Angelo reminds her, that works of art are endowed, so to say, with
+eternal life and youth. "Perhaps," he adds, (_Sonnetto_ 19 ,) "I shall
+be able to prolong thy life and mine beyond the tomb, by employing, if
+thou wilt, colour, or marble, if thou preferest, to fix the lines of our
+features and the resemblance of our affection!"
+
+Again he writes--"While I paint her features, why cannot I convey to her
+face the pallor which disfigures mine, and which comes from her cruelty
+to me?"--(_Madrigale_ 24.) But in some others of Angelo's poems, mention
+is made of a statue, or more probably of a bust, on which the young
+artist worked with an impassioned mixture of zeal and
+faint-heartedness.
+
+"I fear," he says, "to draw from the marble, instead of her image, that
+of my features worn, and void of grace."--(_Madrigale 22._ ) And when he
+drew near the term of his labour--"Behold," he exclaims, "an animated
+stone, which, a thousand years hence, will seem to breathe! What, then,
+ought heaven to do for her, its own work, while the portrait only is
+mine; for her whom the whole world, and not myself alone, regard as a
+goddess rather than a mortal? Nevertheless the stone remains, while she
+is about to depart."--(_Madrigale 39._)
+
+It was probably on this occasion that Michel Angelo wrote those
+charming, and mysterious verses, whose sense it is otherwise difficult
+to determine:-
+
+    "Qui risi e piansi, e con doglia infinita,
+    Da questo sasso vidi far partita
+    Colei ch 'a me mi tolse, e non mi volse."
+    (_Sonnetto 29._)
+
+The bust of Luigia de' Medici, if it really came from the hands of
+Angelo, has shared the fate of many other _chefs-d'oeuvres_, of which
+his contemporaries appear to have spoken with such great enthusiasm,
+only to increase our regret; while the most diligent researches have led
+to no recovery since their disappearance, caused by the disasters that
+visited Florence, and by the culpable negligence which, throughout the
+whole of Italy, followed the period of which Buonarotti was the
+principal ornament.
+
+If it be to the affection of Luigia de' Medici that Angelo's nineteenth
+sonnet[55] really refers, we are led to the belief that this lofty soul,
+temperate in its own hopes, yet imbued with a generous ambition, had
+suffered itself, for a moment, to be carried away by the illusion of a
+permanent happiness; but a blow, as terrible as unforeseen, scattered
+these thoughts. The "Magnificent" Lorenzo, scarcely in his forty-second
+year, sunk at his seat of Careggi, under a short illness, but of which
+he foresaw the inevitable term with great resignation from the earliest
+moment. With Lorenzo de' Medici descended to the tomb all that was yet
+bright in the glory of his family--all that was real in the prosperity
+of Florence--all that was assured in the fortune, or attractive in the
+labours of the young Buonarotti, then only seventeen years of age.
+
+Of the three sons left by Lorenzo, not one was capable of replacing him.
+The Cardinal Giovanni had a cultivated mind, engaging manners, and vast
+ambition; but, overwhelmed already, in spite of his youth,[56] with the
+weight of his benefices and ecclesiastical dignities, he pursued, at the
+Papal Court, the high fortune of which he then foresaw the
+accomplishment. Giuliano, born in 1478, was as yet little more than a
+child, in whom appeared the germ of amiable and even generous qualities,
+spoiled by pride, the hereditary vice of his house. With regard to
+Pietro, the new prince of the government--for he succeeded without
+opposition to the ill-defined and conventional, rather than regularly
+constituted authority which his ancestors and his father had left in his
+possession--he evinced only incapacity, presumption, improvidence, and
+foolish vanity. Aged twenty-one, he had already espoused Alfonsina
+Orsini, and drew a false security from an alliance in which he hoped for
+the support of one of the most warlike and powerful families of southern
+Italy. Michel Angelo felt the necessity of quitting the abode of the
+Medici, where Pietro, of too vulgar a mind to appreciate the artist's
+character, displayed a soul mean enough to make him feel the bitterness
+of protection. He returned to the paternal home; and although he
+continued to show a marked attachment for the legitimate interests of
+the Medici, and was even again sometimes employed--but not in important
+matters--by the younger members of the family, the separation was final,
+and the republican convictions of the young artist developed themselves,
+after that time, at full liberty. Angelo's poetical collection proves to
+us how cruelly his removal, from the house where Lorenzo had entertained
+him with the most agreeable hospitality, affected his heart. In future
+it must become a stranger, at least in looks and conversation, to her
+whom he loved with an inquiet fervour.
+
+     "How, separated from you, shall I ever have the power to guide my
+     life, if I can not, at parting, implore your assistance?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     Lest absence condemn my loyal devotion to forgetfulness, in
+     remembrance of my long affliction, take, Signora, take in pledge a
+     heart which hereafter belongs no more to me."--(_Madrigale 11._ )
+
+And in another place:
+
+     "He who departs from you has no more hope of light: where you are
+     not, there is no more heaven."--(_Madrigale 9._ )
+
+The hour approached, however, when, according to the usage of the
+country, and the relations of her family, Luigia's lot should be
+decided. Various projects of alliance were discussed. The choice
+hesitated between two brothers, descended from Giovanni de' Medici, a
+branch from the dominant house, and of that which took the name of its
+individual ancestor, Lorenzo. The latter, brother of Cosmo, Pater
+Patriæ, had, by Ginevra Cavalcanti Piero Francesco, to whom his wife,
+Landomia Acciajuoli, brought two sons, Lorenzo and Giovanni. Both had
+arrived at the age of maturity, and were reckoned among the most
+considerable citizens of Florence. The marriage, however, did not take
+place. It is said that Luigia herself prevented its conclusion, until a
+misunderstanding, caused by some opposition of interests, had definitely
+separated Pietro from the two brothers, more especially from Giovanni,
+upon whom the reigning prince appears principally to have reckoned.
+Others, however, have supposed that the obstacles to the proposed union
+arose only on the part of Giovanni and his brother, who, in fact,
+followed the principal citizens in the opposition, then planned, against
+Pietro's unskilful administration. And last, it has been asserted, that
+Luigia was betrothed to Giovanni, but died before the time fixed for the
+marriage. Among these opinions, Litta appears to incline to the second;
+Roscoe adopts the last. However it may be, it is only certain that,
+alone of all Lorenzo's daughters, Luigia left the paternal house but to
+exchange it for the repose of the tomb.
+
+According to the historians, she died a few days before the catastrophe
+which overturned Pietro's government, and condemned all the descendants
+of Cosmo l'Antico to an exile of sixteen years. It was consequently late
+in the autumn of 1494 that Luigia departed this life. Amid the
+passionate prejudices which prepared, and the convulsions which
+followed, the Florentine revolution, the extinction of the beauteous
+light excited no sensation.
+
+Michel Angelo was not at that moment in Florence. Politiano's death
+seems to have broken the last ties that attached him to the obligations
+contracted in his early youth. His penetrating intelligence warned him
+of the coming fall of the Medici. He neither wished to renounce his
+ancient attachments, nor to give them the predominance over the duties
+of a citizen, to a free state, which it was of the highest importance to
+wean from a blind and dangerous course. In this painful alternative,
+Michel Angelo determined to withdraw for a time. He went first to
+Venice, and afterwards to Bologna, where the warm reception of the
+Aldrovandi kept him during an entire year, and even longer.
+
+According to all appearance, on quitting Florence, Buonarotti was aware
+of Luigia's declining health; and his poetry shows us the courageous
+artist sinking under the burden of his melancholy presentiments:--
+
+     "Be sure, O eyes, that the time is past, that the hour approaches
+     which will close the passage to your regards, even to your tears.
+     Remain, in pity to me, remain open while this divine maiden deigns
+     yet to dwell on this earth. But when the heaven shall open to
+     receive these unique and pure beauties ..., when she shall ascend
+     to the abode of glorified and happy souls, then close; I bid you
+     farewell."--(_Madrigale 40._ )
+
+It was while at Venice, at least so it is believed, that Michel Angelo
+learned the death of Luigia de' Medici. An expression of profound
+sadness and manly resignation pervades the poems which escaped from his
+oppressed soul, already familiarized with grief: he knew "that death and
+love are the two wings which bear man from earth to heaven."
+
+        ... "chi ama, qual chi muore,
+    Non ha da gire al ciel dal mondo altr'ale."
+
+    (Sonnetto: _Dall' aspra piaga._)
+
+There are, in Angelo's collection, four compositions which may be
+regarded as dedicated to the memory of Luigia de Medici; first, the
+sonnet.--"Spirto ben nato," ... in which the poet deplores "the cruel
+law which has not spared tenderness, compassion, mercy--treasures so
+rare, united to so much of beauty and fidelity; then the Sonnets 27, 28,
+and 30, where Michel Angelo, as though emboldened by the irreparable
+calamity which had befallen him, raises the veil under which the
+circumstances and the illusions of his love had hitherto been shrouded,
+for every one, and almost for himself. Now he exclaims:--"Oh, fallacious
+hopes! where shall I now seek thee--liberated soul? Earth has received
+thy beauteous form, and Heaven thy holy thoughts!--(_Sonnetto 27._)....
+This _first love_, which fixed my wandering affections, now overwhelms
+my exhausted soul with an insupportable weight.--(_Sonnetto 28._) ...
+Yes, the brightness of the flame, which nourished while consuming my
+heart, is taken from me by heaven; but one teeming spark remains to me,
+and I would wish to be reduced to ashes only after shining in my turn."
+The sense of the latter triplet is very enigmatical; it is here
+interpreted in accordance with the known character of the poet, and the
+direction which he delayed not to give to his faculties. From this
+moment Angelo, devoted to the threefold worship of God, art, and his
+country, constantly refused to think of other ties. He had, he remarked,
+"espoused the affectionate fantasy which makes of Art a monarch, an
+idol; "my children," he added, "will be the works that I shall leave
+behind me." More than thirty years were to elapse, ere in this heart,
+yet youthful at the approach of age, another woman, and she the first of
+her era, (Vittoria Colonna,) occupied in part the place left vacant by
+Luigia de' Medici.
+
+It is to these few imperfect indications, conjectures, and fugitive
+glimpses, to which the most perspicacious care has not always succeeded
+in giving a positive consistency, that all our knowledge is reduced of
+one of the purest and most amiable forms presented by the historical and
+poetical gallery of Florence, during what is named her _golden age_. But
+what destiny was more worthy than that of Luigia de' Medici to excite a
+generous envy? Orphan from her birth, her life experienced that alone
+which elevates and purifies: hope, grief, and love. No vulgar cares
+abased her thoughts; no bitter experience withered her heart; death, in
+compassion, spared her the spectacle of the reverses of her family, and
+participation in the guilty successes which followed those disasters.
+Delicate and stainless flower, she closed on the eve of the storm that
+would have bathed her in tears and blood! The only evidence remaining to
+us of her is poetry of a fame almost divine--of a purity almost
+religious; and this young maiden, of whom no mention has come down to
+us, in addressing herself to our imagination, borrows the accents of the
+most extraordinary genius possessed by a generation hitherto unequalled
+in achievements of the mind. The place of sepulture of Luigia de' Medici
+is unknown; her remains were most probably deposited, without monumental
+inscription, in the vaults of San Lorenzo, the _gentilizia_ church of
+her house. Among the epitaphs composed by Angelo, without attempting to
+indicate for whom, there is one whose application to Luigia de' Medici
+would be apt and touching. It may be thus translated:--"To earth the
+dust, to heaven the soul, have been returned by death. To him who yet
+loves me, dead, I have bequeathed the thought of my beauty and my glory,
+that he may perpetuate in marble the beautiful mask which I have left."
+
+The editors of Michel Angelo have assumed that this admirable
+composition, as well as those which accompany it under the same title,
+were written for a certain Francesco Bracci. The expression "chi _morta_
+ancor m' ama" is sufficient to refute this singular supposition.
+
+We shall now attempt to give some idea of the poetical compositions from
+which we have not yet quoted, and which we conjecture to have been
+similarly inspired in Michel Angelo by his love for Luigia de' Medici.
+We incline to consider as belonging to the earliest poetic age of the
+great artist, to the epoch of the first and only real love experienced
+by him, all the pieces forming the first part of his work, commencing
+with the celebrated sonnet--
+
+    "Non ha l'ottimo artista," *  *  *
+
+and ending with the thirtieth--
+
+    "Qual meraviglia è se vicino al fuoco."
+    *  *  *
+
+in addition, the sonnet, three _madrigali_, (pieces without division of
+stanzas or couplets,) and one _canzone_, which the editors have placed
+at the head of the collection, entitled by them--"Componimenti men gravi
+e giocosi." The commencement of a new era in Angelo's thoughts and
+poetic style appears to us marked by the composition of the two
+admirable pieces which he dedicated to the memory of Dante Alighieri:--
+
+    "Dal mondo scese ai ciechi abissi;"
+    *  *  *
+
+and
+
+    "Quanto dime si dee non si può dire."
+
+Michel Angelo _petitioned_ but once: this was that Leo X. would grant
+the ashes of Dante to Florence, where the artist "offered to give a
+becoming burial to the divine poet, in an honourable place in the
+city."--(Condivi, _Vita di Michel Angelo_.)
+
+Previously a stranger to the sentiments of love, the young artist at
+first wonders and fears at their violence:
+
+     "Who, then, has lifted me by main force above myself? How can it be
+     that I am no longer my own? And what is the unknown power which,
+     nearer then myself, influences me; which has more control over me;
+     passes into my soul by the eyes; increases there without limit, and
+     overflows my whole being?"--_Madrigali_, 3, 4.
+
+Soon, however, he no longer doubts upon the character of this
+intoxication; he feels that he loves; he traces in sport the most
+graceful and animated picture of her who has captivated his heart! But
+this pure and ardent soul speedily becomes alarmed at the profound
+agitation in which it sees itself plunged; desires to go back to the
+cause, to recognise its origin, and measure its danger. Michel Angelo
+recognises, in conjunction with the danger, a sublime reward reserved
+for him who shall know how to merit it.
+
+     "The evil which I ought to shun, and the good to which I aspire,
+     are united and hidden in thee, noble and divine beauty! * * * Love,
+     beauty, fortune, or rigour of destiny, it is not you that I can
+     reproach for my sufferings; for in her heart she bears at once
+     compassion and death! Woe to me if my feeble genius succeed only,
+     while consuming itself, in obtaining death from it!"[57]
+
+Yes, dangerous and often fatal is that passion which seems to choose its
+favourite victims among hearts the most generous--intelligence the most
+ample:
+
+     "Very few are the men who raise themselves to the heaven; to him
+     who lives in the fire of love, and drinks of its poison, (for to
+     love is one of life's fatal conditions,) if grace transport him not
+     towards supreme and incorruptible beauties--if all his desires
+     learn not to direct themselves thither--Ah! what miseries overwhelm
+     the condition of lover!"--(_Sonnet_ 10.)
+
+But this declaration has not been applied to all passionate and deep
+affections:
+
+     "No, it is not always a mortal and impious fault to burn with an
+     immense love for a perfect beauty, if this love afterwards leave
+     the heart so softened that the arrows of divine beauty may
+     penetrate it."
+
+     "Love wakens the soul, and lends it
+
+
+     wings for its sublime flight: often its ardour is the first step by
+     which, discontented with earth, the soul remounts towards her
+     Creator."--(_Sonnet_ 8.)
+
+Transported with this thought, in which he feels the passion to which he
+has yielded at once transforming and tranquillising itself, Michel
+Angelo gives to it in his verses the most eloquent and most ingenious
+developments.
+
+     "No, it is not a mortal thing which my eyes perceived, when in them
+     was reflected, for the first time, the light of thine; but in thy
+     look, my soul, inquiet, because it mounts towards its object
+     without repose, has conceived the hope of finding her peace."
+
+     "She ascends, stretching her wings towards the abode from whence
+     she descended! The beauty which charms the eyes calls to her on her
+     flight; but, finding her weak and fugitive, she passes onwards to
+     the universal form, the divine archetype."
+
+This expression, and many others dispersed throughout the collection,
+show that he had profited more than he cared to acknowledge by the
+discourses of the Platonic Academy.
+
+     "Yes, I perceive it; that which must die can offer no repose to the
+     wise man. * * * That which kills the soul is not love; it is the
+     unbridled disorder of the senses. Love can render our souls perfect
+     here below, and yet more in heaven!"--(_Sonnet_ 2.)
+
+And fruther on:
+
+     "From the stars most near to the empyrean, descends sometimes a
+     brightness which attracts our desires towards them: it is that
+     which is called love!"--(_Mad._ 8.)
+
+But this celestial route demands extraordinary efforts on the part of
+him who aspires to travel it:
+
+     "How rash and how unworthy are the understandings, which bring down
+     to the level of the senses this beauty whose approaches aid the
+     true intelligence to remount to the skies. But feeble eyes cannot
+     go from the mortal to the divine;[58] never will they raise
+     themselves to that throne, where, without the grace from on high,
+     it is a vain thought to think of rising."
+
+Michel Angelo believed that he recognised these characteristics, as rare
+as sublime, in the love which pervaded his own heart.
+
+     "The life of my love is not the all in my heart. * * This affection
+     turns to that point where no earthly weakness, no guilty thought,
+     could exist."
+
+     "Love, when my soul left the presence of her Creator, made of her a
+     pure eye, of thee a splendour, and my ardent desire finds it every
+     hour in that which must, alas! one day die of thee."
+
+     "Like as heat and fire, so is the Beautiful inseparable from the
+     Eternal. * * * I see Paradise in thy eyes, and so return there
+     where I loved thee before this life,[59] I recur every hour to
+     consume myself under thy looks."--(_Sonnet_ 6.)
+
+He writes elsewhere, with a singular mixture of affectionate ardour and
+metaphysical boldness,--
+
+     "I know not if this is, in thee, the prolific light from its
+     Supreme Author which my soul feels, or if from the mysterious
+     treasures of her memory some other beauty, earlier perceived,
+     shines with thy aspect in my heart."[60]
+
+     "Or if the brilliant ray of _thy former existence_ is reflected in
+     my soul, leaving behind this kind of painful joy, which perhaps, at
+     this moment, is the cause of the tears I shed;"
+
+     "But after all, that which I feel, and see, which guides me, is not
+     with me, is not in me, * * sometimes I imagine that thou aidest me
+     to distinguish it." * * * * (_Sonnet_ 7.)
+
+It is easy to conjecture the danger of this inclination to metaphysical
+speculation for an ardent and subtile genius, which, even in its works
+of art, has left the proof of a constant disposition towards an obscure
+mysticism or a sombre austerity. Michel Angelo was enabled to avoid
+these two dangers, on one or the other of which he would have seen his
+genius wrecked, by the noble confidence which he ever maintained in "the
+two beacons of his navigation," tenderness of heart, and pure worship of
+beauty.
+
+Thus, we shall see with what outpouring he proclaims the necessity, for
+the human soul, to attach itself strongly to some generous love:
+
+     "The memory of the eyes, and this hope which suffices to my life,
+     and more to my happiness, * * * reason and passion, love and
+     nature, constrain me to fix my regard upon thee during the whole
+     time given me. * * * Eyes serene and sparkling; he who lives not in
+     you is not yet born!"
+
+And again:
+
+     "It is to thee that it belongs to bring out from the coarse and
+     rude bark within which my soul is imprisoned, that which has
+     brought and linked together in my intelligence, reason strength,
+     and love of the good." (_Mad._ 10.)
+
+Then was renewed that sweet and pregnant security in which the soul,
+"under the armour of a conscience which feels its purity," may gain new
+energy and journey towards her repose:[61]
+
+     "Yes, sometimes, with my ardent desire, my hope may also ascend; it
+     will not deceive me, for if all our affections are displeasing to
+     heaven, to what end would this world have been created by God?
+
+     "And what cause more just of the love with which I burn for thee,
+     than the duty of rendering glory to that eternal peace, whence
+     springs the divine charm which emanates from thee, which makes
+     every heart, worthy to comprehend thee, chaste and pious?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "Firm is the hope founded on a noble heart, the changes of the
+     mortal bark strip no leaves from its crown; never does it languish,
+     and even here it receives an assurance of heaven."--(_Sonnet_ 9.)
+
+Now it is with accents of triumph and anon with the serener emotion of
+an immortal gratitude, that the poet exhibits the luminous ladder which
+his love assists him to mount, the support he finds in it when he
+descends again to the earth:
+
+     "The power of a beautiful countenance, the only joy I know on
+     earth, urges me to the heaven, I rise, yet living, to the abode of
+     elect souls--favour granted rarely to our mortal state!
+
+     "So perfect is the agreement of this divine work with its Creator,
+     that I ascend to Him on the wings of this celestial fervour; and
+     there I form all my thoughts, and purify all my words.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "In her beautiful eyes, from which mine cannot divert themselves, I
+     behold the light, guide upon the way which leads to God;
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "Thus, in my noble fire, calmly shines the felicity which smiles,
+     eternal, in the heavens!--(_Sonnet_ 3.)
+
+     "With _your_ beautiful eyes I see the mild light which my darkened
+     eyes could not discern. Your support enables me to bear a burden
+     which my weary steps could not endure to the end."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "My thoughts are shaped in your heart; my words are born in your
+     mind.
+
+     "With regard to you, I am like the orb of night in its career; our
+     eyes can only perceive the portion on which the sun sheds his
+     rays."--(_Sonnet_ 12.)
+
+The admirable picture of indissoluble union in a settled tenderness, one
+of the most perfect pieces which has come from Angelo's pen, was
+sketched, doubtless, in one of those moments of severe and entire
+felicity:
+
+     "A refined love, a supreme affection, an equal fortune between two
+     hearts, to whom joys and sorrows are in common,
+
+
+     because one single mind actuates them both;
+
+     "One soul in two bodies, raising both to heaven, and upon equal
+     wings;
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "To love the other always, and one's self never, to desire of Love
+     no other prize than himself; to anticipate every hour the wishes
+     with which the reciprocal empire regulates two existences:
+
+     "Such are the certain signs of an inviolable faith; shall disdain
+     or anger dissolve such a tie?"--(_Sonnet_ 20.)
+
+The last verse makes allusion to some incident of which we have been
+unable to find any historical explanation:
+
+"Or potra _sdegno_ tanto nodo sciorre?"
+
+But these ill-founded fears soon gave way to the presentiment of the
+cruel, the imminent trial, for which the poet's affection was reserved.
+
+     "Spirit born under happy auspices, to show us, in the chaste beauty
+     of thy terrestrial envelope, all the gifts which nature and heaven
+     can bestow on their favourite creation!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "What inexorable law denies to this faithless world, to this
+     mournful and fallacious life, the long possession of such a
+     treasure? Why cannot death pardon so beautiful a work?"--(_Sonnet_
+     25.)
+
+The poet, however, already knew that such is the law, severe in
+appearance, but merciful in reality, which governs all things on this
+earth, "where nothing endures but tears."[62] It was then that Michel
+Angelo discovered in his heart that treasure of energy destined to
+sustain him in the multiplied trials of a life, of which he measured the
+probable length with a melancholy resignation.[63]
+
+     "Why," he exclaims, "grant to my wounded soul the vain solace of
+     tears and groaning words, since heaven, which clothed a heart with
+     bitterness, takes it away but late, and perhaps only in the tomb?"
+
+     "_Another_ must die. Why this haste to follow her? Will not the
+     remembrance of her look soothe my last hours? And what other
+     blessing would be worth so much as one of my sorrows?"[64]
+
+In fine, armed with "the faith that raises souls[65] to God, and
+sweetens their death," Michel Angelo, when the fatal blow fell, was
+enabled to impart to his regrets an expression of thankfulness to the
+Supreme Dispenser of our destinies; and giving a voice from the tomb to
+her whom he had so deeply loved, he puts these sublime words into her
+mouth:
+
+     "I was a mortal, now I am an angel. The world knew me for a little
+     space, and I possess heaven for ever. I rejoice at the glorious
+     exchange, and exult over the death which struck, to lead me to
+     eternal life!"--_Epitaffio_, v.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[50] "Dietro al mio legno, che cantando varca."--_Dante._
+
+[51] Michel Angelo lived until the beginning of the year 1564, the
+seventieth after the death of Luigia de' Medici.
+
+[52] In the Florentine style, 1474. The Florentine year began at Easter.
+
+[53] Michel Angelo was the fourth and last of the sons of Ludovico.
+
+[54] The Platonic Academy was established at Florence in 1474.
+Politiano's death, twenty years later, was the cause of its entire
+dispersion.
+
+[55] "But, perhaps, thy compassion regards with more justice than I
+thought in the beginning, my pure and loyal ardour, and the passion
+which thy looks have kindled in me for noble actions.
+
+"Oh, most happy day! if it ever arrive for me, let my days and hours
+concentrate themselves in that moment! and, to prolong it, let the sun
+forget his accustomed course!"
+
+[56] He was born in 1475.
+
+[57] The first sonnet of the collection; that commencing with the
+celebrated proposition--
+
+    "_Non ha l'ottimo artista alcun concetto._"
+
+
+[58]
+
+    "Dal mortale al divin non vanno gli occhi
+    Che sono infermi."   *   *   *   *
+
+
+[59]
+
+    "Veggendo ne tuo' occhi il Paradiso,
+    Per ritornar là dove io t'amai pria,
+    Ricorro ardendo sotto le tue ciglia."
+
+
+[60]
+
+    "Non so se e' _l'immaginata luce_
+    Del suo primo Fattor che l'alma sente,
+    O se dalla memoria.  *   *   *
+    Alcuna altra bella nel cor traluce,
+    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
+    _Del tuo primiero stato il raggio ardente_
+    Di sè lasciando un non so che cocente."  *   *   *
+
+
+[61]
+
+    "La buona coscienza che l'uom franchigia,
+    Sotto l'usbergo di sentirsi pura."--_Dante._
+
+
+[62] "To what am I reserved?" writes Angelo in another piece. "To live
+long? that terrifies me. The shortest life is yet too long for the
+recompense obtained in serving with devotion."
+
+[63] "Ahi, che null altro che pianto al mondo dura!"--_Petrarca._
+
+[64] "_Ogni altro ben val men ch'una mia doglia!_"
+
+[65]
+
+    *  *  *  *  "Chi t'ama con fede
+    Si leva a Dio, e fa dolce la morte."
+
+
+
+
+THINGS IN GENERAL.
+
+A GOSSIPING LETTER FROM THE SEASIDE TO CHRISTOPHER NORTH, ESQ. BY AN OLD
+CONTRIBUTOR.
+
+    ------
+    Near ----, England,
+    _October 1846_.
+
+MY DEAR CHRISTOPHER,--Where am I? What am I doing? Why have I forgotten
+you and Maga? Bless us! what a pother!--Give a man time, my revered
+friend, to answer: I have _not_ forgotten either you or Maga; I am at
+the seaside; and I am doing, as well as I can, _nothing_. There are your
+testy questions answered: and as to divers objurgatory observations of
+your's, I shall not attempt to reply to them--regarding them as the
+results of some gout-twinges which have, I fear, a little quickened and
+heated the temper of that "old man eloquent," who, when in good health,
+plays but one part--that of a caressing father towards his children; for
+as such Christopher North has ever (as far as I know) regarded his
+contributors. "Why don't you _review_ something or other? There's ----,
+an impudent knave!--has just sent me his ----: you will find it pleasant
+to flagellate him, or ----, a Cockney coxcomb! And if you be not in that
+humour, there are several excellent, and one or two admirable works,
+which have appeared within the last eighteen months, and which really
+have as strong a claim on Maga as she has on her truant sons,--and you,
+among the rest, have repeatedly promised to take one, at least, in hand.
+If you be not in the critical vein--do, for heaven's sake, turn your
+hand to something else--you have lain fallow long enough!--With one of
+the many articles which you have so often told me that you were
+'seriously thinking of' on ----, or ----, or ----, &c., &c., &c.; and if
+_that_ won't do--why, rather than do _nothing_, set to work for an hour
+or two on a couple of mornings, and write me a gossiping sort of
+letter--such as I can print--such as you have once before done, and I
+printed,--on Things in General. Surely the last few months have
+witnessed events which must have set you, and all observant men,
+thinking, and thinking very earnestly. Set to work, be it only in a
+simple, natural, easy way--care not you, as I care not, how
+discursively--a little touch of modest egotism, even, I will forgive on
+this occasion, if you find that--" Here, dear Christopher, I
+recalcitrate, and decline printing the rest of the sentence; but as to
+"_Things in General_"--I am somewhat smitten with the suggestion. 'Tis a
+taking title--a roomy subject, in which one can flit about from gay to
+grave, from lively to severe, according to the humour of the moment; and
+since you really do not dislike the idea of an old contributor's gossip
+on men and things, given you in his own way, I shall forthwith begin to
+pour out my little thoughts as unreservedly as if you and I were sitting
+together alone here. _Here_; but where? As I said before, at the
+seaside; at my favourite resort--where (eschewing "Watering-places" with
+lively disgust) I have spent many a happy autumn. When I first found it
+out, I thought that the _lines_ had indeed _fallen_ to me in _pleasant
+places_, and I still think so; but were I to tell the public, through
+your pages, of this green spot, I suspect that by this time next year
+the sweet solitude and primitive simplicity of the scene around me would
+have vanished: greedy speculating builders, tempting the proprietors of
+the soil, would run up in all directions vile, pert, vulgar,
+brick-built, slate-roofed, Quakerish-looking abominations, exactly as a
+once lovely nook in the Isle of Wight--Ventnor to wit--has become a mere
+assemblage of eyesores, a mass of _un_favourable eruptions, so to
+speak--Bah! I once used to look forward to the Isle of Wight with
+springy satisfaction. Why, the infatuated inhabitants were lately
+talking of having a railroad in the island!!
+
+I quitted Babylon, now nearly eleven weeks ago, for this said sweet
+mysterious solitude. London I dearly, dearly love--except during the
+months of August, September, and October, when it goes to sleep, and
+lies utterly torpid. When I quitted it very early in August, London life
+was, as it were, at dead-low water-mark. I was myself somewhat jaded
+with a year's severe exertion in my lawful calling, (what that may be,
+it concerns none of your readers to know,) and my family also were in
+want of change of air and scene; so that, when the day of departure had
+arrived, we were in the highest possible spirits. _Our_ house would--we
+reflected--within a few hours put on the dismal, dismantled appearance
+which almost every other house in the street had presented for several
+weeks, and we, whirling away to ----; but first of all it occurred to me
+to lay in a stock of our good friend Lee's port and sherry, (for where
+were we to get drinkable wine at ----?)--ditto, in respect of six pounds
+of real tea--not _quasi_ tea, _i.e._, raisin-stalks and
+sloe-leaves--three bottles of whisky; four of Anchovy sauce; and four of
+Reading or Harvey's sauce; two pounds of mustard, and some cayenne and
+curry-powder: having an eye, in respect of this last, to--hot crab! a
+delicious affair! Arrangements these which we are resolved always to
+make hereafter, having repeatedly experienced the inconvenience of not
+doing so. Having packed up every thing, and given special orders for the
+_Times_ to be provided daily, and the _Spectator_ weekly, away we
+go--myself, wife, three hostages to fortune, and three other persons,
+and--bless him!--Tickler; Timothy Tickler--that sagacious, quaint,
+affectionate, ugly-beautiful Skye terrier, which found its way to me
+from you, my revered friend--and is now lying gracefully near me,
+pretending--the little rogue--to be asleep; but really watching the
+wasps buzzing round him, and every now and then snapping at them
+furiously, unconscious of the probable consequences of his
+success,--that,
+
+    "If 'twere _done_, when 'tis done,
+    _Then_--'twere well it were done quickly!"
+
+By what railway we went, I care not to say--beyond this, that it belongs
+to one of that exceedingly select class, the well-conducted railways;
+and we were brought to the end of that portion of our journey--whether
+one hundred, two hundred, or two hundred and fifty, or three hundred
+miles, signifies nothing--safely and punctually arriving two minutes
+earlier than our appointed time. Then, by means of steam-boats, cars,
+and otherwise, _taliter processum est_, that about eight o'clock in the
+evening we reached this place, which, in the brilliant moonlight, looked
+even more beautiful than I had ever seen it. Near us on our left--that
+is, within a few hundred feet--was the placid silvery sea, "its moist
+lips kissing the shore," as Thomas Campbell expressed it; and while
+supper was preparing, we went to the shore to enjoy its loveliness. Not
+a breath of wind was stirring--scarce a cloud interfered with the moon's
+serene effulgence. Lofty cliffs stretched on either side of us as we
+faced the sea, casting a kindly gloom over part of the shore; and on
+turning towards the land, we beheld nothing but solemn groves of trees,
+and one sweet cottage peeping modestly from among them, as it were a
+pearl glistening half-hid between the folds of green velvet, about
+half-way up the fissure in the cliffs by which we had descended. Two or
+three fishing-boats were moored under the cliff, and against one of them
+was leaning the fisherman, not far from his snugly-sheltered hut,
+pleasantly puffing at his pipe. Near him lay extended on the shingle,
+grisly even in death, a monster--viz. a shark, the victim of the
+patience, pluck, and tact, which had been exhibited that afternoon by
+the fisherman and his son, who had captured the marine fiend in the bay,
+at less than two miles' distance from the shore. 'Twas nine feet in
+length, wanting one inch;--and _its_ teeth made your teeth chatter to
+look at them. Tickler inspected him narrowly, having first cautiously
+ascertained by his nose that all was right, and then exclaimed, "Bow,
+wow, wow!"--thus showing that even as a live ass is better than a dead
+lion, so a live terrier was better than a dead shark. [As I find that
+several of these hideous creatures have been lately captured here,
+_quære_ the propriety of bathing, as I had intended, from a boat, a
+little way of from the land? Hem!] The only visible occupants of those
+solitary sands at that moment were myself, my wife and children, the
+fisherman, Tickler, and the dead shark. I remained standing alone for a
+few moments after my companions had turned their steps towards our
+cottage, eager for supper, and gazed upon the sequestered loveliness
+around me with a sense of luxury. What a contrast this to the scene of
+exciting London life in which I had happened to bear a part on the
+preceding evening! The following verses of Lord Rosscommon happened to
+occur to me, and chimed in completely with the tone of my feelings:--
+
+    "Hail, sacred Solitude! from this calm bay
+    I view the world's tempestuous sea;
+        And with wise pride despise
+        All those senseless vanities:
+    With pity moved for others, cast away,
+    On rocks of hopes and fears I see them toss'd,
+    On rocks of folly and of vice I see them lost:
+    Since the prevailing malice of the great
+        Unhappy men, or adverse fate
+    Sunk deep into the gulfs of an afflicted state:
+    But more, far more, a numberless prodigious train,
+    Whilst virtue counts them, but, alas, in vain.
+        Fly from her kind embracing arms,
+    Deaf to her fondest call, blind to her greatest charms,
+        And sunk in pleasures and in brutish ease,
+    They in their shipwrecked state themselves obdurate please.
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    Here may I always, on this downy grass,
+    Unknown, unseen, my easy moments pass,
+    Till, with a gentle force, victorious Death
+        My solitude invade,
+    And stopping for a while my breath,
+    With ease convey me to a better shade!"
+
+But a sharpened appetite for supper called me away, and I quickly
+followed my companions, casting a last glance around, and suppressing a
+faint sigh, fraught with the reflection, "All this--_Deo volente_--will
+be ours for nearly three months." Why _does_ one so often sigh on such
+an occasion?
+
+You may conceive how we enjoyed our supper to the utmost, and then all
+of us retired to our respective apartments, which were so brilliantly
+lit by the moon, as to make our candles pale their ineffectual fires. I
+stood for a long time gazing at the beautiful scenery visible from my
+little dressing-room window, and then retired to rest, grateful to the
+Almighty for our being allowed the prospect of another of these
+periodical intervals of relaxation and enjoyment. To me they get more
+precious every year; _they do_, decidedly. But why? Let me, however,
+return to this question by-and-by: 'tis one which, with kindred
+subjects, has much occupied my thoughts this autumn, in many a long,
+solitary stroll over the hills, and along the seashore.
+
+I wish I could do justice to my cottage and its lovely locality. Yet why
+should I try to set your's and your readers' teeth on edge? You have
+some lovely nooks on your Scottish coast; but you cannot beat this. We
+are about three hundred yards from the sea, of which our windows, on one
+side, command a full view; while from all the others are visible dark,
+high, steep downs, at so short a distance, that methinks, at this
+moment, I can hear the faint--the very faint--tinkle of a sheep-bell,
+proceeding from some of the little white tufts moving upon them. I am
+now writing to you towards the middle of this stormy October. Its winds
+have so much thinned the leaves of the huge elms which stand towards the
+south-eastern parts of our house, that I can now, from my study-window,
+distinctly see the church--very small, and very ancient--which, when
+first we came, the thick foliage rendered totally invisible from this
+point. My window looks directly upon the aforesaid downs, which at
+present appear somewhat gloomy and desolate. Yet have they a certain air
+of the wild picturesque, the effect of which is heightened by the
+howling winds, which are sweeping down over them to us, moaning and
+groaning through the trees, and round the gables of our house, (the
+aspect of the sky being, at the same time, bleak and threatening.) How
+it enhances my sense of snugness in the small antique, thoroughly
+wind-and-weather tight room in which I am writing! A little to my left
+is a vast natural hollow in the downs, from which springs a sort of
+little hanging wood or copse, the mottled variegated hues of which have
+a beautiful effect. Between me and the downs are small clumps of
+trees--abrupt little declivities, thickly lined with shrubs, all touched
+with the bronze tinting of the far-advanced autumn--two or three
+intensely-green fields, in the nearest of which are browsing the two
+cows belonging to the parsonage--which is, by the way, quite invisible
+from any part of my house, though at only a hundred yards' or two
+distance. Oh! 'tis a model--a love of a parsonage!--buried among lofty
+trees, richly adorned with myrtles, laurel, and clematis--the
+well-trimmed greensward immediately surrounding the long, low, thatched
+house, which combines rural elegance, simplicity, and comfort in its
+disposition--is bordered by spreading hydrangeas, dahlias, fuschias,
+mignionette, and roses--ay, roses, even yet in full bloom! Its occupant
+is my friend, a dignitary of the church, a scholar, a gentleman, and
+"given to hospitality;" but I will say nothing more on this head, lest,
+peradventure, I should offend his modesty, and disclose my locality. My
+own house is more than sufficient for my family; 'tis a small
+gentleman's cottage, delightfully situate, and containing every
+convenience, (especially for a _symposium_,) and surrounded by a
+luxuriant garden. Along one side of the house, and commanding an
+extensive and varied sea and land view, runs a little terrace of "soft,
+smooth-shaven green," made for a meditative man to pace up and down, as
+I have done some thousand times--by noonday sunlight, by midnight
+moonshine--buried in reverie, or charmed by contemplating the scenery
+around, disturbed by no sound save the caw! caw! caw! from the parsonage
+rookery, the _sough_ of the wind among the trees, and, latterly, the
+sullen echoes of the sea thundering on the shore. Ah! what an
+inexpressibly beautiful aspect is just given to the scene by that
+transient gleam of saddening sunlight!
+
+I can really give no account of my time for the last eleven weeks, which
+have slipped away almost unperceivedly--one day so like another, that
+scarce any thing can be recorded of one which would not be applicable to
+every other. Breakfast over, (crabs, lobster, or prawns, and honey
+indigenous, the constant racy accessaries,) all the intermediate time
+between that hour and dinner, (for I am no lunch-eater,) six P.M., is
+spent in sauntering along the shore, poking among the rocks, strolling
+over the clefts, and clambering up and wandering about the downs; and
+occasionally in pilgrimages to distant and pretty little farm-houses,
+(in quest of their products for our table,) generally accompanied by
+Tickler, always by a book, sometimes with my wife and children; but most
+frequently _alone_, chewing the cud of sweet and bitter fancies, and
+always avoiding, of set purpose, any other company (even were it here to
+be had) in my rambles, than as is aforesaid. 'Tis ecstacy to me to sit
+alone on a rock in a sequestered part of the shore, especially when the
+tide is high, and equally whether it be rough or smooth, or calm or
+stormy weather: for as to this last, I have discovered a friendly nook
+in the rocks, big enough to hold me only, and deep enough to give me
+shelter from the wind and rain, except when they beat right in upon me.
+You may laugh, perhaps, but in this retreat I have spent many an entire
+day--_i.e._ from ten A.M. to six P.M., sometimes pacing to and fro on
+the sands, near my hole, generally bathing about mid-day, taking with me
+always the _Times_ newspaper, (which I generally got from the old
+postman, whom I met on my way down to the sands,) the current number of
+_Maga_, or some favourite volume, being also frequent companions. I must
+acknowledge, however, that the first was my special luxury, to which I
+daily addressed myself with all the eager relish of a dog with a fresh
+bone in an unfrequented place--and whom I conceive to be, so
+circumstanced, in a state paradisiacal;--for, indeed, to such a pass are
+matters come, that no man whom I know of can miss his newspaper without
+a restless, uncomfortable feeling of having slipped a day behind the
+world. Surely I may here, in passing, say a word or two about
+NEWSPAPERS?
+
+And coming from one who, as you know, never had any thing to do with
+newspapers, except as having been an eager and regular reader of them
+for more than twenty years, I hope my testimony is worth having, when I
+express my opinion that our newspaper press is a very great honour to
+Great Britain, as well negatively in its abstinence from myriads of
+tempting but objectionable topics, as well as positively in the varied
+ability, the energy, accuracy, and amazing promptitude displayed in
+dealing with the ever-changing and often-perplexing affairs of the
+world. Inestimably precious is the unshackled freedom of these wondrous
+organs of public opinion: infringe, though never so slightly, and but
+for a moment, upon that independence, and you wound our LIBERTY in the
+very apple of the eye.
+
+Let any government unjustifiably or oppressively attack one of our
+newspapers--whatever may be its politics--how indifferent even soever
+its character--with an evident intention to impair its independence--and
+there is not a man in the country who would not suddenly feel a stifling
+sensation, as if some attempt had been made upon his immediate personal
+rights. The nation may be (though fancifully) compared to a huge
+monster, with myriads of _tentacles_--or whatever else you may call
+them--as its organ of existence and action, every single one of which is
+so sensitive, that, if touched, the whole _creature_ is instantly roused
+and in motion, as if you had touched them _all_, and stimulated _all_
+into simultaneous and frightful action. The public is this vast
+creature--the press are these tentacles. Fancy our Prime Minister
+pouncing oppressively and illegally upon the very obscurest provincial
+paper going--say the "Land's End Farthing Illuminator!" Why, the whole
+artillery of the press of the United Kingdom would instantly open upon
+him; in doing so, being the true exponent of the universal fury of the
+country--and in a twinkling where would be my Lord John, or would have
+been Sir Robert, with the strongest government that ever was organised?
+Extinguished, annihilated. Let some young and unreflecting Englishman
+compare this state of things with that which is at this moment in
+existence in Spain!--in which every newspaper daring to express itself
+independently, though moderately, on a stirring political event of the
+day, is instantly pounced upon by an infamous--a truly execrable
+government, and silenced and suppressed; and its conductors fined and
+imprisoned. We in this country cannot write or read the few words
+conveying the existence of such a state of facts, without our blood
+boiling. And is there no _other_ country where the press is
+overawed--submits, however sullenly, to be dictated to by government, to
+become the despicable organ of falsehood and deceit--and is accessible
+to bribery and corruption? And what are we to say of the press of the
+United States of America, pandering (with some bright exceptions) to the
+vilest passions, the most depraved tastes of the most abandoned among
+the people, and mercenary and merciless libellers? With scarcely more
+than a single foul exception--and that, one regrets to say, in our
+Metropolis, in which are published nearly forty newspapers--can any
+person point out a newspaper, in town or country, indulging in, ribald
+or obscene language or allusions, or--with two or three
+exceptions--professed impiety, or slanderous attacks upon public or
+private character. Some year or two ago there was manifested, in a
+certain portion of the metropolitan press, a tendency downwards of this
+sort; and how long was it before popular indignation rose, and--to use a
+legal phrase--abated the nuisance? Can the chief perpetrator of the
+enormities referred to, even now, after having undergone repeated legal
+punishment, show himself any where in public without encountering groans
+and hisses, and the risk even of personal violence? And did not the
+occasion in question rouse the legislature itself into action, the
+result of which was a law effectually protecting the public against
+wicked newspapers, and, on the other hand, justly affording increased
+protection to the freedom and independence of the virtuous part of the
+press? I repeat the question--Who can point out more than one or two of
+our newspapers which are morally discreditable to the country? No censor
+of the press want we: the British public is its own censor. What a vast
+amount of humbug, of fraud, of meanness, of corruption, of oppression,
+of cruelty, and wickedness, as well in private as in public life--as
+well in low as in high places--is not kept in check, and averted from
+us, by the sleepless vigilance, the fearless interference, the ceaseless
+denunciations of our public press! 'Tis a potent preventive to check
+evil--or rather may be regarded as a tremendous tribunal, to which the
+haughtiest and fiercest among us is amenable, before which, though he
+may outwardly bluster, he inwardly quails, whose decrees have toppled
+down headlong the most exalted, into obscurity and insignificance, and
+left them exposed to blighting ridicule and universal derision. It is
+true that this power may be, and has been, abused: that good
+institutions and their officials have been unjustly denounced. But this
+is rare: the vast power above spoken of exists not, except where the
+press is unanimous, or pretty nearly so: and as the British people are a
+just and truth-loving people, (with all their weaknesses and faults,)
+the various organs of their various sections and parties rarely come to
+approach unanimity, except in behalf of a good and just cause. Let the
+most potent journal in the empire run counter to the feeling and opinion
+of the country, if we could imagine a journal so obstinate and
+shortsighted, and its voice is utterly ineffectual--the objects of its
+deadliest animosity remain unscathed, though, it may be, for a brief
+space exposed to the irritating and annoying consequences of publicity.
+Let this country embark, for instance, in a just war--within a day or
+two our press would have roused the enthusiasm of this country, even as
+that of one man. Let it be an unjust war--and the government proposing
+it, or appearing likely to precipitate it, bombarded by the artillery of
+the press, will quickly be shattered to pieces. All our institutions
+profit prodigiously by the wholesome scrutiny of the press. The Church,
+the Army, the Navy, the Law, every department of the executive--down to
+our police-offices, our prisons, our workhouses--in any and every of
+them, tyranny, peculation, misconduct of every sort, is quickly
+detected, and as quickly stopped and redressed. While conferring these
+immense social benefits, how few are the evils, how rare--as I have
+already observed--the misconduct to be set off! How very, very rare are
+prosecutions for libel or sedition, or actions for libel, against the
+press; and even when they do occur, how rare is the success of such
+proceedings! I happen, by the way, to be able to give two instances of
+the generous and gentlemanlike conduct of the conductors of two leading
+metropolitan newspapers of opposite politics; one was of very recent
+occurrence:--A hot-headed political friend of mine, contrary to my
+advice, forwarded to _The ------_ a _fact_, duly authenticated,
+concerning a person in high station, which, if it had been published,
+would have exquisitely annoyed the party in question, whose politics
+were diametrically opposed to those of the newspaper referred to, and
+would also have afforded matter for party sarcasm and piquant gossip in
+society. The only notice taken of my crestfallen friend's communication
+was the following, in the next morning's "Notices to
+Correspondents:"--"To [Greek: S].--The occurrence referred to is hardly
+a fair topic for [or 'within the province of'] newspaper discussion."
+The other case was one which occurred two or three years ago; and the
+editor of the paper in question did not deign to take the least notice
+whatever of the communication--not even acknowledging the receipt of it.
+There is one feature of our leading London newspapers which always
+appears to me interesting and remarkable: it is their leading article on
+a debate, or on newly-arrived foreign intelligence. Let an important
+ministerial speech be delivered in either House of Parliament on a very
+difficult subject, and at a very late hour, or say at an early hour in
+the morning; and on our breakfast-tables, the same morning, is lying the
+speech and the editor's interesting and masterly commentary on
+it--evincing, first, a thorough familiarity with the speech itself, and
+with the difficult and often obscure and complicated topics which it
+deals with; and, secondly, a skilful confutation or corroboration,
+wherein it is difficult which most to admire, the logical acuteness,
+dexterity, and strength of the writer, the vigour and vivacity of his
+style, or the accuracy and extent of his political knowledge; and this,
+too, after making large allowance for occasional crudity, perversion,
+inconsistency, or flippancy. The same observation applies to their
+articles, often equally interesting and masterly, on newly-arrived
+foreign intelligence. Conceive the extent to which such a writer, such a
+journal must influence public opinion, and gradually and unconsciously
+bias the minds of even able and thinking readers. Engaged actively in
+their own concerns all day long, they have too often neither the
+inclination nor opportunity for sifting the sophistries, skilfully
+intermingled with just and brilliant reasoning, and disguised under
+splendid sarcasm and powerful invective. How, again, can they test the
+accuracy of historical and political references and assertions, if
+happening to lie beyond their own particular acquisitions and
+recollections? The other side of the question, such a one is aware, will
+probably be found in the _Chronicle_ or _Standard_, the _Times_ or
+_Globe_, _Sun_ or _Herald_ respectively, whose business it is to be
+continually on the watch for each other's lapses, to detect and expose
+them. To what does all this lead but the formation of an indolent habit
+of acquiescence in other men's opinions--a hasty, superficial
+acquaintance with _pros_ and _cons_, upon even the gravest question
+propounded by other men--a heedless, universal _taking upon trust_,
+instead of that salutary jealousy, vigilance, and independence, which
+insists in every thing, upon weighing matters in the balances of one's
+own understanding? Many a man is reading these sentence who knows that
+they are telling the truth; and doubtless he will be for the future upon
+his guard, resolved not to surrender his independence of judgement, or
+suffer his faculties to decay through inaction.--But, bless me! this
+glorious morning is slipping away. I hear Tickler scratching at the
+door. I shut up my writing-case, don my coat, hat, and walking-stick,
+and away to the shore. Scarcely have I got upon the sands, when behold,
+floating majestically past me, at little more than a mile's distance,
+the magnificent _St Vincent_ (one hundred and twenty guns.) There's a
+line-of-battle ship for you! I take off my hat involuntarily in the
+presence of our Naval Majesty. I gaze after her with those feelings and
+thoughts of fond pride and exultation which gush over the heart of an
+Englishman looking at one of HIS MEN-OF-WAR! Well--superb St Vincent,
+you have now rounded the corner, and are out of sight; but I remain
+riveted to the spot with folded arms, and ask of our naval rulers, with
+a certain stern anxiety, a question, which I shall throw into the
+striking language of Mr Canning--"Are _you_, my Lords and Gentlemen,
+_silently concentrating the force to be put forth on an adequate
+occasion_?" Who can tell how soon that adequate occasion will present
+itself? Is the peace of Europe at this moment so profound, is our own
+position so satisfactory and impregnable, that we may wisely and safely
+dismiss all anxiety from our minds? Why, has not, within these few days
+past, an event occurred which is calculated to give rise to very serious
+anxiety in the minds of those feeling an interest in public affairs? I
+allude to the Duc de Montpensier's marriage with the Infanta Donna
+Luisa, which I have just learned, was actually carried into effect at
+Madrid on the 10th instant, in the teeth of the stern and repeated
+protest of Great Britain. I do not take every thing for gospel which
+appears on this subject in the newspapers, from which alone we have
+hitherto derived all our knowledge of this affair; and, with a liberal
+allowance in respect of their excusable anxiety to make the most of what
+they regard as a godsend at this vapid period of the year, I would
+suspend my judgment till the country shall have had full and authentic
+information concerning the real state of the case. I hope it will prove
+that I for one have altogether mistaken the aspect and bearings of the
+affair. Discarding what may possibly turn out to be greatly exaggerated
+or wholly unfounded, I take it nevertheless for granted, that, (1st,)
+the youngest son of the reigning King of the French was, on the 10th
+instant, married to Donna Luisa, the sister of the reigning Queen of
+Spain, and heiress-presumptive to her crown; (2dly,) That this was done
+after and in spite of the distinct emphatic protest of the British
+government, conveyed to those of both Spain and France; (3dly,) That the
+British government and the British ambassadors at Madrid and Paris had
+been kept in profound ignorance of the whole affair up to the moment of
+the annunciation to the world at large of the fact, that the marriage
+had been finally--irrevocably determined upon. I think it, moreover,
+highly probable, that (1st,) this marriage is regarded by the people of
+Spain with sullen dislike and distrust; (2dly,) that there has been
+cruel coercion upon the two royal girls--for such they are--the result
+of an intrigue between their Mother, the notorious Christina, and Louis
+Philippe; (3dly,) that an express or implied promise was personally
+given, during the last year, at the Chateau d'Eu, by the French king and
+his minister, to our queen and her minister, that this event should
+_not_ take place;--and all this done while England was reposing in
+confident and gratified security, upon the supposed "_cordial
+understanding_" between herself and France; in contemptuous disregard of
+England's title to be consulted in such an affair, founded upon her
+stupendous sacrifices and exertions on behalf of the peace and liberty
+of Spain, and in deliberate defiance--as it appears to me--of the treaty
+of Utrecht! What is Louis Philippe about? On what principles are we to
+account for his conduct? Has he counted the cost of obtaining his
+immediate object? Has he calculated the consequences with respect to
+France and to Europe generally? Is he prepared, at the proper time, to
+demonstrate, that the step which he has taken is consistent with his
+character for sincerity and straight-forwardness--with his personal
+honour and welfare--with the honour and welfare of his family and of
+France? That he has not violated any pledge, or infringed any treaty?
+That England is not warranted in considering herself aggrieved,
+slighted, insulted? That he could have had no sinister object in view,
+and that his conduct has been consistent with his loud professions of
+friendship and respect for this country and its sovereign? Let him ask
+himself the startling question, whether he can afford to lose our
+friendship and support towards himself or his family and dynasty, in his
+rapidly declining years--or further, provoke our settled anger and
+hostility? England is frank and generous, but somewhat stern and
+sensitive in matters of honour and fidelity; and none is abler than
+Louis Philippe to appreciate the consequences of her resentment. Is he
+aware of the altered feeling towards him which his recent conduct has
+generated in this country? That his name, when coupled with that
+conduct, is mentioned only with the contempt and disgust due to gross
+insincerity, selfishness, and treachery; and that, too, in a country
+which, up to within a few months ago, gave him such unequivocal and
+gratefully-recognised tokens of respect and affection? Whenever he
+escaped from the hand of the assassin, where was the event hailed with
+such profound sympathy as here? _Now_, his name suggests to us only that
+of his execrable father, and reminds us that the blood running in his
+veins is that of Philip Egalité. Surely the equipoise of European
+interests has been seriously disturbed, either through the insane
+recklessness of an avaricious monarch, bent on enriching every member
+of his family, at all hazards, or in furtherance of a deep and
+long-considered scheme, having for its exclusive and sinister object the
+aggrandisement of his family and nation. Had he come to a secret
+understanding beforehand with America, or any European power, to support
+him throughout the consequences which might ensue? Was it his object to
+crush English influence in the Peninsula, and render it at no distant
+period a mere French province, and give him a right or pretext for
+interference? What will the Spanish nation say to what he has done? Has
+he rightly estimated the Spanish character, and foreseen the
+consequences of what he has done, in perpetrating an _abduction_ of
+their Infanta? What prospects has he opened for Spain? Has he considered
+what a line of policy is now open to Great Britain, with reference to
+Spain? Whether the northern powers of Europe will _announce_
+dissatisfaction at this proceeding remains to be seen. They cannot
+_feel_ satisfaction, unless their relations and policy towards this
+country and France are assuming a new character. I should like to know
+what M. Guizot really thinks on all these subjects, and am curious to
+hear what he will say--or rather suffer his royal master to coerce him
+into saying--when the time shall have arrived for public explanation. I
+trust that it will speedily appear that our representatives in Spain and
+France have acted, as became them, with promptitude, prudence, and
+spirit, and that neither our late nor present foreign Secretary has been
+guilty of neglect or bungling diplomacy, so as to place us now in a
+position of serious embarrassment, or ridiculous inability for action.
+If the contrary be the case--that is, if no such compromise of our
+national interests have occurred, and we are now free to say and do what
+we may consider consistent with our rights and character, it is to be
+hoped that our government, by whomsoever carried on, will act on the one
+hand with dignified and uncompromising determination, and on the other
+with the utmost possible circumspection. They have to deal with a very
+subtle and dangerous intriguer in Louis Philippe, who seems to have
+chosen a moment for the development of his plans most convenient for
+himself--viz., when our Parliament was newly prorogued, not to meet
+again till he should have had the benefit of the chapter of accidents.
+All will, however, assuredly come out; and if the main features of the
+case prove to have been already shadowed forth truly, I do not think
+that there will be found two opinions in this country upon the subject
+of Louis Philippe and his Montpensier marriage. It is represented by,
+_one_ of our journals as an event, the hubbub about which "will soon
+blow over;" but I do not think so--it appears, on the contrary, pregnant
+with very serious and far-stretching consequences--the first of which is
+the undoubted conversion of the "cordial understanding" between England
+and France, into a very "cordial _mis_understanding,"--with all its
+embarrassing and threatening incidents. Our diplomatic relations are now
+chilled and disordered; and the worst of it is, not by a temporary, but
+_permanent_ cause--one which, the more we contemplate it, the more
+distinctly we perceive the consequences which it was _meant_ should
+follow from it. The bearing of England towards France has become one of
+stern and guarded caution. In all human probability, Louis Philippe will
+never look again upon the face of our Queen Victoria, or partake of her
+hospitalities, or be permitted to pour his dulcet deceit into her ears.
+He may affect to regard with satisfaction and exultation the fact of his
+having become the father-in-law of the heiress-presumptive to the throne
+of Spain: but I do not think that he can really regard what he has just
+accomplished otherwise than with rapidly-increasing misgiving. "A few
+months," to adopt the language of one of our most powerful journalists,
+"will now probably show us how far Louis Philippe has succeeded in a
+feat which foiled the undying ambition of Louis le Grand, and the
+unexampled might of Napoleon; and what is the real value of the spoil
+for which he has not hesitated to imperil a thirty years' peace, and
+convulse the relations of Europe?" Let me return, however, to the topic
+which led me into this subject, and express again my deep anxiety for
+the efficient management of our navy: adding a significant fact
+disclosed by the last number of _La Presse_--which announces that the
+Minister of Marine has just concluded contracts for ship-timber to be
+supplied to the ports of Toulon, Cherbourg, Brest, L'Orient, and
+Rochefort, to the extent of upwards of 25,000,000 francs, (_i.e._
+upwards of a million sterling.) Does Louis Philippe meditate leaving to
+France the destructive legacy of a war with England, as a hoped-for
+prevention of the civil war which he may expect to ensue upon his death?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+If I were to write a diary here, it would be after the following sort:--
+
+_Monday._--Another shark! Mercy on us! What a brute! But not so big as
+the other.
+
+_Tuesday._--We had capital honey this morning to breakfast; eightpence
+per lb.--freshly expressed from the wax, and got from Granny Jolter's
+farm.
+
+_Wednesday._--My _Times_ did not come by to-day's post, and I feel I
+don't know how.
+
+_Thursday._--The "hot crab" which we had at the parsonage, where we
+dined to-day, was exquisite. The way it is done is--the whole of the
+inside, and the claws, having been mixed together with a little rich
+gravy, (sometimes cream is used;) curry-_paste_, not curry-powder, and
+very fine fried crumbs of bread, is put into the shell of the crab and
+then _salamandered_. If _my_ cook can do it on my return to town, I will
+give her half-a-crown.
+
+_Friday._--Nothing whatever happened; but it looked a little like rain,
+over the downs, about four o'clock in the afternoon.
+
+_Saturday._--A day of incidents. Ten o'clock A.M.--The coast-guard man
+told me, that about five o'clock this morning, as he was coming along
+---- cliff, a young fox popped out of a thicket close at his feet,
+looked "quite steady-like at him for about five seconds," and then ran
+back into the furze.
+
+Eleven o'clock.--Saw a Cockney "gent" on a walking tour, the first of
+the sort that I have seen in these parts, and he looked frightened at
+the solitariness of the scene. Every thing that he had on seemed new: a
+dandified shining hat; a kind of white pea-jacket; white trowsers;
+fawn-coloured, gloves; little cloth boots tipped with shining French
+polished leather; a very slight umbrella covered with oil-skin; and a
+little telescope in a leathern case, slung round his waist. He fancied,
+as he passed me, that he had occasion to use a gossamer white
+pocket-handkerchief, with a fine border to it; for he took it out of an
+outside breast-pocket, and unfolded it deliberately and jauntily. Whence
+came he, I wonder? He cannot walk four miles further, poor fellow! for
+evidently walking does not agree with him: yet he must, or sit down and
+cry in this out-of-the-way place.
+
+Two o'clock.--Tickler caught a little crab among the rocks. It got hold
+of his nose, and bothered him.
+
+Four o'clock.--As I was sitting on a tumble-down sort of gate, talking
+earnestly with my little boy, I heard some vehicle approaching--looked
+up as it turned the corner of the road, and behold--Her Gracious Majesty
+Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and one or two other persons, without
+outriders or any sort of state whatever! She was dressed exceedingly
+plain, and was laughing heartily at something said to her by a
+well-known nobleman who walked beside the carriage. I never saw her
+Majesty looking to so much advantage: in high spirits, with a fine fresh
+colour, and her hair a _little_ deranged by the wind. She and her little
+party seemed surprised at seeing any one in such an out-of-the-way
+place, and her Majesty and the Prince returned our obeisances with
+particular courtesy.
+
+Half-past Five.--Nick Irons met me with a large viper which he had just
+killed, after it had flown at his dog. Is there any difference between
+vipers and adders?
+
+A quarter past Six.--On arriving at home, found a hot crab, which had
+been sent in to us, as an addition to our dinner, from the parsonage. I
+lick my lips while thinking of it. I prefer the cream to the gravy.
+
+Half-past six.--Find I have got only three bottles of port and two of
+sherry left!
+
+Nine o'clock.--My four gallon cask of elderberry wine, made for me--and
+capitally made, too--by one of the villagers, came home. We are to put a
+quart of brandy in it, and "take care it don't _forment_." I fancy I see
+ourselves and the children regaling ourselves with it on the winter's
+evenings, in town. Altogether it has cost me twelve shillings and
+sixpence!
+
+Quarter past Nine.--Children go to bed; I had the candles brought in,
+resolved to read the new number of the ----; but fell asleep directly,
+and never woke till half-past twelve o'clock, when I knew not where I
+was; being in darkness--and alone. Really a journal of this sort is,
+upon consideration, so instructive and entertaining, that I wish to know
+whether you would like me to keep one during my next sojourn at the
+seaside and publish it in _Maga_? I would undertake not to exceed three
+numbers of _Maga_, each Part to contain only twenty pages.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISS STRICKLAND _v._ LORD CAMPBELL.
+
+Will his lordship favour the world with some reply to this clever and
+laborious lady's accusation contained in her letter to the _Times_? That
+letter is exceedingly specific and pointed in the charge of literary
+larceny, and committed under circumstances which every consideration of
+candour, gallantry, and literary character, concurs in rendering Lord
+Campbell's complete exculpation a matter of serious consequence to his
+reputation. Has he, or has he not, designedly appropriated to his own
+use, as the fruits of his own original research, the results of a
+literary fellow-labourer's meritorious and pains-taking original
+investigation--that fellow-labourer, too, being a lady? I sincerely hope
+that Lord Campbell's first literary attempt will prove not to be thus
+discreditably signalized. His book _is yet_ unnoticed in _Maga_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+According to that good old intelligible English saying, it is this
+morning _raining cats and dogs_. There's an end, Tickler, to our
+intended eighteen-mile walk (thither and back) to the lighthouse, the
+machinery of which I was very anxious to explain to you. _Bow, wow, wow,
+wow!_ indeed! I know what you mean, you little sinner! You want to be
+after the rabbits in yonder thickets, and you mean to intimate that you
+can go perfectly well by yourself, don't mind the rain, and will come
+safely home when you have finished your sport. Don't look so earnestly
+at me, and whine so piteously. By the way, do you call yourself a vermin
+dog? and yet every hair of your shaggy coat stood on end the other day,
+when I turned out for you the two pennyworth of mice--_mice!_--which I
+had bought for you from Nick Irons? What would you have done if a RAT
+were to meet you? Bah, you little wretch! Where's your spirit? Refined,
+and refined away by breeding, eh? What would you have done if you were
+to be allowed to go off now, and were to rout out accidentally a
+hedgehog, as _Hermit_ did yesterday? You may well whine! He's five times
+your size, eh? But I've seen a terrier that would tackle a hedgehog, and
+bring him home, too--your own second cousin, Tory, poor dear dog--peace
+to his little ashes. Besides, to return to the rabbits--in spite of all
+your snuffing and smelling, and scampering, and routing about, you never
+turned up a rabbit yet! And even our kitten has only to rise and curve
+her little back, and you slink away, like an arrant coward as you
+are--Well!--come along, doggy! you're a good little creature, with all
+your faults--these black eyes of yours, with your little erect ears,
+look as if you had really understood all that I have been saying to
+you--so I really think--and yet--pour! pour! pour!--[Enter Emily.]
+
+_Emily._--Papa, Miss ---- says that we have said _all_ our lessons, and
+_will_ you let us have Tickler to play with?
+
+_Tickler._--Bow--wow--wow!--Bow, wow!--Bow! bow! bow!--[Running up and
+scampering towards her, and they go away together.]
+
+_Servant._--Brown has called with some lobsters, sir--(shows them)--two
+very nice ones, and a small crab--only fifteenpence the lot.
+
+_Self._--Very well--buy 'em.
+
+_Wife._--(Entering)--Lobsters and crabs again! Really one would think
+that you had had a surfeit of them long ago.
+
+_Servant._--Brown says, sir, he mayn't be able to get any more for some
+time, the wind's so high.
+
+_Wife._--Oh, buy them, of course! Every thing is bought that comes here!
+That's eleven crabs this week!
+
+_Self._--What have you got there, my Xantippe?
+
+_Wife._--I wish you would drop that odious name.
+
+_Self._--What have you there, my Angel?
+
+_Wife._--No, _that_ won't do either.
+
+_Self._--Well, Fanny, then--what have you got there?
+
+_Wife._--Why, 'tis the new work of Mr Dickens--_Dombey & Son._ What an
+odd name for a tale!
+
+_Self._--Why, how did you get it?
+
+_Wife._--Mrs ---- (at the parsonage) has just got a packet of books from
+town, and has lent us this, as it is a wet day, till the evening, and
+they have got lots to read at present.
+
+_Self._--I am very much obliged to them.
+
+_Wife._--So am I, for I want to read it first; manners, if you please.
+
+_Self._--Come, come, Fanny, I really want it; I've a good deal of
+curiosity.
+
+_Wife._--So have I, too!
+
+_Self._--Well, at any rate, let me look at the plates.
+
+_Wife._--Certainly; and suppose, by the way, as I've no letter to
+write--suppose I sit down with you, and read it to you! 'Twill save your
+eyes, and I'm all alone in the other room.
+
+_Self._--Very well. [Madame shuts the door; seats herself on the
+miniature sofa; I poke the fire; and she begins.] Being called away soon
+afterwards on some domestic exigency, she leaves me--and I read for
+myself. You said that you should like to know my opinion of Mr Dickens'
+new story, and I read it with interest, and some care. 'Tis exactly what
+I had expected; containing clear evidence of original genius, disfigured
+by many most serious, and now plainly incurable, blemishes. The first
+thing striking me, on perusing this new performance, is, that its author
+writes, as it were, from amidst a thick theatrical mist. Cursed be the
+hour--should say a sincere admirer of Mr Dickens' genius--that he ever
+set foot within a theatre, or became intimate with theatrical people.
+You fancy that every scene, incident, and character, is conceived with a
+view to its _telling_--from the stage. This suggestion seems to me to
+afford a key to most of the prominent faults and deficiencies of Mr
+Dickens as an imaginative writer; the lamentable absence of that
+simplicity and sobriety which invest the writings, for instance, of
+Goldsmith with immortal freshness and beauty. With what truthful
+tenderness does _such_ a writer depict nature!--how different is his
+treatment from the spasmodic, straining, extravagant, vulgarizing
+efforts of the play-wright! The one is delicate and exquisite limning;
+the other, gross daubing:--the one faithfully represents; the other
+monstrously caricatures. This is the case with Mr Dickens; and it is
+intolerably provoking that it should be so; for he has the penetrating
+eye and accurate pencil, which--properly disciplined and trained--might
+have produced pictures worthy to stand beside those of the greatest
+masters. As it is, you might imagine his sketches to be the result of
+the combined simultaneous efforts of two artists--one the delicate
+limner, the other the vulgar dauber and scene-painter above spoken of.
+He has invention and skill enough to produce an interesting character;
+and place him in a situation favourable for developing his
+eccentricities, his failings, his excellences--in a word, his
+peculiarities. Well; he prepares his reader's mind--sets before you an
+interesting, a moving, a mirth-stirring occasion, when--bah!--all is
+ruined; the spasmodic straining after effect becomes instantly and
+painfully visible; and the personage before you is made to talk to the
+level of a theatrical audience, especially pit and gallery--and in
+unison with "gingerbeer, apples, oranges, and sodawater" associations
+and recollections. Let me give two striking instances, occurring at the
+very opening of "_Dombey and Son_." The first is the colloquy at pp. 3,
+4; the other at p. 9. The former presents you Dr Parker Peps, a
+fashionable accoucheur, and the humble admiring family medical man--the
+occasion being a momentary absence of both from the clamber of a lady
+dying in childbed, Mrs Dombey; and can any one of correct taste or
+feeling bear in mind that occasion, and fail of being revolted by the
+drivel put into the mouth of the consulting accoucheur?--who, when
+telling Mr Dombey of the mortal peril in which his wife overhead is
+lying--apologises to him for speaking of her as "_Her Grace the
+Duchess!_" "_Lady Cankaby_," "_The Countess of Dombey_:" his obsequious
+companion accounting for such lapses on the score of his "West End
+practice." Is this nature? Is it actual life? Any thing approaching to
+either? If not, what is it meant for? Why, to tickle a Christmas
+audience at one of the minor playhouses! The other (these are only two
+out of many) is the character of Mr Chick, an old fool, who has a habit
+of whistling and humming droll tunes on the most solemn occasions,
+interrupting and interlarding conversation with "_Right tol loor-rul_,"
+"_A cobbler there was_," "_Rumpti-iddity bow, wow, wow!_" is it not
+certain that Mr Dickens here had his eye on Tilbury or Bedford enacting
+the part? And for no other purpose whatever is this precious character
+introduced than to hit off this very original peculiarity! From the same
+theatrical habit of mind, it happens that Mr Dickens cannot carry on his
+stories in an even, straightforward course, but presents us with a
+series of "scenes!"--utterly marring the effect and annihilating the
+truthfulness and reality of the whole; _e. g._ the jarring interruption
+of this story at a touching and interesting moment--at the moment of the
+two doctors and Mr Dombey's return to poor Mrs Dombey's death-bed, when
+the reader _feels_ that they are almost instantly to witness her death,
+by the introduction of two tiresome twaddlers, reproductions of old
+stock characters of the author, Mrs Chick and Miss Tox, whose
+descriptions and utterly irrelevant conversation detain us for nearly
+three pages. At length these motley "stagers"--if I may be allowed the
+word--are grouped round the poor lady's death-bed; and let me here say,
+that in my opinion the character and situation of poor Mrs Dombey are
+both exquisitely conceived, and appeal to the deepest sympathies of the
+heart; but, alas! the perverse, provoking, incorrigible writer will not
+let us enjoy "the luxury of grief;" but while we are bending over her
+death-bed, our attention is called off to a remarkably interesting and
+appropriate circumstance--two watches of two of the doctors "seem in the
+silence to be _running a race_!" * * "they seem to be racing faster!!" *
+* "The race, in the ensuing pause, was fierce and furious. The watches
+seemed to jostle, and to trip each other up!!!" and a moment or two
+afterwards the lady expires, under very moving circumstances, touched
+with perfect delicacy and truthfulness. Would the intrusion of a sow
+into a lovely flower-garden be more shocking or disgusting to the
+beholder? Again, in the first page, we are presented to Mr Dombey,
+gazing with unutterable feelings at his newly-born son, "forty-eight
+minutes of age;" and Mr Dickens tastefully suggests the comparison of
+the little creature, which is "somewhat _crushed and spotty_ in his
+general effect!!" whose mother is at that moment in dying agonies in
+that very room, to "a _muffin_, which it was essential to toast brown
+while it was very new!!" And a few lines forward, the posture of the
+innocent unconscious little being suggests the brutal idea of a
+_prize-fighter_--his "little fists, curled up and clenched, seemed, in
+his feeble way, to be SQUARING AT EXISTENCE for having come upon him so
+unexpectedly!!!" Was ever any thing more monstrous? To find a gentleman
+of Mr Dickens' great genius, and experience in literary composition,
+sinning in this way, is provoking beyond all measure. The above
+abominations to be perpetrated by him, who at page seventeen can present
+us with so exquisite a touch as the following:--He is describing the
+blank appearance of the dismantled house, immediately after the funeral
+of the poor, neglected, and heart-broken lady. "The dead and buried lady
+was awful, in a picture frame of ghastly bandages. Every gust of wind
+that rose, brought eddying round the corner, from the neighbouring mews,
+some fragments of the straw that had been strewn before the house when
+she was ill; mildewed remains of which were still cleaving to the
+neighbourhood, and these being always drawn by some invisible attraction
+to the threshold of the dirty house to let opposite, addressed a dismal
+eloquence to Mr Dombey's window." The thirty-two pages of this first
+number contain very many provocatives to unfavourable criticism. They
+bristle all over with mannerisms--abound with grotesque, unseemly,
+extravagant comparisons and personation, (one of Mr Dickens' chiefly
+besetting sins)--many of the scenes contain truth and humour, smothered
+and lost by prolixity, incident and character diluted by a tedious and
+excessive minuteness of description; and it is to be feared that several
+of the characters will bear a painfully strong resemblance to some of
+their predecessors in Mr Dickens' other stories. Mr Dickens may feel
+angry at my plainness; and, in return, I must express my fears that he
+is not aware of the extent of injury which has been inflicted upon him
+by _clique-homage_--the flattery of fluent, incompetent admirers--the
+misconstrued silence of critics of experienced taste and refinement.
+Does Mr Dickens really consider the light in which his writings,
+containing such faults as those above adverted to, must be viewed by the
+upper and thinking classes of society--persons of cultivated taste, of
+refinement, of piercing critical capacity, who disdain to enter the
+little, babbling, vulgar, narrow-minded circles miscalled "literary?"
+
+But I have done. Mr Dickens has been magnificently patronised by the
+public, who--I being one of them--have a right to speak plainly to, and
+of a gentleman whose writings have so large a circulation at home and
+abroad; who has no excuse, that I am aware of, for negligence or
+inattention; who is bound to consider the effect of example on the minds
+of tens of thousands of young and inexperienced readers who may take all
+for gospel that he chooses to tell them--and to be very very guarded as
+to moral object or effect--if moral object or effect his writings have,
+and be not intended solely to provoke, by their amusing and farcical
+absurdity and extravagance, an idle and forgotten laugh. I have no
+personal acquaintance with Mr Dickens, and have written in an impartial
+spirit, paying homage to his undoubted genius, denouncing his literary
+faults--for his own good, and the advantage of his readers, and of the
+literary character of the country.
+
+Speaking of the literary character of the country, puts me in mind of
+the intention which I had formed some months ago, of writing an article
+upon the prevalent style of literary composition. May I take _this_
+opportunity of making a few observations upon that subject? And yet I
+must first admit, that my own style in writing this letter is far more
+loose, and inexact, and slovenly, than ought to be tolerated in even
+such a letter as this. Herein, however, I only imitate Dr Whately, who,
+on arriving at that part of his "rhetoric" which deals with public
+speaking, starts with an admission that he himself does not possess the
+qualifications, the acquisition of which he proceeds to enforce upon
+others.
+
+The writing of the present day has many distinguishing excellences and
+faults. The most conspicuous of the latter is, perhaps, a want of
+simplicity and steadiness of style. Force--startling energy--are too
+uniformly aimed at by some; others affect continual sarcasm and irony,
+whatever may be the nature of the occasion. One class of writers are so
+priggishly curt and epigrammatic as to throw over their lucubrations an
+uniform air of small impertinence: it would be easy to point out, I
+think, an incessant illustration of this "school," if one may use the
+word. Others uniformly affect the trenchant and tremendous, with very
+big words, and awful accumulations of them. Some seem to aim at a
+picturesque ruggedness of style--defying rule, and challenging
+imitation. Very many writers of all classes are so parenthetical and
+involved in their sentences, that by the time that they have got to the
+end of a sentence, both they and their readers have forgotten where they
+set out from, and how the plague they got where they are: looking back
+breathless and dismayed at a confused series of hyphens entangled among
+all sorts of exceptions, reservations, and qualifications. This fault,
+and a grievous one it is, is daily illustrated, and by writers, who, by
+their carelessness in this matter, do themselves incalculable injustice,
+rendering apparently turbid the clearest possible stream of reasoning,
+marring the effect of the most beautiful and apposite illustration, and
+irritating and confusing the reader. In my opinion, this fault of our
+public writers is to be traced to the influence of Lord Brougham's
+style. He has, and always had, a prodigious command of nervous and
+apposite language, always writing or speaking with a violent _impetus_
+upon him; and yet, while crashing along, his versatile and suggestive
+faculties hurried him incessantly from one side to the other, hither and
+thither--anticipating _this_, qualifying that, guarding against _this_,
+reserving that--extruding undesirable implications and inferences, with
+a sort of wild rapidity and energy--adopting ever-varying fanciful
+equivalent expressions--crowding, in fact, a dozen considerable
+sentences into one turbid monster. Yet it must be owned, that in all
+this he seldom misses his way; his original _impetus_ carries him
+headlong on to the point at which he had aimed. Not so with his
+imitators. They start with an imaginary equality of force, of fulness,
+and variety; but forthwith rush into a strange higgle-piggledy,
+helter-skelter sort of imposing wordiness, equally bewildering and
+stupifying to their readers and themselves. No man can fall into this
+sort of fault who is habituated to leisurely distinctness of thought: he
+will conceive beforehand with deliberate purpose, and that, _cæteris
+paribus_, will induce a clear, close, and energetic expression of his
+thoughts, preventing misapprehension, and convincing even a strongly
+prejudiced opponent. Shorten your sentences, gentlemen; take one thing
+at a time; put every thing in its proper place; attempt not to _put a
+quart into a pint pot_; do not write in such a desperate hurry, nor
+attempt to hit half-a-dozen birds with one stone. Another prevalent vice
+is a sickening redundancy of classical quotation and allusion. Many of
+our newspaper writers, and among them some of the very cleverest, cannot
+contemplate any topic which they propose to discuss, without its
+suggesting, as if by a sudden, secret sort of elective affinity,
+previous events and occurrences of past ages. Out tumble scraps from
+Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Terence, Plautus, Lucretius, with their prose
+companions; and this, too, be it observed, almost always _Roman_;--it
+requires a certain hardihood to adopt the Greek language in modern
+composition. In short, one really thinks himself entitled to infer, from
+this extravagant amount of quotation and allusion, as well ancient as
+modern, that its perpetrators are very young: red-hot from their
+classical studies, panting to exhibit the extent of their acquisitions,
+the scholarly ease and precision with which they can apply the most
+recondite passages and allusions to the fresh occurrences of the moment.
+One is apt to suspect that one great motive for acquiring, extending,
+and retaining knowledge, is the simple desire to exhibit the possession
+of it. But all this is very vain and foolish. It looks stupidly
+ridiculous to persons of experienced judgment. An occasional and very
+sparing use of this sort of accessory is always desirable, often
+marvellously graceful and happy; an excess of it decisively indicates
+pedantic puerility, ostentation, and a grievous deficiency of strength
+and originality. It is likely, moreover, to have a very unpleasant and
+irritating effect, when apparent in popular compositions--in leading or
+other articles in newspapers, for instance--viz. on occasions where the
+persons addressed, or at least very many of them, do not comprehend or
+appreciate the allusion or quotation. A really classical turn of mind is
+usually accompanied by too fine and correct a taste to admit of these
+eccentricities and vagaries. The English language is a very fine
+language, my friends; and a very, _very_ fine and rare thing it is to be
+able to use it with freedom, and purity, and power. Another very
+censurable kindred habit of many of our public writers is, the
+interlarding their compositions with abominable scraps of French, and
+even of Italian. Faugh!--is not this adding insult to injury, in dealing
+with the noble language of our country?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A week has elapsed since I penned the foregoing sentences, and during
+that week only two things have occurred to me worthy of noticing. First,
+a couple (apparently newly married) put up for a few hours at the little
+inn in the village. They were both of a certain age. _He_ wore a
+ponderous watch-chain and seals; she also was sufficiently bedizened
+after the same fashion. Twice I encountered them. First, on the
+seashore, where they took their seat very coolly on the rock next
+adjoining _my_ old perch, which I was then occupying. After some
+considerable swagger, my gentleman produced a newspaper from his pocket,
+and distinctly said to his fair companion--"What an uncommon good thing
+the Illus_trious London News_ is for the lower classes!" Second, the
+worthy couple were walking together, at a subsequent period of the day,
+laden with provender for an open-air lunch--with sandwiches and a black
+bottle, and with a matter-of-fact air, turned into a beautifully
+disposed rustic walk, having palpable _indicia_ of privacy--it
+belonging, in fact, to the residence of a nobleman. My lord's gentleman,
+or gentleman's gentleman, happening to meet them, (I passing at the
+time,) asked them, with great courtesy of manner, if they were aware
+"that that was private property?" "Well," replied our male friend
+angrily, "and what if it is? I thought an Englishman might go any where
+he pleased in his own country, _provided he didn't do any mischief_. But
+come along, my dear," giving his arm to his flustered companion, "times
+are come to a pretty pass, aren't they?" With this, the offended
+dignities retraced their steps, but prodigiously slowly, and I saw no
+more of them.--The other occurrence was a dream, as odd, as obstinate in
+adherence to my memory. Methought I went one day to church to hear a
+revered elderly relative of mine preach. The church was crammed with an
+attentive and solemnly-disposed audience, whom the preacher was
+addressing very calmly but seriously, without gown or bands, but wearing
+two neckerchiefs, one resting upon the topmost edge of the other, and
+being of blue silk, with white spots! Though aware of this slight
+departure from clerical costume, it occasioned me no surprise, but I
+listened with serious attention. 'Twas only when I had awoke that the
+fantastic absurdity of the thing became apparent.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The "British Association" has just been making, at Southampton, as I see
+by the papers, one of its annual exhibitions of childish inanity. This
+sort of thing appears to me to be humiliating to the country, in respect
+of so many men of real scientific eminence, like Sir John Herschel and
+Dr Faraday, and one or two others, permitting themselves to be trotted
+out on such occasions for the amusement of the vulgar, and, in doing so,
+countenancing the herd of twaddling ninnies who figure on these
+occasions as spouters, or patronising listeners to the fluent confident
+sciolists of the various "sections." I can fancy one of these personages
+carefully bottling up against the day of display, some such precious
+discovery as that of "a peculiar appearance in the flame of a
+candle!"--which actually formed the subject of a paper at the last
+meeting; or, "on certain magnetic phenomena attending corns on the human
+foot,"--which latter, after a stiff debate as to the propriety of
+publishing it, is not, it seems, at present, to edify the world at
+large. The whole thing is resolvable into a paltry love of lionising,
+and being lionised--of enacting the part of prodigies before pretty
+admiring women, and simpering simpletons of the other sex. 'Tis an
+efflorescence of that vicious system which of late years continually
+manifests itself in the shape of flaunting _reunions_, _soirées_,
+_conversazioni_, &c. &c., where is to be heard little else than senile
+garrulity, the gabble of ignorant eulogy, or virulent envious
+depreciation and detraction. 'Tis true that distinguished scientific
+foreigners now and then make their appearance at the meetings of the
+Association; but there can be little doubt that they come over in utter
+ignorance of the really trifling character of those meetings, misled by
+the eager exaggerations of their friends and correspondents in this
+country. Can you conceive any thing more preposterous in its way, than
+the chartering of the steam-boat by the Association, to convey its
+members from Southampton to the Isle of Wight on a geological
+expedition? Methinks I see the crowd of "venerable boys"--to adopt the
+bitterly-humorous language of the _Times_--landing at Black Gang Chine,
+each with his bag slung round him, and hammer in hand, dispersing about,
+rap! rap! rap!--chick! chick! chick!--and fondly fancying that they are
+effectually learning, or teaching, geology, in the hour or two thus
+idled away! _Can_ any thing be more exquisitely absurd? Bah! all this
+might be harmless and pleasant enough, in the way of a holiday
+recreation for school-boys or girls; but for grave, grown-up men--peers,
+baronets, knights, doctors, F.R.S., F.A.S.'s, &c. &c.,--the thing really
+does not bear dwelling upon.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I can have no hesitation, to whatever amount of obloquy, or of
+forfeited friendship, the avowal may expose me, in stating the
+conclusion, which anxious and repeated consideration of the state of
+Ireland has at length forced upon me, (_Cheers._) It is, that the time
+has arrived for reconsidering the state of our relations with Ireland,
+with a view to a repeal of the Legislative Union between the two
+countries, (_Hear, hear._) I see no other adequate remedy for the ills
+which desolate that unhappy country, and think that such a step would
+also happily free England from a burden long felt to be intolerable,
+(_Hear._) I am fortified in arriving at this result, by a review of the
+favourable effects produced on Ireland by the measures which, during the
+last few years, I have had the honour to bring forward in this house,
+and see carried into effect by the legislature, (_Cheers._) I am aware
+that this avowal may startle some of the more timid (_hear, hear_) of
+those gentlemen who have usually done me the honour to act with me; but
+an imperious sense of duty compels me to be prompt and explicit upon
+this vital question, which I am fixedly resolved to settle in the way I
+propose; and I will, for that purpose, avail myself of every means which
+the constitution places at the disposal of her Majesty's responsible
+advisers, (_Cheers._) * * * I claim no credit for proposing this great
+measure of justice and mercy, nor wish to detract from the merit due to
+those whose minds the light of truth and reason reached earlier than
+mine. Whatever credit is due, I have no hesitation in ascribing
+to--_Daniel O'Connell_," (_Cheers._) * * * * Is there a man in the
+empire who would be seriously surprised if he were to hear Sir Robert
+Peel make the above statement in the next session of Parliament, if he
+met the house once more as Prime Minister? And so, in the session after,
+might we expect a similar announcement with reference to the Protestant
+succession to the throne; and then--but by no means to stop even
+there--the conversion of our form of government from a limited monarchy
+into a republic. What, in short, may not be predicted of such a
+statesman as Sir Robert Peel? Who can conceive of him taking his stand
+_any where_? Assisting _any body_ or _any thing_? It pains me to ask,
+whether the history of this country ever saw a man who had done so many
+things, the impropriety and danger of which he had himself uniformly
+beforehand _demonstrated_? Sir Robert Peel has been converted into a
+sort of political pillar of salt--a melancholy instructive memento of
+the evils of unprincipled statesmanship--the former word being used, not
+in a vulgar offensive sense, but as signifying, simply and solely, _the
+absence of any fixed principles of political action_; or the habit of
+action irrespective of principle. I will not, however, pursue this
+painful and humiliating topic further, than to express the deep concern
+and perplexity occasioned to me, amongst hundreds of thousands of
+others, by the recent movements of Sir Robert Peel. I have never thought
+or spoken of him, up even to the present moment, otherwise than with
+sincere respect for his spotless personal character, and the highest
+admiration of his intellectual and administrative qualities. I would
+scout the very faintest insinuation against the purity of his motives,
+at the same time loudly expressing my concern and amazement at
+witnessing such conduct as his, in _such_ a man!
+
+    "Who would not weep if such a man there be--
+    Who would not weep if Atticus were he?"
+
+I said just now, that Sir Robert Peel's signal characteristic was the
+doing things, the impropriety and danger of doing which he had himself
+beforehand demonstrated; and that was the reflection with which I
+yesterday concluded the perusal of a memorable little document which I
+took care to preserve at the time--I mean his national manifesto at the
+general election of 1841, in the shape of his address to the electors of
+Tamworth. Apply it now like a plummet to the edifice of Sir Robert
+Peel's political character; how conclusively it shows the extent to
+which it has diverged or swelled from the perpendicular line of
+right--how much he has departed from the standard which he had himself
+set up! What must be his feelings on recurring to such a declaration as
+this?
+
+"That party," [the Conservative,] "gentlemen, has been pleased to
+intrust your representative with its confidence--(_cheers_;) and,
+notwithstanding all the remarks that have been made at various times,
+respecting differences of opinion and jealousy among them, you may
+depend upon it that they are altogether without foundation; and that
+that party which has paid me the compliment of taking my advice, and
+following my counsel, _are a united and compact party, among which there
+does not exist the slightest difference of opinion in respect to the
+principles they support, and the course they may desire to pursue.
+(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I hope I have not abused the confidence of that
+great party."[66] (Loud cheers.)!!!_ I give the eloquent and eminent
+speaker credit for feeling a sort of twinge, a pang, a spasm, on reading
+the above. One more extract I will give relative to the recent conduct
+of Sir R. Peel on the sugar-duties:--"The question now is, gentlemen,
+whether, after the sacrifices which this country has made for the
+suppression of the slave-trade, and the abolition of slavery, and the
+glorious results that have ensued, and are likely to ensue from these
+sacrifices, we shall run the risk of losing the benefit of these
+sacrifices, and _tarnishing for ever that glory_, by admitting to the
+British markets sugar, the produce of foreign slavery? Gentlemen, the
+character of this country, in respect to slavery, is thus spoken of by
+one of the most eloquent writers and statesmen of another country, Dr
+Channing, of the United States:--'Great Britain, loaded with an
+unprecedented debt, and with a grinding taxation, contracted a new debt
+of a hundred millions of dollars, to give freedom, not to Englishmen,
+but to the degraded African. I know not that history records an act so
+disinterested, so sublime. In the progress of ages, England's naval
+triumphs will sink into a more and more narrow space on the records of
+our race. This moral triumph will fill a broader, brighter page.'
+_Gentlemen_," proceeded Sir Robert Peel, "_let us take care that this
+'brighter page' be not sullied by the admission of slave sugar into the
+consumption of this country, by our unnecessary encouragement of slavery
+and the slave-trade._"[67]
+
+Is it not humiliating and distressing to compare these sentences, and
+the lofty spirit which pervades them, with the speech, and the _animus_
+pervading it, delivered by Sir Robert Peel in the House of Commons, on
+Lord John Russell's bringing in his bill for "sullying this bright page"
+of English glory? Did Sir Robert Peel, true to principle, solemnly and
+peremptorily announce the refusal of his assent to that cruel, and
+foolish, and wicked measure? I forbear to press this topic, also
+quitting it, with the expression of my opinion, that that speech alone
+was calculated to do him fearful and irreparable injury in public
+estimation. It is impossible for the most zealous and skilful advocacy
+to frame a plausible vindication of this part of Sir Robert Peel's
+conduct. I sincerely acquit him of having any sinister or impure motive;
+the fact was, simply, that he found that he had placed himself in a dire
+perplexity and dilemma.
+
+I think it next to impossible that Sir Robert Peel can ever again be in
+a position, even if he desired it, to sway the destinies of this
+country, either as a prime minister, or by the force of his personal
+influence and opinion. Has he or has he not done rightly by the
+greatest party that ever gave its noble and ennobling support to a
+minister? Can he himself, in 1846, express the "hope" of 1841, that "he
+has not abused the confidence of that great party?" If he again take
+part in the debates of Parliament, he will always be listened to,
+whoever may be in power, with the interest and attention justly due to
+his masterly acquaintance with the conduct of the public business, most
+especially on matters of finance. But with what involuntary shrinking
+and distrust is his advocacy or defence of any of our great institutions
+likely to be received hereafter by their consistent and devoted friends?
+Will they not be prepared to find the splendid vindication of the
+preceding evening, but the prelude to the next evening's abandonment and
+denunciation? Is not, in short, the national confidence thoroughly
+shaken? His support and advocacy of any great interest are too likely to
+be received with guarded satisfaction--as far as they go, _as long as
+they continue_--not with the enthusiastic confidence due to surpassing
+and consistent statesmanship.
+
+It has sometimes occurred to me, in scrutinising his later movements,
+that one of his set purposes was finally to break up the Conservative
+party, and scatter among it the seeds of future dissension and
+difficulty; possibly thinking, conscientiously, that in the state of
+things which he had brought about, the continued existence of a
+Conservative party with definite points of cohesion, with visible
+acknowledged rallying-points, could no longer be beneficial to the
+country. He may have in his eye the formation of another party, willing
+to accept of his leadership, after another general election; of which
+said new party his present few adherents are to form the nucleus. But I
+do not see how this is to be done. Confounding, for a time, to all party
+connexions and combinations as have been the occurrences of the last
+session, of perhaps the last two sessions, of Parliament, a steady
+watchful eye may already see the two great parties of the state--Liberal
+and Conservatives--readjusting themselves in conformity with their
+respective _general_ views and principles. The Conservative party has at
+the moment a prodigious strength of hold upon the country--not noisy or
+ostentatious, but real, and calculated to have its strength rapidly,
+though secretly, increased by alarmed seceders from the Liberal ranks,
+on seeing the spirit of change become more bold and active, and
+directing its steps towards the regions of revolution and democracy. Sir
+Robert Peel's speech, on resigning office, presented several features of
+an alarming character. Several of his sentences, especially with
+reference to Ireland,
+
+    --"made the boldest hold their breath
+      For a time."
+
+Candid persons did not see in what he was doing, the paltry desire to
+outbid his perplexed successors, but suspected that he was
+designedly--advisedly--laying down visible lines of eternal separation
+between him and his former supporters, rendering it impossible for him
+to return to them, or for them to go over to him; and so at once putting
+an extinguisher upon all future doubts and speculation. To me it
+appeared that the speech in question evidenced an astounding
+revolution--astounding in its suddenness and violence--of the speaker's
+political system; announcing _results_, while other men were only just
+beginning to see the process. Will Sir Robert Peel join Lord John
+Russell? What, serve under him, and become a fellow-subordinate of Lord
+Palmerston's? I think not. What post would be offered to him? What post
+would _he_, the late prime minister, consent to fill under his
+victorious rival? Will, then, Lord John Russell act under Sir Robert
+Peel? Most certainly--at least in my opinion--not. What then is to be
+done, in the event of Sir Robert Peel's being willing to resume official
+life? _Over_ whom, _under_ whom, _with_ whom, is he to act? The
+Conservative party have already elected his successor, Lord Stanley, who
+cannot, who will not be deposed in favour of _any_ one; a man of very
+splendid talents, of long official experience, of lofty personal
+character, of paramount hereditary claims to the support of the
+aristocracy, who has never sacrificed consistency, but rather sacrificed
+every thing for consistency. Ever since he accepted the leadership of
+the great Conservative party, he has evinced a profound sense of its
+responsibilities and requirements, and the possession of these
+qualifications in respect of prudence and moderation, which some had
+formerly doubted. Lord Stanley, then, will continue the Conservative
+leader, and Lord John Russell the Liberal leader; and I doubt whether
+any decisive move will be made till after the ensuing general election.
+What will be the result of it? What will be the rallying-cries of party?
+What will Sir Robert Peel say to the Tamworth electors?
+
+However these questions may be answered, I would, had I the power, speak
+trumpet-tongued to our Conservative friends in every county and borough
+in the kingdom, and say, "up, and be doing." Spare no expense or
+exertion, but do it prudently. Use every instrument of legitimate
+influence--for the stake played for is tremendous; the national
+interests evidently marked out for assault, are vital; and they will
+stand or fall, and we enjoy peace, or be condemned to agitation and
+alarm, according to the result of the next General Election, which will
+assuredly palsy the hands of either the friends or enemies of the best
+interests of the country.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+And now, dear Christopher, I draw towards the close of this long letter,
+without having been able even to touch upon several other "_Things_"
+which I had noted down for observation and comment. As my letter draws
+to a close, so also draws rapidly to a close my seaside sojourn. My
+hours of relaxation are numbered. I must return to the busy scenes of
+the metropolis, and resume my interrupted duties. And you, too, have
+returned to the scene of your renown, the sphere of your honourable and
+responsible duties. May your shadow never grow less! _Floreat Maga!_ I
+have done. The old postman, wet through in coming over the hills, is
+waiting for my letter, and, having finished his beer, is fidgeting to be
+off. "What! can't you spare me one five minutes more?" "No,
+sir--impossible--I ought to have been at----an hour ago"
+
+    Farewell then, dear Christopher,
+    Your faithful friend,
+    AN OLD CONTRIBUTOR.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[66] Speech of Sir R. Peel at the Tamworth election, pp. 4,
+5.--Ollivier, Pall-Mall.
+
+[67] _Ibid._ pp. 8, 9.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcribers notes:
+
+Maintained original spelling and punctuation.
+
+Silently corrected a few typesetting errors.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol.
+60, No. 373, November 1846, by Various
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 60,
+No. 373, November 1846, 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, Vol. 60, No. 373, November 1846
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: October 19, 2011 [EBook #37797]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLACKWOOD'S EDINBURGH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brendan OConnor, Ron Stephens, 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>
+
+
+
+<h1>BLACKWOOD'S<br />
+EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.</h1>
+
+<h3><span class="rspace"><span class="smcap">No</span>. CCCLXXIII.</span><span class="btbb">NOVEMBER, 1846.</span><span class="lspace"><span class="smcap">Vol.</span> LX.</span></h3>
+
+
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#MARLBOROUGHS_DISPATCHES">Marlborough's Dispatches. 1710-1711</a></span></td><td align="right"> 517</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#MOHAN_LAL_IN_AFGHANISTAN">Mohan Lal in Afghanistan</a></span></td><td align="right">539</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#ON_THE_OPERATION_OF_THE_ENGLISH_POOR-LAWS">On the Operation of the English Poor-Laws</a></span></td><td align="right">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;555</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#PRUSSIAN_MILITARY_MEMOIRS">Prussian Military Memoirs</a></span></td><td align="right">572</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#ADVICE_TO_AN_INTENDING_SERIALIST">Advice to an Intending Serialist</a></span></td><td align="right">590</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#A_NEW_SENTIMENTAL_JOURNEY">A New Sentimental Journey</a></span></td><td align="right">606</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#HONOUR_TO_THE_PLOUGH">Honour to the Plough</a></span></td><td align="right">613</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#LUIGIA_DE_MEDICI">Luigia de' Medici</a></span></td><td align="right">614</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap"><a href="#THINGS_IN_GENERAL">Things in General</a></span></td><td align="right">625</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<hr style="width: 20%;" />
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<p class="center"><big>EDINBURGH:</big></p>
+
+<p class="center">WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, 45, GEORGE STREET;<br />
+AND 37, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.<br />
+
+<i>To whom all Communications (post paid) must be addressed.</i><br />
+
+SOLD BY ALL THE BOOKSELLERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.</p>
+<hr style="width: 10%;" />
+<p class="center">PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE AND HUGHES, EDINBURGH.</p>
+
+
+<h1>BLACKWOOD'S<br />
+EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.</h1>
+<h3><span class="rspace"><span class="smcap">No</span>. CCCLXXIII.</span><span class="btbb">NOVEMBER, 1846.</span><span class="lspace"><span class="smcap">Vol.</span> LX.</span></h3>
+
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="MARLBOROUGHS_DISPATCHES" id="MARLBOROUGHS_DISPATCHES"></a>MARLBOROUGH'S DISPATCHES.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">1710-1711.</p>
+
+<p>Louis XIV. was one of the most
+remarkable sovereigns who ever sat
+upon the throne of France. Yet there
+is none of whose character, even
+at this comparatively remote period,
+it is more difficult to form a just estimate.
+Beyond measure eulogised by
+the poets, orators, and annalists of
+his own age, who lived on his bounty,
+or were flattered by his address, he
+has been proportionally vilified by
+the historians, both foreign and national,
+of subsequent times. The Roman
+Catholic writers, with some truth,
+represent him as the champion of their
+faith, the sovereign who extirpated the
+demon of heresy in his dominions, and
+restored to the church in undivided
+unity the realm of France. The Protestant
+authors, with not less reason,
+regard him as the deadliest enemy of
+their religion, and the cruellest foe of
+those who had embraced it; as a
+faithless tyrant, who scrupled not, at
+the bidding of bigoted priests, to
+violate the national faith plighted by
+the Edict of Nantes, and persecute,
+with unrelenting severity, the unhappy
+people who, from conscientious
+motives, had broken off from the
+Church of Rome. One set of writers
+paint him as a magnanimous monarch,
+whose mind, set on great things, and
+swayed by lofty desires, foreshadowed
+those vast designs which Napoleon,
+armed with the forces of the Revolution,
+afterwards for a brief space realised.
+Another set dwell on the foibles
+or the vices of his private character&mdash;depict
+him as alternately swayed by
+priests, or influenced by women; selfish
+in his desires, relentless in his
+hatred; and sacrificing the peace of
+Europe, and endangering the independence
+of France, for the gratification
+of personal vanity, or from the thirst
+of unbounded ambition.</p>
+
+<p>It is the fate of all men who have
+made a great and durable impression
+on human affairs, and powerfully affected
+the interests, or thwarted the
+opinion of large bodies of men, to be
+represented in these opposite colours
+to future times. The party, whether
+in church or state, which they have
+elevated, the nation whose power or
+glory they have augmented, praise, as
+much as those whom they have oppressed
+and injured, whether at home
+or abroad, strive to vilify their memory.
+But in the case of Louis XIV.,
+this general propensity has been greatly
+increased by the opposite, and, at
+first sight, inconsistent features of his
+character. There is almost equal truth
+in the magniloquent eulogies of his
+admirers, as in the impassioned invectives
+of his enemies. He was not
+less great and magnanimous than he
+is represented by the elegant flattery
+of Racine or Corneille, nor less cruel
+and hard-hearted than he is painted
+by the austere justice of Sismondi or
+D'Aubigné. Like many other men,
+but more than most, he was made up
+of lofty and elevated, and selfish and
+frivolous qualities. He could alternately
+boast, with truth, that there<span class="pagenum">[518]</span>
+were no longer any Pyrenees, and
+rival his youngest courtiers in frivolous
+and often heartless gallantry. In
+his younger years he was equally assiduous
+in his application to business,
+and engrossed with personal vanity.
+When he ascended the throne, his first
+words were: "I intend that every
+paper, from a diplomatic dispatch to
+a private petition, shall be submitted
+to me;" and his vast powers of application
+enabled him to compass the
+task. Yet, at the same time, he
+deserted his queen for Madame la
+Vallière, and soon after broke La
+Vallière's heart by his desertion
+of her for Madame de Montespan.
+In mature life, his ambition to extend
+the bounds and enhance the
+glory of France, was equalled by
+his desire to win the admiration
+or gain the favour of the fair sex.
+In his later days, he alternately
+engaged in devout austerities with
+Madame de Maintenon, and, with
+mournful resolution, asserted the independence
+of France against Europe
+in arms. Never was evinced a more
+striking exemplification of the saying,
+so well known among men of the
+world, that no one is a hero to his
+valet-de-chambre; nor a more remarkable
+confirmation of the truth,
+so often proclaimed by divines, that
+characters of imperfect goodness constitute
+the great majority of mankind.</p>
+
+<p>That he was a great man, as well
+as a successful sovereign, is decisively
+demonstrated by the mighty changes
+which he effected in his own realm, as
+well as in the neighbouring states
+of Europe. When he ascended the
+throne, France, though it contained
+the elements of greatness, had never
+yet become great. It had been alternately
+wasted by the ravages of the
+English, and torn by the fury of the
+religious wars. The insurrection of
+the Fronde had shortly before involved
+the capital in all the horrors
+of civil conflict;&mdash;barricades had been
+erected in its streets; alternate victory
+and defeat had by turns elevated and
+depressed the rival faction. Turenne
+and Condé had displayed their consummate
+talents in miniature warfare
+within sight of Notre-Dame. Never
+had the monarchy been depressed to
+a greater pitch of weakness than during
+the reign of Louis XIII. and the
+minority of Louis XIV. But from
+the time the latter sovereign ascended
+the throne, order seemed to arise out
+of chaos. The ascendancy of a great
+mind made itself felt in every department.
+Civil war ceased; the rival faction
+disappeared; even the bitterness
+of religious hatred seemed for a time
+to be stilled by the influence of patriotic
+feeling. The energies of France,
+drawn forth during the agonies of civil
+conflict, were turned to public objects
+and the career of national aggrandisement&mdash;as
+those of England had been
+after the conclusion of the Great Rebellion,
+by the firm hand and magnanimous
+mind of Cromwell. From a
+pitiable state of anarchy, France at
+once appeared on the theatre of
+Europe, great, powerful, and united.
+It is no common capacity which can
+thus seize the helm and right the ship
+when it is reeling most violently, and
+the fury of contending elements has
+all but torn it in pieces. It is the
+highest proof of political capacity to
+discern the bent of the public mind,
+when most violently exerted, and, by
+falling in with the prevailing desire of
+the majority, convert the desolating
+vehemence of social conflict into the
+steady passion for national advancement.
+Napoleon did this with the
+political aspirations of the eighteenth,
+Louis XIV. with the religious fervour
+of the seventeenth century.</p>
+
+<p>It was because his character and turn
+of mind coincided with the national
+desires at the moment of his ascending
+the throne, that this great monarch
+was enabled to achieve this marvellous
+transformation. If Napoleon
+was the incarnation of the Revolution,
+with not less truth it may be
+said that Louis XIV. was the incarnation
+of the monarchy. The feudal
+spirit, modified but not destroyed by
+the changes of time, appeared to be
+concentrated, with its highest lustre,
+in his person. He was still the head
+of the Franks&mdash;the lustre of the historic
+families yet surrounded his
+throne; but he was the head of the
+Franks only&mdash;that is, of a hundred
+thousand conquering warriors. Twenty
+million of conquered Gauls were
+neither regarded nor considered in
+his administration, except in so far
+as they augmented the national
+strength, or added to the national
+resources. But this distinction was<span class="pagenum">[519]</span>
+then neither perceived nor regarded.
+Worn out with civil dissension, torn
+to pieces by religious passions, the
+fervent minds and restless ambition
+of the French longed for a <i>national</i>
+field for exertion&mdash;an arena in which
+social dissensions might be forgotten.
+Louis XIV. gave them this
+field: he opened this arena. He
+ascended the throne at the time
+when this desire had become so
+strong and general, as in a manner
+to concentrate the national will. His
+character, equally in all its parts, was
+adapted to the general want. He
+took the lead alike in the greatness
+and the foibles of his subjects. Were
+they ambitious? so was he:&mdash;were
+they desirous of renown? so was he:&mdash;were
+they set on national aggrandisement?
+so was he:&mdash;were they desirous
+of protection to industry? so was he:&mdash;were
+they prone to gallantry? so was
+he. His figure and countenance tall
+and majestic; his manner stately and
+commanding; his conversation dignified,
+but enlightened; his spirit ardent,
+but patriotic&mdash;qualified him to
+take the lead and preserve his ascendancy
+among a proud body of ancient
+nobles, whom the disasters of preceding
+reigns, and the astute policy of
+Cardinal Richelieu, had driven into
+the antechambers of Paris, but who
+preserved in their ideas and habits
+the pride and recollections of the
+conquerors who followed the banners
+of Clovis. And the great body of the
+people, proud of their sovereign, proud
+of his victories, proud of his magnificence,
+proud of his fame, proud of
+his national spirit, proud of the literary
+glory which environed his throne,
+in secret proud of his gallantries,
+joyfully followed their nobles in the
+brilliant career which his ambition
+opened, and submitted with as much
+docility to his government as they
+ranged themselves round the banners
+of their respective chiefs on the day
+of battle.</p>
+
+<p>It was the peculiarity of the government
+of Louis XIV., arising from this
+fortuitous, but to him fortunate combination
+of circumstances, that it
+united the distinctions of rank, family
+attachments, and ancient ideas of
+feudal times, with the vigour and efficiency
+of monarchical government,
+and the lustre and brilliancy of literary
+glory. Such a combination could
+not, in the nature of things, last long;
+it must soon work out its own destruction.
+In truth, it was sensibly
+weakened during the course of the
+latter part of the half century that he
+sat upon the throne. But while it
+endured, it produced a most formidable
+union; it engendered an extraordinary
+and hitherto unprecedented
+phalanx of talent. The feudal ideas
+still lingering in the hearts of the nation,
+produced subordination; the
+national spirit, excited by the genius
+of the sovereign, induced unanimity;
+the development of talent, elicited
+by his discernment, conferred power;
+the literary celebrity, encouraged by
+his munificence, diffused fame. The
+peculiar character of Louis, in which
+great talent was united with great
+pride, and unbounded ambition with
+heroic magnanimity, qualified him to
+turn to the best account this singular
+combination of circumstances, and to
+unite in France, for a brief period,
+the lofty aspirations and dignified
+manners of chivalry, with the energy
+of rising talent and the lustre of literary
+renown.</p>
+
+<p>Louis XIV. was essentially monarchical.
+That was the secret of his
+success; it was because he first gave
+the powers of <i>unity</i> to the monarchy,
+that he rendered France so brilliant
+and powerful. All his changes, and
+they were many, from the dress of
+soldiers to the instructions to ambassadors,
+breathed the same spirit. He
+first introduced a <i>uniform</i> in the
+army. Before his time, the soldiers
+merely wore a banderole over their
+steel breast-plates and ordinary dresses.
+That was a great and symptomatic
+improvement; it at once induced
+an <i>esprit de corps</i> and a sense of responsibility.
+He first made the troops
+march with a measured step, and
+caused large bodies of men to move
+with the precision of a single company.
+The artillery and engineer
+service, under his auspices, made
+astonishing progress. His discerning
+eye selected the genius of Vauban,
+which invented, as it were, the modern
+system of fortification, and wellnigh
+brought it to its greatest elevation&mdash;and
+raised to the highest command
+that of Turenne, which carried
+the military art to the most consum<span class="pagenum">[520]</span>mate
+perfection. Skilfully turning
+the martial and enterprising genius
+of the Franks into the career of conquest,
+he multiplied tenfold their
+power, by conferring on them the
+inestimable advantages of skilled discipline
+and unity of action. He
+gathered the feudal array around his
+banner; he roused the ancient barons
+from their chateaux, the old retainers
+from their villages; but he arranged
+them in disciplined battalions of regular
+troops, who received the pay
+and obeyed the orders of government,
+and never left their banners. When
+he summoned the array of France to
+undertake the conquest of the Low
+Countries, he appeared at the head
+of a hundred and twenty thousand
+men, all regular and disciplined troops,
+with a hundred pieces of cannon.
+Modern Europe had never seen such
+an array. It was irresistible, and
+speedily brought the monarch to the
+gates of Amsterdam.</p>
+
+<p>The same unity which the genius
+of Louis and his ministers communicated
+to the military power of France,
+he gave also to its naval forces and
+internal strength. To such a pitch
+of greatness did he raise the marine
+of the monarchy, that it all but outnumbered
+that of England; and the
+battle of La Hogue in 1792 alone determined,
+as Trafalgar did a century
+after, to which of these rival powers the
+dominion of the seas was to belong.
+He reduced the government of the
+interior to that regular and methodical
+system of governors of provinces,
+mayors of cities, and other subordinate
+authorities, all receiving their
+instructions from the Tuileries, which,
+under no subsequent change of government,
+imperial or royal, has been
+abandoned, and which has, in every
+succeeding age, formed the main
+source of its strength. He concentrated
+around the monarchy the rays
+of genius from all parts of the country,
+and threw around its head a lustre
+of literary renown, which, more even
+than the exploits of his armies, dazzled
+and fascinated the minds of men. He
+arrayed the scholars, philosophers, and
+poets of his dominions like his soldiers
+and sailors; the whole academies of
+France, which have since become so
+famous, were of his institution; he
+sought to give discipline to thought,
+as he had done to his fleets and
+armies, and rewarded distinction in
+literary efforts, not less than warlike
+achievement. No monarch ever knew
+better the magical influence of intellectual
+strength on general thought, or
+felt more strongly the expedience of
+enlisting it on the side of authority.
+Not less than Hildebrand or Napoleon,
+he aimed at drawing, not over his own
+country alone, but the whole of Europe,
+the meshes of regulated and
+centralised opinion; and more durably
+than either he attained his object.
+The religious persecution, which constitutes
+the great blot on his reign,
+and caused its brilliant career to close
+in mourning, arose from the same
+cause. He was fain to give the same
+unity to the church which he had done
+to the army, navy, and civil strength
+of the monarchy. He saw no reason
+why the Huguenots should not, at the
+royal command, face about like one of
+Turenne's battalions. Schism in the
+church was viewed by him in exactly
+the same light as rebellion in the
+state. No efforts were spared by
+inducements, good deeds, and fair
+promises, to make proselytes; and
+when twelve hundred thousand Protestants
+resisted his seductions, the
+sword, the fagot, and the wheel were
+resorted to without mercy for their
+destruction.</p>
+
+<p>Napoleon, it is well known, had
+the highest admiration of Louis XIV.
+Nor is this surprising: their principles
+of government and leading objects of
+ambition were the same. "L'état
+<i>c'est moi</i>," was the principle of this
+grandson of Henry IV.: "Your first
+duty is <i>to me</i>, your second to France,"
+said the Emperor to his nephew Prince
+Louis Napoleon. In different words,
+the idea was the same. To concentrate
+Europe in France, France in
+Paris, Paris in the government, and
+the government in himself, was the
+ruling idea of each. But it was no
+concentration for selfish or unworthy
+purposes which was then desired; it
+was for great and lofty objects that
+this undivided power was desired. It
+was neither to gratify the desire of an
+Eastern seraglio, nor exercise the tyranny
+of a Roman emperor, that
+either coveted unbounded authority.
+It was to exalt the nation of which
+they formed the head, to augment<span class="pagenum">[521]</span>
+its power, extend its dominion, enhance
+its fame, magnify its resources,
+that they both deemed themselves
+sent into the world. It was the general
+sense that this was the object of
+their administration which constituted
+the strength of both. Equally with
+the popular party in the present day,
+they regarded society as a pyramid, of
+which the multitude formed the base,
+and the monarch the head. Equally
+with the most ardent democrat, they
+desired the augmentation of the national
+resources, the increase of public
+felicity. But they both thought
+that these blessings must descend
+from the sovereign to his subject, not
+ascend from the subjects to their sovereign.
+"Every thing <i>for</i> the people,
+nothing <i>by</i> them," which Napoleon
+described as the secret of good government,
+was not less the maxim of the
+imperious despot of the Bourbon race.</p>
+
+<p>The identity of their ideas, the similarity
+of their objects of ambition,
+appears in the monuments which both
+have left at Paris. Great as was the
+desire of the Emperor to add to its
+embellishment, magnificent as were
+his ideas in the attempt, he has yet
+been unable to equal the noble structures
+of the Bourbon dynasty. The
+splendid pile of Versailles, the glittering
+dome of the Invalides, still, after
+the lapse of a century and a half, overshadow
+all the other monuments in the
+metropolis; though the confiscations
+of the Revolution, and the victories of
+the Emperor, gave succeeding governments
+the resources of the half of
+Europe for their construction. The
+inscription on the arch of Louis,
+"Ludovico Magno," still seems to
+embody the gratitude of the citizens
+to the greatest benefactor of the capital;
+and it is not generally known
+that the two edifices which have added
+most since his time to the embellishment
+of the metropolis, and of which
+the revolution and the empire are fain
+to take the credit&mdash;the Pantheon and
+the Madeleine&mdash;were begun in 1764
+by Louis XV., and owe their origin
+to the magnificent ideas which Louis
+XIV. transmitted to his, in other respects,
+unworthy descendant.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p>
+
+<p>Had one dark and atrocious transaction
+not taken place, the annalist
+might have stopped here, and painted
+the French monarch, with a few foibles
+and weaknesses, the common bequest
+of mortality, still as, upon the whole,
+a noble and magnanimous ruler. His
+ambition, great as it was, and desolating
+as it proved, both to the adjoining
+states, and in the end his own subjects,
+was the "last infirmity of noble
+minds." He shared it with Cæsar and
+Alexander, with Charlemagne and
+Napoleon. Even his cruel and unnecessary
+ravaging of the Palatinate,
+though attended with dreadful private
+suffering, has too many parallels in the
+annals of military cruelty. His personal
+vanities and weaknesses, his love
+of show, his passion for women, his
+extravagant expenses, were common to
+him with his grandfather Henry IV.;
+they seemed inherent in the Bourbon
+race, and are the frailties to which
+heroic minds in every age have been
+most subject. But, for the revocation
+of the Edict of Nantes, and the heartrending
+cruelties with which it was
+carried into execution, no such apology
+can be found. It admits neither
+of palliation nor excuse. But for
+the massacre of St Bartholomew, and
+the expulsion of the Morescoes from
+Spain, it would stand foremost in the
+annals of the world for kingly perfidy
+and priestly cruelty. The expulsion
+of five hundred thousand
+innocent human beings from their
+country, for no other cause but difference
+of religious opinion&mdash;the destruction,
+it is said, of nearly an hundred
+thousand by the frightful tortures of
+the wheel and the stake&mdash;the wholesale
+desolation of provinces and destruction
+of cities for conscience sake,
+never will and never should be forgotten.
+It is the eternal disgrace of the Roman
+Catholic religion&mdash;a disgrace to which
+the "execrations of ages have not
+yet affixed an adequate censure"&mdash;that
+all these infamous state crimes took
+their origin in the bigoted zeal, or
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 522]</span>sanguinary ambition of the Church
+of Rome. Nor have any of them
+passed without their just reward. The
+expulsion of the Moors, the most industrious
+and valuable inhabitants of
+the Peninsula, has entailed a weakness
+upon the Spanish monarchy,
+which the subsequent lapse of two
+centuries has been unable to repair.
+The reaction against the Romish atrocities
+produced the great league of
+which William III. was the head; it
+sharpened the swords of Eugene and
+Marlborough; it closed in mourning
+the reign of Louis XV. Nor did the
+national punishment stop here. The
+massacre of St Bartholomew, and revocation
+of the Edict of Nantes, were
+the remote, but certain cause of the
+French Revolution, and all the unutterable
+miseries which it brought
+both upon the Bourbon race and the
+professors of the Romish faith. Nations
+have no immortality; their punishment
+is inflicted in this world; it
+is visited with unerring certainty
+on the third and fourth generations.
+Providence has a certain way of dealing
+with the political sins of men&mdash;which
+is, to leave them to the consequences
+of their own actions.</p>
+
+<p>If ever the characters of two important
+actors on the theatre of human
+affairs stood forth in striking and emphatic
+contrast to each other, they
+were those of Louis XIV. and William
+III. They were, in truth, the representatives
+of the principles for which they
+respectively so long contended; their
+characters embodied the doctrines, and
+were distinguished by the features, of
+the causes for which they fought
+through life. As much as the character&mdash;stately,
+magnanimous, and ambitious,
+but bigoted and unscrupulous&mdash;of
+Louis XIV. personified the Romish,
+did the firm and simple, but persevering
+and unconquerable mind of William,
+embody the principles of the
+Protestant faith. The positions they
+respectively held through life, the
+stations they occupied, the resources,
+moral and political, which they wielded,
+were not less characteristic of the
+causes of which they were severally
+the heads. Louis led on the feudal
+resources of the French monarchy.
+Inured to rigid discipline, directed by
+consummate talent, supported by immense
+resources, his armies, uniting
+the courage of feudal to the organisation
+of civilised times, like those of
+Cæsar, had at first only to appear to
+conquer. From his gorgeous palaces
+at Paris, he seemed able, like the
+Church of Rome from the halls of the
+Quirinal, to give law to the whole
+Christian world. William began the
+contest under very different circumstances.
+Sunk in obscure marshes,
+cooped up in a narrow territory, driven
+into a corner of Europe, the forces at
+his command appeared as nothing
+before the stupendous array of his
+adversary. He was the emblem of
+the Protestant faith, arising from
+small beginnings, springing from the
+energy of the middle classes, but destined
+to grow with ceaseless vigour,
+until it reached the gigantic strength
+of its awful antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>The result soon proved the prodigious
+difference in the early resources
+of the parties. Down went tower and
+town before the apparition of Louis
+in his strength. The iron barriers
+of Flanders yielded almost without
+a struggle to his arms. The
+genius of Turenne and Vauban, the
+presence of Louis, proved for the time
+irresistible. The Rhine was crossed;
+a hundred thousand men appeared
+before the gates of Amsterdam.
+Dissension had paralysed its strength,
+terror all but mastered its resolution.
+England, influenced by French mistresses,
+or bought by French gold,
+held back, and ere long openly joined
+the oppressor, alike of its liberties and
+its religion. All seemed lost alike for
+the liberties of Europe and the Protestant
+faith. But William was not
+dismayed. He had a certain resource
+against subjugation left. In his own
+words, "he could die in the last ditch."
+He communicated his unconquerable
+spirit to his fainting fellow-citizens;
+he inspired them with the noble resolution
+to abandon their country
+rather than submit to the invaders,
+and "seek in a new hemisphere that
+liberty of which Europe had become
+unworthy." The generous effort was
+not made in vain. The Dutch rallied
+round a leader who was not wanting
+to himself in such a crisis. The dikes
+were cut; the labour of centuries was
+lost; the ocean resumed its sway over
+the fields reft from its domain. But
+the cause of freedom of religion was<span class="pagenum">[523]</span>
+gained. The French armies recoiled
+from the watery waste, as those of
+Napoleon afterwards did from the
+flames of Moscow. Amsterdam was
+the limit of the conquests of Louis
+XIV. He there found the power
+which said, "Hitherto shalt thou come,
+and no further, and here shall thy
+proud waves be staid." Long, and
+often doubtful, was the contest; it was
+bequeathed to a succeeding generation
+and another reign. But from the invasion
+of Holland, the French arms
+and Romish domination permanently
+receded; and but for the desertion of
+the alliance by England, at the peace
+of Utrecht, they would have given law
+in the palace of the Grand Monarque,
+bridled the tyranny of Bossuet and
+Tellier, and permanently established
+the Protestant faith in nearly the half
+of Europe.</p>
+
+<p>Like many other men who are called
+on to play an important part in the
+affairs of the world, William seemed
+formed by nature for the duties he was
+destined to perform. Had his mind
+been stamped by a different die, his
+character cast in a different mould, he
+would have failed in his mission. He
+was not a monarch of the most brilliant,
+nor a general of the most daring
+kind. Had he been either the one
+or the other, he would have been
+shattered against the colossal strength
+of Louis XIV., and crushed in the
+very outset of his career. But he
+possessed in the highest perfection
+that great quality without which,
+in the hour of trial, all others prove
+of no avail&mdash;moral courage, and
+invincible determination. His enterprises,
+often designed with ability
+and executed with daring, were yet
+all based, like those of Wellington
+afterwards in Portugal, on a just sense
+of the necessity of husbanding his resources
+from the constant inferiority
+of his forces and means to those of the
+enemy. He was perseverance itself.
+Nothing could shake his resolution,
+nothing divert his purpose. With
+equal energy he laboured in the
+cabinet to construct and keep together
+the vast alliance necessary to restrain
+the ambition of the French monarch,
+and toiled in the field to baffle the
+enterprises of his able generals. With
+a force generally inferior in number,
+always less powerful than that of his
+adversaries in discipline, composition,
+and resources, he nevertheless contrived
+to sustain the contest, and
+gradually wrested from his powerful
+enemy the more important fortresses,
+which, in the first tumult of invasion,
+had submitted to his arms. If the
+treaties of Nimeguen and Ryswick
+were less detrimental to the French
+power than that of Utrecht afterwards
+proved, they were more glorious to
+the arms of the Dutch commonwealth
+and the guidance of William; for they
+were the result of efforts in which
+the weight of the conflict generally
+fell on Holland alone; and its honours
+were not to be shared with those won
+by the wisdom of a Marlborough, or
+the daring of a Eugene.</p>
+
+<p>In private life, William was distinguished
+by the same qualities
+which marked his public career. He
+had not the chivalrous ardour which
+bespoke the nobles of France, nor the
+stately magnificence of their haughty
+sovereign. His manners and habits
+were such as arose from, and suited, the
+austere and laborious people among
+whom his life was passed. Without
+being insensible to the softer passions,
+he never permitted them to influence
+his conduct, or incroach upon his time.
+He was patient, laborious, and indefatigable.
+To courtiers accustomed
+to the polished elegance of Paris, or
+the profligate gallantry of St James's,
+his manners appeared cold and unbending.
+It was easy to see he had
+not been bred in the saloons of Versailles
+or the <i>soirées</i> of Charles II.
+But he was steady and unwavering in
+his resolutions; his desires were set
+on great objects; and his external
+demeanour was correct, and often
+dignified. He was reproached by the
+English, not without reason, with being
+unduly partial, after his accession
+to the British throne, to his Dutch subjects;
+and he was influenced through
+life by a love of money, which, though
+at first arising from a bitter sense of
+its necessity in his long and arduous
+conflicts, degenerated in his older
+years into an avaricious turn. The
+national debt of England has been
+improperly ascribed to his policy. It
+arose unavoidably from the Revolution,
+and is the price which every
+nation pays for a lasting change, how
+necessary soever, in its ruling dynasty.<span class="pagenum">[524]</span>
+When the sovereign can no longer
+depend on the unbought loyalty of
+his subjects, he has no resource but
+in their interested attachment. Louis
+Philippe's government has done the
+same, under the influence of the same
+necessity. Yet William was not a
+perfect character; more than one dark
+transaction has left a lasting stain on
+his memory; and the massacre of
+Glencoe, in particular, if it did not
+equal the revocation of the Edict of
+Nantes in the wide-spread misery
+with which it was attended, rivalled
+it in the perfidy in which it was conceived,
+and the cruelty with which it
+was executed.</p>
+
+<p>On his arrival in Holland on the
+18th March 1710, Marlborough again
+found himself practically involved
+in the still pending negotiations for
+peace, over which, on the decline
+of his influence at court, he had ceased
+to have any real control. Still exposed
+to the blasting imputation of seeking
+to prolong the war for his own private
+purposes, he was in reality doing his
+utmost to terminate hostilities. As
+the negotiation with the ostensible
+plenipotentiaries of the different courts
+was at an end, but Louis still continued
+to make private overtures to
+the Dutch, in the hope of detaching
+them from the confederacy, Marlborough
+took advantage of this circumstance
+to endeavour to effect an
+accommodation. At his request, the
+Dutch agent, Petcum, had again repaired
+to Paris in the end of 1709, to
+resume the negotiation; and the <i>Marlborough
+Papers</i> contain numerous
+letters from him to the Duke, detailing
+the progress of the overtures.<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a>
+On the very day after Marlborough's
+arrival at the Hague, the plenipotentiaries
+made their report of the issue
+of the negotiation; but the views of
+the parties were still so much at variance,
+that it was evident no hopes of
+peace could be entertained. Louis
+was not yet sufficiently humbled to
+submit to the arrogant demands of
+the Allies, which went to strip him of
+nearly all his conquests; and the different
+powers of the confederacy were
+each set upon turning the general
+success of the alliance to their own
+private advantage.</p>
+
+<p>Zenzindorf, on the part of Austria,
+insisted that not the smallest portion
+of the Spanish territories in Italy
+should be ceded to a prince of the
+house of Bourbon, and declared the
+resolution of his imperial master to
+perish with arms in his hands, rather
+than submit to a partition which would
+lead to his inevitable ruin. King
+Charles expressed the same determination,
+and insisted further for the
+cession of Roussillon, which had been
+wrested from Spain since the treaty
+of the Pyrenees. The Duke of Savoy,
+who aimed at the acquisition of Sicily
+from the spoils of the fallen monarch,
+was equally obstinate for the prosecution
+of the war. Godolphin, Somers,
+and the Dutch Pensionary, inclined
+to peace, and were willing to purchase
+it by the cession of Sicily to Louis;
+and Marlborough gave this his entire
+support, provided the evacuation of
+Spain, the great object of the war,
+could be secured.<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> But all their efforts
+were in vain. The ambitious designs
+of Austria and Savoy prevailed over
+their pacific counsels; and we have
+the valuable authority of Torcy, who,
+in the former congress, had accused
+the Duke of breaking off the negotiation,
+that in this year the rupture was
+entirely owing to the efforts of Count
+Zenzindorf.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> Marlborough, however,
+never ceased to long for a termination
+of hostilities, and took the field with
+a heavy heart, relieved only by the
+hope that one more successful campaign
+would give him what he so
+ardently desired, the rest consequent
+upon a general peace.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p>
+
+<p>War being resolved on, Marl<span class="pagenum">[525]</span>borough
+and Eugene met at Tournay
+on the 28th April, and commenced
+the campaign by the capture of the
+fort of Mortagne, which capitulated
+on the same day. Their force already
+amounted to sixty thousand men, and,
+as the troops were daily coming up
+from their cantonments, it was expected
+soon to amount to double the
+number. The plan of operations was
+soon settled between these two great
+men; no difference of opinion ever
+occurred between them, no jealousy
+ever marred their co-operations. They
+determined to commence serious operations
+by attacking Douay&mdash;a strong
+fortress, and one of the last of the
+first order which, in that quarter,
+guarded the French territory. To
+succeed in this, however, it was
+necessary to pass the French lines,
+which were of great strength, and
+were guarded by Marshal Montesquieu
+at the head of forty battalions and
+twenty squadrons. Douay itself also
+was strongly protected both by art
+and nature. On the one side lay the
+Haine and the Scarpe; in the centre
+was the canal of Douay; on the other
+hand were the lines of La Bassie, which
+had been strengthened with additional
+works since the close of the campaign.
+Marlborough was very sanguine of
+success, as the French force was not
+yet collected, and he was considerably
+superior in number; and he wrote to
+Godolphin on the same night&mdash;"The
+orders are given for marching this
+night, so that I hope my next will
+give you an account of our being in
+Artois."<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Duke operated at once by both
+wings. On the one wing he detached
+the Prince of Wirtemberg, with fifteen
+thousand men, by Pont-a-Tessin to
+Pont-a-Vendin, where the French
+lines met the Dyle and the canal of
+Douay; while Prince Eugene moved
+forward Count Fels, with a considerable
+corps, towards Pont Auby on
+the same canal. The whole army
+followed in two columns, the right
+commanded by Eugene, and the left
+by Marlborough. The English general
+secured the passage at Pont-a-Vendin
+without resistance; and Eugene,
+though baffled at Pont Auby,
+succeeded in passing the canal at Sant
+and Courieres without serious loss.
+The first defences were thus forced;
+and that night the two wings, having
+formed a junction, lay on their arms
+in the plain of Lens, while Montesquieu
+precipitately retired behind the
+Scarpe, in the neighbourhood of Vitry.
+Next morning the troops, overjoyed
+at their success, continued their advance.
+Marlborough sent forward
+General Cadogan, at the head of the
+English troops, to Pont-a-Rache, to
+circumscribe the garrison of Douay,
+on the canal of Marchiennes on the
+north; while Eugene, encamping on
+the other side of the Scarpe, completed
+the investment on the west.
+The perfect success of this enterprise
+without any loss was matter of
+equal surprise and joy to the Duke,
+who wrote to the Duchess in the
+highest strain of satisfaction at his
+bloodless triumph. It was entirely
+owing to the suddenness and secresy
+of his movements, which took the
+enemy completely unawares; for, had
+the enterprise been delayed four days
+longer, its issue would have been extremely
+doubtful, and thousands of
+men must, at all events, have been
+sacrificed.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[526]</span></p><p>Douay, which was immediately invested after this success,
+is a fortress
+of considerable strength, in the second
+line which covers the French province
+of Artois. Less populous than Lille,
+it embraces a wider circuit within its
+ample walls. Its principal defence
+consists in the marshes, which, on
+the side of Tournay, where attack
+might be expected, render it extremely
+difficult of access, especially in the
+rainy season. Access to it is defended
+by Fort Scarpe, a powerful outwork,
+capable of standing a separate siege.
+The garrison consisted of eight thousand
+men, under the command of the
+Marquis Albergotti, an officer of the
+highest talent and bravery; and under
+him were the renowned Valory, to
+direct the engineers, and the not less
+celebrated Chevalier de Jaucourt, to
+command the artillery. From a fortress
+of such strength so defended,
+the most resolute resistance might be
+expected, and no efforts were spared
+on the part of the Allied generals to
+overcome it.</p>
+
+<p>The investment was completed on
+the 24th, and the trenches opened on
+the 5th May. On the 7th, the head
+of the sap was advanced to within
+two hundred and fifty yards of the
+exterior palisades; but the besiegers
+that night experienced a severe check
+from a vigorous sally of the besieged
+with twelve hundred men, by which
+two English regiments were nearly
+cut to pieces. But, on the 9th, a
+great train of artillery, consisting of
+two hundred pieces, with a large
+supply of artillery, arrived from Tournay;
+on the 11th, the advanced works
+were strongly armed, and the batteries
+were pushed up to the covered
+way, and thundered across the ditch
+against the rampart. The imminent
+danger of this important stronghold
+now seriously alarmed the French
+court; and Marshal Villars, who commanded
+their great army on the
+Flemish frontier, received the most
+positive orders to advance to its relief.
+By great exertions, he had now collected
+one hundred and fifty-three
+battalions and two hundred and sixty-two
+squadrons, which were pompously
+announced as mustering one hundred
+and fifty thousand combatants, and
+certainly amounted to more than
+eighty thousand. The Allied force
+was almost exactly equal; it consisted
+of one hundred and fifty-five
+battalions and two hundred and sixty-one
+squadrons. Villars broke up from
+the vicinity of Cambray on the 21st
+May, and advanced in great strength
+towards Douay. Marlborough and
+Eugene immediately made the most
+vigorous preparations to receive him.
+Thirty battalions only were left to
+prosecute the siege; twelve squadrons
+were placed in observation at Pont-a-Rache;
+and the whole remainder of
+the army, about seventy thousand
+strong, concentrated in a strong position,
+covering the siege, on which all
+the resources of art, so far as the
+short time would admit, had been
+lavished. Every thing was prepared
+for a mighty struggle. The whole guns
+were mounted on batteries four hundred
+paces from each other; the infantry
+was drawn up in a single line along
+the intrenchment, and filled up the
+whole interval between the artillery;
+the cavalry were arranged in two
+lines, seven hundred paces in rear of
+the foot-soldiers. It seemed another
+Malplaquet, in which the relative position
+of the two armies was reversed,
+and the French were to storm the intrenched
+position of the Allies. Every
+man in both armies fully expected a
+decisive battle; and Marlborough, who
+was heartily tired of the war, wrote
+to the Duchess, that he hoped for a
+victory, which should at once end the
+war, and restore him to private life.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[527]</span></p>
+
+<p>Yet there was no battle. The
+lustre of Blenheim and Ramilies
+played round Marlborough's bayonets;
+the recollection of Turin tripled the
+force of Eugene's squadrons. Villars
+advanced on the 1st June, with all the
+pomp and circumstance of war, to
+within musket-shot of the Allied position;
+and he had not only the authority
+but the recommendation of Louis to
+hazard a battle. He boasted that his
+force amounted to a hundred and
+sixty thousand men.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> But he did not
+venture to make the attack. To
+Marlborough's great regret, he retired
+without fighting; and the English
+general, at the age of threescore, was
+left to pursue the fatigues and the
+labours of a protracted campaign, in
+which, for the first time in his life, he
+was doubtful of success, from knowing
+the malignant eyes with which he was
+regarded by the ruling factions in his
+own country. "I long," said he, "for
+an end of the war, so God's will be
+done; whatever the event may be, I
+shall have nothing to reproach myself
+with, having, with all my heart, done
+my duty, and being hitherto blessed
+with more success than was ever
+known before. My wishes and duty are
+the same; but I can't say I have the
+same prophetic spirit I used to have;
+for in all the former actions I never
+did doubt of success, we having had
+constantly the great blessing of being
+of one mind. I cannot say it is so
+now; for I fear some are run so far
+into villanous faction, that it would
+more content them to see us beaten;
+but if I live I will be watchful that it
+shall not be in their power to do much
+hurt. The discourse of the Duke of
+Argyle is, that when I please there
+will then be peace. I suppose his
+friends speak the same language in
+England; so that I must every summer
+venture my life in a battle, and
+be found fault with in winter for not
+bringing home peace. No, I wish for
+it with all my heart and soul."<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p>
+
+<p>Villars having retired without fighting,
+the operations of the siege were
+resumed with redoubled vigour. On
+the 16th June, signals of distress were
+sent up from the town, which the
+French marshal perceived, and he
+made in consequence a show of returning
+to interrupt the siege, but his
+movements came to nothing. Marlborough,
+to counteract his movement,
+repassed the Scarpe at Vitry, and took
+up a position directly barring the line
+of advance of the French marshal,
+while Eugene prosecuted the siege.
+Villars again retired without fighting.
+On the 22d, the Fort of Scarpe was
+breached, and the sap was advanced
+to the counterscarp of the fortress,
+the walls of which were violently shaken;
+and on the 26th, Albergotti, who
+had no longer any hope of being relieved,
+and who saw preparations
+made for a general assault, capitulated
+with the garrison, now reduced to
+four thousand five hundred men.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p>
+
+<p>On the surrender of Douay, the
+Allied generals intended to besiege
+Arras, the <i>last</i> of the triple line of
+fortresses which on that side covered
+France, and between which and Paris
+no fortified place remained to arrest
+the march of an invader. On the
+10th July, Marlborough crossed the
+Scarpe at Vitry, and, joining Eugene,
+their united forces, nearly ninety
+thousand strong, advanced towards
+Arras. But Villars, who felt the extreme
+importance of this last stronghold,
+had exerted himself to the
+utmost for its defence. He had long
+employed his troops on the construction
+of new lines of great strength on
+the Crinchon, stretching from Arras
+and the Somme, and he had here collected
+nearly a hundred thousand
+men, and a hundred and thirty pieces
+of cannon. After reconnoitring this
+position, the Allied generals concurred
+in thinking that it was equally impossible
+to force them, and undertake
+the siege of Arras, while the enemy,
+in such strength, and so strongly
+posted, lay on its flank. Their first
+intention, on finding themselves baffled
+<span class="pagenum">[528]</span>in this project, was to seize Hesdin
+on the Cancher, which would have
+left the enemy no strong place between
+them and the coast. But the skilful
+dispositions of Villars, who on this
+occasion displayed uncommon abilities
+and foresight, rendered this design
+abortive, and it was therefore determined
+to attack Bethune. This place,
+which was surrounded with very
+strong works, was garrisoned by nine
+thousand men, under the command of
+M. Puy Vauban, nephew, of the celebrated
+marshal of the same name.
+But as an attack on it had not been
+expected, the necessary supplies for a
+protracted resistance had not been
+fully introduced when the investment
+was completed on the 15th July.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Villars, upon seeing the point of
+attack now fully declared, moved in
+right columns upon Hobarques, near
+Montenencourt. Eugene and Marlborough
+upon this assembled their
+covering army, and changed their
+front, taking up a new line stretching
+from Mont St Eloi to Le Comte. Upon
+advancing to reconnoitre the enemy,
+Marlborough discovered that the
+French, advancing to raise the siege,
+were busy strengthening a new set of
+lines, which stretched across the plain
+from the rivulet Ugie to the Lorraine,
+and the centre of which at Avesnes
+Le Comte was already strongly fortified.
+It now appeared how much
+Villars had gained by the skilful
+measures which had diverted the Allies
+from their projected attack upon Arras.
+It lay upon the direct road to Paris.
+Bethune, though of importance to the
+ultimate issue of the war, was not of
+the same present moment. It lay
+on the flank on the second line, Arras
+in front, and was the only remaining
+fortress in the last. By means of the
+new lines which he had constructed,
+the able French marshal had erected
+a fresh protection for his country, when
+its last defences were wellnigh broken
+through. By simply holding them,
+the interior of France was covered
+from incursion, and time gained for
+raising fresh armaments in the interior
+for its defence, and, what was of more
+importance to Louis, awaiting the
+issue of the intrigues in England,
+which were expected soon to overthrow
+the Whig cabinet. Villars, on
+this occasion, proved the salvation of his
+country, and justly raised himself to
+the very highest rank among its military
+commanders. His measures were
+the more to be commended that they
+exposed him to the obloquy of leaving
+Bethune to its fate, which surrendered
+by capitulation, with its numerous
+garrison and accomplished commander,
+on the 28th August.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the loss of so many
+fortresses on the endangered frontier
+of his territory, Louis XIV. was so
+much encouraged by what he knew of
+the great change which was going on
+in the councils of Queen Anne, that,
+expecting daily an entire revolution
+in the ministry, and overthrow of the
+war party in the Cabinet, he resolved
+on the most vigorous prosecution of
+the contest. He made clandestine
+overtures to the secret advisers of the
+Queen, in the hope of establishing that
+separate negotiation which at no distant
+period proved so successful. Torcy,
+the Duke's enemy, triumphantly declared,
+"what we lose in Flanders, we
+shall gain in England."<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> To frustrate
+these machinations, and if possible
+rouse the national feeling more strongly
+in favour of a vigorous prosecution
+of the war, Marlborough determined to
+lay siege to Aire and St Venant, which,
+though off the line of direct attack on
+France, laid open the way to Calais,
+which, if supported at home, he hoped
+to reduce before the conclusion of
+the campaign.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> He entertained the
+most sanguine hopes of success from
+<span class="pagenum">[529]</span>this design, which was warmly supported
+by Godolphin; but he obtained
+at this time such discouraging accounts
+of the precarious condition of his influence
+at court, that he justly concluded
+he would not be adequately
+supported in them from England, from
+which the main supplies for the enterprise
+must be drawn. He wisely,
+therefore, resolved, in concert with
+Eugene, to forego this dazzling but
+perilous project for the present, and
+to content himself with the solid advantages,
+unattended with risk, of
+reducing Aire and St Venant.</p>
+
+<p>Having takes their resolution, the
+confederate generals began their march
+in the beginning of September, and on
+the 6th of that month, both places
+were invested. Aire, which is comparatively
+of small extent, was garrisoned
+by only five thousand seven
+hundred men; but Venant was a place
+of great size and strength, and had a
+garrison of fourteen battalions of foot
+and three regiments of dragoons, mustering
+eight thousand combatants.
+They were under the command of the
+Count de Guebriant, a brave and skillful
+commander. Both were protected
+by inundations, which retarded extremely
+the operations of the besiegers,
+the more especially as the autumnal
+rains had early set in this year with
+more than usual severity. While
+anxiously awaiting the cessation of
+this obstacle, and the arrival of a
+great convoy of heavy cannon and
+ammunition which was coming up
+from Ghent, the Allied generals received
+the disheartening intelligence
+of the total defeat of this important
+convoy, which, though guarded by
+sixteen hundred men, was attacked
+and destroyed by a French corps on
+the 19th September. This loss affected
+Marlborough the more sensibly, that
+it was the first disaster of moment
+which had befallen him during nine
+years of incessant warfare.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> But,
+notwithstanding this disaster, St Venant
+was so severely pressed by the
+fire of the besiegers, under the Prince
+of Anhalt, who conducted the operations
+with uncommon vigour and
+ability, that it was compelled to capitulate
+on the 29th, on condition of its
+garrison being conducted to St Omer,
+not to serve again till regularly exchanged.</p>
+
+<p>Aire still held out, as the loss of the
+convoy from Ghent, and the dreadful
+rains which fell almost without intermission
+during the whole of October,
+rendered the progress of the siege
+almost impossible. The garrison,
+too, under the command of the
+brave governor, made a most resolute
+defence. Sickness prevailed to
+a great extent in the Allied army;
+the troops were for the most part up
+to the knees in mud and water; and
+the rains, which fell night and day
+without intermission, precluded the
+possibility of finding a dry place for
+their lodging. It was absolutely necessary,
+however, to continue the
+siege; for, independent of the credit
+of the army being staked on its
+success, it had become impossible, as
+Marlborough himself said, to draw
+the cannon from the trenches.<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> The
+perseverance of the Allied commanders
+was at length rewarded by success.
+On the 12th November the
+fortress capitulated, and the garrison,
+still three thousand six hundred and
+twenty-eight strong, marched out
+prisoners, leaving sixteen hundred
+sick and wounded in the town. This
+conquest, which concluded the campaign,
+was, however, dearly purchased
+by the loss of nearly seven thousand
+men killed and wounded in the Allied
+ranks, exclusive of the sick, who,
+amidst those pestilential marshes, had
+now swelled to double the number.<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[530]</span></p><p>Although the capture of four such
+important fortresses as Douay, Bethune,
+St Venant, and Aire, with
+their garrisons, amounting to thirty
+thousand men, who had been taken in
+them during the campaign, was a most
+substantial advantage, and could not
+fail to have a most important effect on
+the final issue of the war; yet it
+did not furnish the same subject for
+national exultation which preceding
+ones had done. There had been no
+brilliant victory like Blenheim, Ramilies,
+or Oudenarde, to silence envy
+and defy malignity; the successes,
+though little less real, had been not so
+dazzling. The intriguers about the
+court, the malcontents in the country,
+eagerly seized on this circumstance to
+calumniate the Duke, and accused
+him of unworthy motives in the conduct
+of the war. He was protracting
+it for his own private purposes, reducing
+it to a strife of lines and sieges,
+when he might at once terminate it
+by a decisive battle, and gratifying
+his ruling passion of avarice by the
+lucrative appointments which he enjoyed
+himself, or divided among his
+friends. Nor was it only among the
+populace and his political opponents
+that these surmises prevailed; his
+greatness and fame had become an
+object of envy to his own party. Orford,
+Wharton, and Halifax had on
+many occasions evinced their distrust
+of him; and even Somers, who had
+long stood his friend, was inclined to
+think the power of the Duke of Marlborough
+too great, and the emoluments
+and offices of his family and connexions
+immoderate.<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> The Duchess
+inflamed the discord between him and
+the Queen, by positively refusing to
+come to any reconciliation with her
+rival, Mrs Masham. The discord
+increased daily, and great were the
+efforts made to aggravate it. To the
+Queen, the never-failing device was
+adopted of representing the victorious
+general as lording it over the throne;
+as likely to eclipse even the crown by
+the lustre of his fame; as too dangerous
+and powerful a subject for a sovereign
+to tolerate. Matters came to
+such a pass, in the course of the summer
+of 1710, that Marlborough found
+himself thwarted in every request he
+made, every project he proposed; and
+he expressed his entire nullity to the
+Duchess, by the emphatic expression,
+that he was a "mere sheet of white
+paper, upon which his friends might
+write what they pleased."<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p>
+
+<p>The spite at the Duke appeared in
+the difficulties which were now started
+by the Lords of the Treasury in regard
+to the prosecution of the works
+at Blenheim. This noble monument
+of a nation's gratitude had hitherto
+proceeded rapidly; the stately design
+of Vanburgh was rapidly approaching
+its completion, and so anxious had
+the Queen been to see it finished, that
+she got a model of it placed in the
+royal palace of Kensington. Now,
+however, petty and unworthy objections
+were started on the score of expense,
+and attempts were made, by
+delaying payment of the sums from
+the Treasury, to throw the cost of
+completing the building on the great
+general. He had penetration enough,
+however, to avoid falling into the
+snare, and actually suspended the progress
+of the work when the Treasury
+warrants were withheld. He constantly
+directed that the management
+of the building should be left to the
+Queen's officers; and, by steadily adhering
+to this system, he shamed them
+into continuing the work.<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p>
+
+<p>Marlborough's name and influence,
+however, were too great to be entirely
+neglected, and the party which was
+now rising into supremacy at court
+were anxious, if possible, to secure
+them to their own side. They made,
+accordingly, overtures in secret to him;
+and it was even insinuated that, if he
+would abandon the Whigs, and coalesce
+with them, he would entirely regain
+the royal favour, and might aspire
+to the highest situation which a subject
+could hold. Lord Bolingbroke
+has told us what the conditions of this
+alliance were to be:&mdash;"He was to
+abandon the Whigs, his new friends,
+and take up with the Tories, his old
+friends; to engage heartily in the
+true interests, and no longer leave
+<span class="pagenum">[531]</span>his country a prey to rapine and
+faction. He was, besides, required
+to restrain the rage and fury of
+his wife. Their offers were coupled
+with threats of an impeachment, and
+boasts that sufficient evidence could
+be adduced to carry a prosecution
+through both Houses."<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> To terms
+so degrading, the Duke answered in
+terms worthy of his high reputation.
+He declared his resolution to be of no
+party, to vote according to his conscience,
+and to be as hearty as his
+new colleagues in support of the
+Queen's government and the welfare
+of the country. This manly reply
+increased the repulsive feelings with
+which he was regarded by the ministry,
+who seem now to have finally
+resolved on his ruin; while the intelligence
+that such overtures had been
+made having got wind, sowed distrust
+between him and the Whig leaders,
+which was never afterwards entirely
+removed. But he honourably declared
+that he would be governed by the
+Whigs, from whom he would never
+depart; and that they could not suspect
+the purity of his motives in so
+doing, as they had now lost the majority
+in the House of Commons.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p>
+
+<p>Parliament met on the 25th November;
+and Marlborough, in the end
+of the year, returned to London. But
+he soon received decisive proof of the
+altered temper both of government
+and the country towards him. In
+the Queen's speech, no notice was
+taken of the late successes in Flanders,
+no vote of thanks for his services
+in the campaign moved by ministers;
+and they even contrived, by a sidewind,
+to get quit of one proposed, to
+their no small embarrassment, by
+Lord Scarborough. The Duchess,
+too, was threatened with removal
+from her situation at court; and
+Marlborough avowed that he knew
+the Queen was "as desirous for her
+removal as Mr Harley and Mr Masham
+can be." The violent temper and
+proud unbending spirit of the Duchess
+were ill calculated to heal such a
+breach, which, in the course of the
+winter, became so wide, that her removal
+from the situation she held, as
+mistress of the robes, was only prevented
+by the fear that, in the vehemence
+of her resentment, she might
+publish the Queen's correspondence,
+and that the Duke, whose military
+services could not yet be spared,
+might resign his command. Libels
+against both the Duke and the Duchess
+daily appeared, and passed entirely
+unpunished, though the freedom of
+the press was far from being established.
+Three officers were dismissed
+from the army for drinking
+his health. When he waited on the
+Queen, on his arrival in England, in
+the end of December, she said&mdash;"I
+must request you will not suffer any
+vote of thanks to you to be moved in
+Parliament this year, <i>as my ministers
+will certainly oppose it</i>." Such was
+the return made by government to
+the hero who had raised the power
+and glory of England to an unprecedented
+pitch, and in that very campaign
+had cut deeper into the iron
+frontier of France than had ever been
+done in any former one.<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p>
+
+<p>The female coterie who aided at
+St James's the male opponents of Marlborough,
+were naturally extremely solicitous
+to get the Duchess removed
+from her situations as head of the
+Queen's household and keeper of the
+privy purse; and ministers were only
+prevented from carrying their wishes
+into effect by their apprehension, if
+executed, of the Duke's resigning his
+command of the army. In an audience,
+on 17th January 1711, Marlborough
+presented a letter to her
+Majesty from the Duchess, couched
+in terms of extreme humility, in
+<span class="pagenum">[532]</span>which she declared that his anxiety
+was such, at the requital his services
+had received, that she apprehended
+he would not live six
+months.<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> The Queen at first refused
+to read it; and when at length, at the
+Duke's earnest request, she agreed to
+do so, she coldly observed&mdash;"I cannot
+change my resolution." Marlborough,
+in the most moving terms, and with
+touching eloquence, intreated the
+Queen not to dismiss the Duchess till
+she had no more need of her services,
+by the war being finished, which, he
+hoped, would be in less than a year;
+but he received no other answer,
+but a peremptory demand for the surrender
+of the gold key, the symbol of
+her office, within three days. Unable
+to obtain any relaxation in his sovereign's
+resolution, Marlborough withdrew
+with the deepest emotions of
+indignation and sorrow. The Duchess,
+in a worthy spirit, immediately took
+his resolution; she sent in her resignation,
+with the gold key, that very
+night. So deeply was Marlborough
+hurt at this extraordinary ingratitude
+for all his services, that he at first resolved
+to resign his whole command,
+and retire altogether into private life.
+From this intention he was only diverted,
+and that with great difficulty,
+by the efforts of Godolphin and the
+Whigs at home, and Prince Eugene
+and the Pensionary Heinsius abroad,
+who earnestly besought him not to
+abandon the command, as that would
+at once dissolve the grand alliance,
+and ruin the common cause. We can
+sympathise with the feelings of a victorious
+warrior who felt reluctant to
+forego, by one hasty step, the fruit of
+nine years of victories: we cannot but
+respect the self-sacrifice of the patriot
+who preferred enduring mortifications
+himself, to endangering the great cause
+of religious freedom and European
+independence. Influenced by these
+considerations, Marlborough withheld
+his intended resignation. The
+Duchess of Somerset was made mistress
+of the robes, and Mrs Masham
+obtained the confidential situation of
+keeper of the privy purse. Malignity,
+now sure of impunity, heaped up
+invectives on the falling hero. His
+integrity was calumniated, his courage
+even questioned, and the most consummate
+general of that, or perhaps
+any other age, represented as the lowest
+of mankind.<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> It soon appeared
+how unfounded had been the aspersions
+cast upon the Duchess, as well as
+the Duke, for their conduct in office.
+Her accounts, after being rigidly
+scrutinised, were returned to her
+without any objection being stated
+against them; and Marlborough,
+anxious to quit that scene of ingratitude
+and intrigue for the real theatre
+of his glory, soon after set out for the
+army in Flanders.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p>
+
+<p>Marlborough arrived at the Hague
+on the 4th March; and, although no
+longer possessing the confidence of
+government, or intrusted with any
+control over diplomatic measures, he
+immediately set himself with the utmost
+vigour to prepare for military
+operations. Great efforts had been
+made by both parties, during the winter,
+for the resumption of hostilities,
+on even a more extended scale than in
+any preceding campaign. Marlborough
+found the army in the Low Countries
+extremely efficient and powerful;
+diversions were promised on the side
+both of Spain and Piedmont; and a
+treaty had been concluded with the
+Spanish malcontents, in consequence of
+which a large part of the Imperial forces
+were rendered disposable, which Prince
+Eugene was preparing to lead into the
+Low Countries. But, in the midst of
+these flattering prospects, an event
+occurred which suddenly deranged
+then all, postponed for above a
+month the opening of the campaign,
+and, in its final result, changed the
+<span class="pagenum">[533]</span>fate of Europe. This was the death
+of the Emperor Joseph, of the smallpox,
+which happened at Vienna on
+the 16th April&mdash;an event which was
+immediately followed by Charles, King
+of Spain, declaring himself a candidate
+for the Imperial throne. As his pretensions
+required to be supported by
+a powerful demonstration of troops,
+the march of a large part of Eugene's
+men to the Netherlands was immediately
+stopped, and that prince himself
+was hastily recalled from Mentz,
+to take the command of the empire at
+Ratisbon, as marshal. Charles was
+soon after elected Emperor. Thus
+Marlborough was left to commence
+the campaign alone, which was the
+more to be regretted, as the preparations
+of Louis, during the winter, for
+the defence of his dominions had been
+made on the most extensive scale, and
+Marshal Villars' lines had come to be
+regarded as the <i>ne plus ultra</i> of field
+fortification. Yet were Marlborough's
+forces most formidable; for, when reviewed
+at Orchies on the 30th April,
+between Lille and Douay, they were
+found, including Eugene's troops
+which had come up, to amount to
+one hundred and eighty-four battalions,
+and three hundred and sixty-four
+squadrons, mustering above one
+hundred thousand combatants.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> But
+forty-one battalions and forty squadrons
+were in garrison, which reduced
+the effective force in the field to eighty
+thousand men.</p>
+
+<p>The great object of Louis and his
+generals had been to construct such a
+line of defences as might prevent
+the irruption of the enemy into the
+French territory, now that the interior
+and last line of fortresses was so nearly
+broken through. In pursuance of this
+design, Villars had, with the aid of
+all the most experienced engineers in
+France, and at a vast expense of labour
+and money, constructed during
+the winter a series of lines and field-works,
+exceeding any thing yet seen
+in modern Europe in magnitude and
+strength, and to which the still more
+famous lines of Torres Vedras have
+alone, in subsequent times, afforded a
+parallel. The works extended from
+Namur on the Meuse, by a sort of
+irregular line, to the coast of Picardy.
+Running first along the marshy line of
+the Canche, they rested on the forts
+of Montreuil, Hesdin, and Trevant;
+while the great fortresses of Ypres,
+Calais, Gravelines, and St Omer,
+lying in their front, and still in
+the hands of the French, rendered
+any attempt to approach them both
+difficult and hazardous. Along the
+whole of this immense line, extending
+over so great a variety of ground, for
+above forty miles, every effort had
+been made, by joining the resources
+of art to the defences of nature,
+to render the position impregnable.
+The lines were not continuous,
+as in many places the ground was so
+rugged, or the obstacles of rocks,
+precipices, and ravines were so formidable,
+that it was evidently impossible
+to overcome them. But where*ever
+a passage was practicable, the
+approaches to it were protected in the
+most formidable manner. If a streamlet
+ran along the line, it was carefully
+dammed up, so as to be rendered impassible.
+Every morass was deepened,
+by stopping up its drains, or
+letting in the water of the larger
+rivers by artificial canals into it; redoubts
+were placed on the heights, so
+as to enfilade the plains between them;
+while in the open country, where no
+advantage of ground was to be met
+with, field-works were erected, armed
+with abundance of heavy cannon. To
+man these formidable lines, Villars
+had under his command one hundred
+and fifty-six battalions, and two hundred
+and twenty-seven squadrons in
+the field, containing seventy thousand
+infantry, and twenty thousand horse.
+He had ninety field guns and twelve
+howitzers. There was, besides, thirty-five
+battalions and eighty squadrons
+detached or in the forts; and, as Eugene
+soon took away twelve battalions
+and fifty squadrons from the Allied
+army, the forces on the opposite side,
+when they came to blows, were very
+nearly equal.<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[534]</span></p><p>Marlborough took the field on the
+1st May, with eighty thousand men;
+and his whole force was soon grouped
+in and around Douay. The headquarters
+of Villars were at Cambray;
+but, seeing the forces of his adversary
+thus accumulated in one point, he
+made a corresponding concentration,
+and arranged his whole disposable
+forces between Bouchain on the right,
+and Monchy Le Preux on the left.
+This position of the French marshal,
+which extended in a concave semicircle
+with the fortresses, covering either
+flank, he considered, and with reason,
+as beyond the reach of attack. The
+English general was meditating a
+great enterprise, which should at once
+deprive the enemy of all his defences,
+and reduce him to the necessity of
+fighting a decisive battle, or losing
+his last frontier fortresses. But he was
+overwhelmed with gloomy anticipations;
+he felt his strength sinking under
+his incessant and protracted fatigues,
+and knew well he was serving a party
+who, envious of his fame, were ready
+only to decry his achievements.<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> He
+lay, accordingly, for three weeks
+awaiting the arrival of his illustrious
+colleague, Prince Eugene, who
+joined on the 23d May, and took
+part in a great celebration of the
+anniversary of the victory at Ramilies,
+which had taken place on that day.
+The plans of the Allied generals were
+soon formed; and, taking advantage
+of the enthusiasm excited by that
+commemoration, and the arrival of so
+illustrious a warrior, preparations
+were made for the immediate commencement
+of active operations. On
+the 28th, the two generals reviewed
+the whole army. But their designs
+were soon interrupted by an event
+which changed the whole fortune of
+the campaign. Early in June, Eugene
+received positive orders to march to
+Germany, with a considerable part of
+his troops, to oppose a French force,
+which was moving towards the Rhine,
+to influence the approaching election
+of Emperor. On the 13th June, Eugene
+and Marlborough separated, for
+<i>the last time</i>, with the deepest expressions
+of regret on both sides, and
+gloomy forebodings of the future.
+The former marched towards the
+Rhine with twelve battalions and fifty
+squadrons, while Marlborough's whole
+remaining force marched to the right
+in six divisions.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p>
+
+<p>Though Villars was relieved by the
+departure of Eugene from a considerable
+part of the force opposed to him,
+and he naturally felt desirous of now
+measuring his strength with his great
+antagonist in a decisive affair, yet he
+was restrained from hazarding a general
+engagement. Louis, trusting
+to the progress of the Tory intrigues
+in England, and daily expecting to
+see Marlborough and the war-party
+overthrown, sent him positive orders
+not to fight; and soon after detached
+twenty-five battalions and forty squadrons,
+in two divisions, to the Upper
+Rhine, to watch the movements of Eugene.
+Villars encouraged this separation,
+representing that the strength
+of his position was such, that he could
+afford to send a third detachment to
+the Upper Rhine, if it was thought
+proper. Marlborough, therefore, in
+vain offered battle, and drew up his
+army in the plain of Lens for that
+purpose. Villars cautiously remained
+on the defensive; and, though he threw
+eighteen bridges over the Scarpe, and
+made a show of intending to fight, he
+cautiously abstained from any steps
+which might bring on a general battle.<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a>
+It was not without good reason
+that Louis thus enjoined his lieutenant
+to avoid compromising his army.
+The progress of the negotiations with
+England gave him the fairest ground
+for believing that he would obtain
+nearly all he desired from the favour
+<span class="pagenum">[535]</span>with which he was regarded by the
+British cabinet without running any
+risk. He had commenced a <i>separate</i>
+negotiation with the court of St
+James's, which had been favourably
+received; and Mr Secretary St John
+had already transmitted to Lord
+Raby, the new plenipotentiary at the
+Hague, a sketch of six preliminary
+articles proposed by the French king,
+which were to be the basis of a general
+peace.<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a></p>
+
+<p>The high tone of these proposals
+proved how largely Louis counted
+upon the altered dispositions of the
+British cabinet. The Spanish succession,
+the real object of the war, was
+evaded. Every thing was directed to
+British objects, and influenced by the
+desire to tempt the commercial cupidity
+of England to the abandonment
+of the great objects of her national
+policy. Real security was tendered
+to the British commerce with Spain,
+the Indus, and the Mediterranean;
+the barrier the Dutch had so long contended
+for was agreed to; a reasonable
+satisfaction was tendered to the
+allies of England and Holland; and,
+as to the Spanish succession, it was
+to be left to "new expedients, to the
+satisfaction of all parties interested."
+These proposals were favourably received
+by the British ministry; they
+were in secret communicated to the
+Pensionary Heinsius, but concealed
+from the Austrian and Piedmontese
+plenipotentiaries; and they were <i>not
+communicated to Marlborough</i>&mdash;a decisive
+proof both of the altered feeling
+of the cabinet towards that general,
+and of the consciousness on their part
+of the tortuous path on which they
+were now entering.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a></p>
+
+<p>After much deliberation, and a due
+consideration of what could be effected
+by the diminished force now at his
+disposal, which, by the successive
+drafts to Eugene's army, was now reduced
+to one hundred and nineteen
+battalions, and two hundred and fifty-six
+squadrons, not mustering above
+seventy-five thousand combatants,
+Marlborough determined to break
+through the enemies' boasted lines;
+and, after doing so, undertake the
+siege of Bouchain, the possession of
+which would give him a solid footing
+within the French frontier. With this
+view, he had long and minutely studied
+the lines of Villars; and he hoped
+that, even with the force at his disposal,
+they might be broken through. To
+accomplish this, however, required an
+extraordinary combination of stratagem
+and force; and the manner in
+which Marlborough contrived to unite
+them, and bring the ardent mind and
+lively imagination of his adversary to
+play into his hands, to the defeat of
+all the objects he had most at heart,
+is perhaps the most wonderful part of
+his whole military achievements.<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p>
+
+<p>During his encampment at Lewarde,
+opposite Villars, the English general
+had observed that a triangular piece
+of ground in front of the French position,
+between Cambray, Aubanchocil-au-bac,
+and the junction of the Sauzet
+and Scheldt, offered a position so
+strong, that a small body of men might
+defend it against a very considerable
+force. He resolved to make the occupation
+of this inconsiderable piece
+of ground the pivot on which the
+whole passage of the lines should be
+effected. A redoubt at Aubigny,
+which commanded the approach to it,
+was first carried without difficulty.
+Arleux, which also was fortified, was
+next attacked by seven hundred men,
+who issued from Douay in the night.
+That post also was taken, with one
+hundred and twenty prisoners. Marlborough
+instantly used all imaginable
+expedition in strengthening it; and
+Villars, jealous of a fortified post so
+close to his lines remaining in the
+hands of the Allies, attacked it in the
+night of the 9th July; and, though he
+failed in retaking the work, he surprised
+the Allies at that point, and
+made two hundred men and four hundred
+horses prisoners. Though much
+chagrined at the success of this nocturnal
+attack, the English general
+<span class="pagenum">[536]</span>now saw his designs advancing to
+maturity. He therefore left Arleux
+to its own resources, and marched
+towards Bethune. That fort was immediately
+attacked by Marshal Montesquieu,
+and, after a stout resistance,
+carried by the French, who made the
+garrison, five hundred strong, prisoners.
+Villars immediately razed Arleux
+to the ground, and withdrew
+his troops; while Marlborough, who
+was in hopes the lure of these successes
+would induce Villars to hazard
+a general engagement, shut himself
+up in his tent, and appeared to be
+overwhelmed with mortification at
+the checks he had received.<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></p>
+
+<p>Villars was so much elated with
+these successes, and the accounts he
+received of Marlborough's mortification,
+that he wrote to the king of
+France a vain-glorious letter, in which
+he boasted that he had at length
+brought his antagonist to a <i>ne plus
+ultra</i>. Meanwhile, Marlborough sent
+off his heavy baggage to Douay; sent
+his artillery under a proper guard to
+the rear; and, with all imaginable
+secresy, baked bread for the whole
+troops for six days, which was privately
+brought up. Thus disencumbered
+and prepared, he broke up at
+four in the morning on the 1st of
+August, and marched in eight columns
+towards the front. During
+the three following days, the troops
+continued concentrated, and menacing
+sometimes one part of the French
+lines and sometimes another, so as
+to leave the real point of attack in
+a state of uncertainty. Seriously
+alarmed, Villars concentrated his
+whole force opposite the Allies, and
+drew in all his detachments, evacuating
+even Aubigny and Arleux, the
+object of so much eager contention
+some days before. On the evening
+of the 4th, Marlborough, affecting great
+chagrin at the check he had received,
+spoke openly to those around him of
+his intention of avenging them by a
+general action, and pointed to the direction
+the attacking columns were
+to take. He then returned to the
+camp, and gave orders to prepare for
+battle. Gloom hung on every countenance
+of those around him; it appeared
+nothing short of an act of
+madness to attack an enemy superior
+in number, and strongly posted in a
+camp surrounded with entrenchments,
+and bristling with cannon. They ascribed
+it to desperation, produced by
+the mortifications received from the
+government, and feared that, by one
+rash act, he would lose the fruit of all
+his victories. Proportionally great
+was the joy in the French camp,
+when the men, never doubting they
+were on the eve of a glorious victory,
+spent the night in the exultation
+which, in that excitable people, has
+so often been the prelude to disaster.<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></p>
+
+<p>Having brought the feeling of both
+armies to this point, and produced a
+concentration of Villars's army directly
+in his front, Marlborough, at
+dusk on the 4th, ordered the drums
+to beat; and before the roll had ceased,
+orders were given for the tents to be
+struck. Meanwhile Cadogan secretly
+left the camp, and met twenty-three
+battalions and seventeen squadrons,
+drawn from the garrisons of
+Lille and Tournay, which instantly
+marched; and continuing to advance
+all night, passed the lines rapidly to
+the left, without opposition at Arleux,
+at break of day. A little before nine,
+the Allied main army began to defile
+rapidly to the left, through the woods
+of Villers and Neuville&mdash;Marlborough
+himself leading the van, at the head of
+fifty squadrons. With such expedition
+did they march, still holding
+steadily on to the left, that before five
+in the morning of the 5th they reached
+Vitry on the Scarpe, where they found
+pontoons ready for their passage, and
+a considerable train of field artillery.
+At the same time, the English general
+here received the welcome intelligence
+of Cadogan's success. He instantly
+dispatched orders to every man and
+horse to press forward without delay.
+Such was the ardour of the troops, who
+all saw the brilliant man&oelig;uvre by
+which they had outwitted the enemy,
+and rendered all their labour abortive,
+that they marched <i>sixteen hours</i> with<span class="pagenum">[537]</span>out once halting; and by ten next
+morning, the whole had passed the
+enemies' lines without opposition, and
+without firing a shot! Villars received
+intelligence of the night-march
+having begun at eleven at night; but
+so utterly was he in the dark as to the
+plan his opponent was pursuing, that
+he came up to Verger, when Marlborough
+had drawn up his army on the
+<i>inner</i> side of the lines in order of battle,
+attended only by a hundred dragoons,
+and narrowly escaped being made
+prisoner. Altogether, the Allied troops
+marched thirty-six miles in sixteen
+hours, the most part of them in the
+dark, and crossed several rivers, without
+either falling into confusion or
+sustaining any loss. The annals of
+war scarcely afford an example of
+such a success being gained in so
+bloodless a manner. The famous
+French lines, which Villars boasted
+would form the <i>ne plus ultra</i> of Marlborough,
+had been passed without
+losing a man; the labour of nine
+months was at once rendered of no
+avail, and the French army, in deep
+dejection, had no alternative but to
+retire under the cannon of Cambray.<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></p>
+
+<p>This great success at once restored
+the lustre of Marlborough's reputation,
+and, for a short season, put to silence
+his detractors. Eugene, with the
+generosity which formed so striking
+a feature in his character, wrote to
+congratulate him on his achievement;<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a>
+and even Bolingbroke admitted
+that this bloodless triumph
+rivalled his greatest achievements.<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a>
+Marlborough immediately commenced
+the siege of Bouchain; but this was
+an enterprise of no small difficulty,
+as it was to be accomplished on very
+difficult ground, in presence of an
+army superior in force. The investment
+was formed on the very day
+after the lines had been passed, and
+an important piece of ground occupied,
+which might have enabled Villars to
+communicate with the town, and regain
+a defensible position. On the
+morning of the 8th August, a bridge
+was thrown over the Scheldt at Neuville,
+and sixty squadrons passed
+over, which barred the road from
+Douay. Villars upon this threw thirty
+battalions across the Seuzet, and
+made himself master of a hill above,
+on which he began to erect works,
+which would have kept open his communications
+with the town on its
+southern front. Marlborough saw at
+once this design, and at first determined
+to storm the works ere they
+were completed; and, with this view,
+General Fagel, with a strong body of
+troops, was secretly passed over the
+river. But Villars, having heard of
+the design, attacked the Allied posts at
+Ivry with such vigour, that Marlborough
+was obliged to counter-march in
+haste, to be at hand to support them.
+Baffled in this attempt, Marlborough
+erected a chain of works on the right
+bank of the Scheldt, from Houdain,
+through Ivry, to the Sette, near Haspres,
+while Cadogan strengthened
+himself with similar works on the left.
+Villars, however, still retained the
+fortified position which has been mentioned,
+and which kept up his communication
+with the town; and the
+intercepting this was another, and the
+last, of Marlborough's brilliant field
+operations.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[538]</span></p><p>Notwithstanding all the diligence
+with which Villars laboured to
+strengthen his men on this important
+position, he could not equal the activity
+with which the English general
+strove to supplant them. During the
+night of the 13th, three redoubts were
+marked out, which would have completed
+the French marshal's communication
+with the town. But on the
+morning of the 14th they were all
+stormed by a large body of the Allied
+troops before the works could be
+armed. That very day the Allies carried
+their zig-zag down to the very
+edge of a morass which adjoined
+Bouchain on the south, so as to command
+a causeway from that town to
+Cambray, which the French still held,
+communicating with the besieged
+town. But, to complete the investment,
+it was necessary to win this
+causeway; and this last object was
+gained by Marlborough with equal
+daring and success. A battery, commanding
+the road, had been placed
+by Villars in a redoubt garrisoned by
+six hundred men, supported by three
+thousand more close in their rear.
+Marlborough, with incredible labour
+and diligence, constructed two roads,
+made of fascines, through part of the
+marsh, so as to render it passable to foot-soldiers;
+and, on the night of the 16th,
+six hundred chosen grenadiers were
+sent across them to attack the intrenched
+battery. They rapidly advanced
+in the dark till the fascine
+path ended, and then boldly plunging
+into the marsh, struggled on, with the
+water often up to their arm-pits, till
+they reached the foot of the intrenchment,
+into which they rushed, without
+firing a shot, with fixed bayonets.
+So complete was the surprise, that the
+enemy were driven from their guns
+with the loss only of six men; the
+work carried; and with such diligence
+were its defences strengthened, that
+before morning it was in a condition
+to bid defiance to any attack.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a></p>
+
+<p>Villars was now effectually cut off
+from Bouchain, and the operations of
+the siege were conducted with the
+utmost vigour. On the night of the
+21st, the trenches were opened; three
+separate attacks were pushed at the
+same time against the eastern, western,
+and southern faces of the town, and a
+huge train of heavy guns and mortars
+thundered upon the works without
+intermission. The progress of the
+siege, notwithstanding a vigorous defence
+by the besieged, was unusually
+rapid. As fast as the outworks were
+breached they were stormed; and repeated
+attempts on the part of Villars
+to raise the siege were baffled by the
+skilful disposition and strong ground
+taken by Marlborough with the covering
+army. At length, on the 12th
+September, as the counterscarp was
+blown down, the rampart breached,
+and an assault of the fortress in preparation,
+the governor agreed to capitulate;
+and the garrison, still three
+thousand strong, marched out upon
+the glacis, laid down their arms, and
+were conducted prisoners to Tournay.<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a>
+The two armies then remained in
+their respective positions, the French
+under the cannon of Cambray, the
+Allied in the middle of their lines,
+resting on Bouchain; and Marlborough
+gave proof of the courtesy of his disposition,
+as well as his respect for
+exalted learning and piety, by planting
+a detachment of his troops to
+protect the estates of Fenelon, archbishop
+of Cambray, and conduct the
+grain from thence to the dwelling of
+the illustrious prelate in that town,
+which began now to be straitened
+for provisions.<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[539]</span></p>
+
+
+<h2><a name="MOHAN_LAL_IN_AFGHANISTAN" id="MOHAN_LAL_IN_AFGHANISTAN"></a>MOHAN LAL IN AFGHANISTAN.</h2>
+
+
+<blockquote><p><i>The Life of the Amir Dost Mohammed Khan of Kabul.</i> By <span class="smcap">Mohan Lal</span>, Esq.,
+Knight of the Persian order of the Lion and Sun, lately attached to the Mission
+at Kabul, &amp;c. &amp;c. London: 1846.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>We have arrived at an age when
+striking contrasts and seeming incongruities
+cease to startle and offend.
+If we have not yet attained the promised
+era when the lion shall lie down
+with the lamb&mdash;and even of that day
+a <span class="smcap">Van Amburgh</span> and a <span class="smcap">Carter</span> have
+given us significant intimations&mdash;we
+have certainly reached an epoch quite
+as extraordinary, and behold things
+as opposite conciliated, as hostile reconciled.
+We need not go far for
+illustrations: in the columns of newspapers,
+in the public market-place, at
+each street-corner, they force themselves
+upon us. The <span class="smcap">East</span> and the
+<span class="smcap">West</span> are brought together&mdash;the
+desert and the drawing-room are but
+a pace apart&mdash;European refinements
+intrude themselves into the haunts
+of barbarism&mdash;and bigoted Oriental
+potentates learn tolerance from the
+liberality of the Giaour. An article
+upon contrasts would fill a magazine.
+Ibrahim Pasha and religious liberty,
+the Red Sea and the Peninsular Steam
+Company, the Great Desert and the
+Narrow Gauge, are but one or two of
+a thousand that suggest themselves.
+On all sides Europe thrusts out the
+giant arms of innovation, spanning
+the globe, encompassing the world.
+England, especially, ever foremost in
+the race, by enterprise and ingenuity
+achieves seeming miracles. With
+steam for her active and potent agent,
+she drives highways across the wilderness,
+covers remote seas with
+smoky shipping, replaces dromedaries
+by locomotives, runs rails through the
+Arab village and the lion's lair. From
+his carpet and coffee, his pipe and <i>farniente</i>,
+the astonished Mussulman is
+roused by the rush and rattle of the
+train. On the sudden, by no gradual
+transition or slow approach, is this
+semi-savage brought in contact with
+the latest refinements and most astounding
+discoveries of civilisation.
+He is bewildered by sights and sounds
+of which yesterday he had not the
+remotest conception. Couriers traverse
+the desert with the regularity
+of a London and Edinburgh mail;
+caravans of well-dressed ladies and
+gentlemen ramble leisurely over the
+sands, and brave the simoon on a
+trip of pleasure to the far East;
+omnibuses, after the fashion of Paddington,
+have their stations on the
+Isthmus of Suez. Every where the
+hat is in juxtaposition with the turban,
+and the boot of the active Christian
+galls the slippered heel of Mahomet's
+indolent follower, spurring him to progress
+and improvement.</p>
+
+<p>As strange as any of the incongruous
+associations already hinted at, is
+one that we are about to notice. That
+an Oriental should write a book, is
+in no way wonderful; that he should
+write it in English, more or less correct,
+may also be conceived, since
+abundant opportunities are afforded
+to our Eastern fellow-subjects for the
+acquirement of that language; but
+that he should write it, not out of the
+fulness of his knowledge, or to convey
+the results of long study and profound
+meditation, but merely, as the razors
+were made, to sell, does seem strangely
+out of character, sadly derogatory to
+the gravity and dignity of a Wise
+Man of the East. We have really
+much difficulty in portraying upon
+our mental speculum so anomalous an
+animal as an Oriental bookmaker. We
+cannot fancy a Knight of the very
+Persian order of the Lion and Sun
+transformed into a publisher's hack,
+driving bargains with printers, delivered
+over to devils, straining each
+nerve, resorting to every stale device
+to swell his volumes to a presentable
+size, as if bulk would atone for dulness,
+and wordiness for lack of interest.
+Such, nevertheless, is the painful
+picture now forced upon us by a
+Kashmirian gentleman of Delhi, Mohan
+Lal by name. Encouraged by
+the indulgent reception accorded to
+an earlier, less pretending, and more
+<span class="pagenum">[540]</span>worthy literary attempt&mdash;allured also,
+perhaps, by visions of a shining river
+of rupees pleasantly flowing into his
+purse, the aforesaid Lal, Esquire&mdash;so
+does his title-page style him&mdash;has
+committed himself by the fabrication
+of two heavy volumes, whose interesting
+portions are, for the most part
+stale, and whose novelties are of little
+interest. Neither the fulsome dedication,
+nor the humility of the preface,
+nor the indifferent lithographs, purporting
+to represent notable Asiatics
+and Europeans, can be admitted in
+palliation of this Kashmirian scribbler's
+literary misdemeanour. It is
+impossible to feel touched or mollified
+even by the plaintive tone in which
+he informs us that he has disbursed
+three hundred pounds for payment of
+copyists, paper, and portraits. The
+latter, by the bye, will hardly afford
+much gratification to their originals,
+at least if they be all as imperfect and
+unflattering in their resemblance as
+some two or three which we have had
+opportunities of comparing. But that
+is a minor matter. Illustration is a
+mania of the day&mdash;a crotchet of a
+public whose reading appetite, it is
+to be feared, is in no very healthy
+state. From penny tracts to quarto
+volumes, every thing must have pictures&mdash;the
+more the better&mdash;bad ones
+rather than none. Turning from the
+graphic embellishments of the books
+before us, we revert to the letterpress,
+and to the endeavour to sift
+something of interest or value out of
+the nine hundred pages through which,
+in conscientious fulfilment of our critical
+duties, we have wearisomely
+toiled.</p>
+
+<p>The work in question purports to
+be a life of Dost Mohammed Khan,
+the well-known Amir of Kabul. It is
+what it professes to be, but it is also
+a great deal more; the whole has been
+named from a part. A history of the
+affairs of Sindh occupies nearly half a
+volume, and consists chiefly of copious
+extracts from works already published&mdash;such
+as <i>Pottinger's Bilochistan</i>, <i>Dr
+Burnes' Visit to the Court of Sindh</i>, <i>Sir
+A. Burnes' Travels in Bokhara</i>, <i>Thornton's
+British India</i>&mdash;from which sources
+the unscrupulous Lal helps himself
+unsparingly, and with scarce a word
+of apology either to reader or writer.
+We have long accounts of Russian
+intrigues, and of those alarming plots
+and combinations which frightened
+Lords Auckland and Palmerston from
+their propriety, and led to our interference
+and reverses in Afghanistan&mdash;interference
+so impotently followed
+up, reverses which neither have been
+nor ever can be fully redeemed. The
+mismanagement or incapacity of our
+political agents during the short time
+that we maintained the unfortunate
+Shah Shuja on the throne of Kabul, is
+another fertile topic for the verbose
+Kashmirian; but this, it must be
+observed, is one of the best portions
+of his book, although it has no very
+direct reference to Dost Mohammed,
+"the lion of my subject and hero of
+my tale," as his historian styles him.
+Numerous copies of despatches,
+treaties and diplomatic correspondence,
+sundry testimonies of Mr. Lal's
+abilities and services, and various
+extraneous matters, complete the
+volumes. To give the barest outline
+of so voluminous a work would lead
+us far beyond our allotted limits.
+We should even be puzzled to effect
+the analysis of the first half volume,
+which sketches the history of Afghanistan
+from the period when Payandah
+Khan, chief of the powerful Barakzai
+tribe and father of Dost Mohammed,
+was the prime favourite and triumphant
+general of Taimur Shah, up to
+the date when the Dost himself, after
+a long series of bloody wars, sat upon
+the throne, was in the zenith of his
+prosperity, and when British diplomatists
+first began to make and meddle
+in the affairs of his kingdom. The
+perpetually recurring changes, the
+revolts, revolutions, and usurpations
+of which Afghanistan was the scene
+with little intermission during the
+whole of that period, the absence of
+dates, which Mohan Lal accounts for
+by the loss of his manuscripts during
+the Kabul insurrection, and the host
+of proper names introduced, render
+this part of the work most perplexingly
+confused. The reader, however attentive
+to his task, becomes fairly
+bewildered amidst the multitude of
+Khans, Shahs, Vazirs, Sardars, and
+other personages, who pass in hurried
+review before his eyes, and utterly
+puzzled by the strange man&oelig;uvres
+and seemingly unaccountable treasons
+of the actors in this great Eastern<span class="pagenum">[541]</span>
+melodrama. In glancing at the book,
+we shall confine ourselves more
+strictly than Mohan Lal has done, to
+the personal exploits and history of
+Dost Mohammed.</p>
+
+<p>On the death of Taimur Shah,
+leaving several sons, there was much
+difference of opinion amongst the
+nobles as to who should succeed him.
+Payandah Khan, who had received
+from the sovereign he had so faithfully
+served, the title of Sarfraz, or, the
+Lofty, and whose position and influence
+in the country enabled him in some
+sort to play the part of king-maker,
+solved the difficulty by placing Prince
+Zaman upon the throne. For a time
+Zaman was all gratitude, until evil
+advisers poisoned his mind, and accused
+Payandah and other chiefs of plotting
+to transfer the crown to Shah Shuja,
+another son of Taimur. Without
+trial or investigation, the persons
+accused were put to death; and the
+sons and nephews of Payandah became
+fugitives, and suffered great misery.
+Some were taken prisoners, others
+begged their bread, or took shelter in
+the mausoleum of Ahmad Shah, in
+order to receive a share of the food
+there doled out for charity's sake.
+Fatah Khan, the eldest son of Payandah,
+fled to Persia; Dost Mohammed,
+the twentieth son of the same
+father, found protection in a fortress
+belonging to the husband of his
+mother, who, in conformity with an
+Afghan custom, had been claimed by
+and compelled to marry one of the
+nearest relatives of her deceased lord.
+This occurred when Dost was a child
+of seven or eight years old. After a
+while, Fatah Khan returned from
+Persia with an army, and accompanied
+by Mahmud Shah, another of
+Taimur's sons who pretended to the
+crown of Afghanistan. His first
+encounter with the troops of Shah
+Zaman was a triumph; and now, says
+the figurative Lal, the stars of the
+descendants of the Sarfraz began to
+shine. Fatah sought out his young
+brother, Dost Mohammed, gave him
+in charge to a trusty adherent, fixed
+an income for his support, and marched
+away to besiege Qandhar, which he
+took by escalade. This was the commencement
+of a war of succession, or
+rather of a series of wars, in which
+the two sons of Payandah played
+important parts. The elder met his
+death, the younger gained a crown.
+At first the contest was amongst the
+sons and grandsons of Taimur; to
+several of whom in turn Fatah and
+Dost gave their powerful support.
+It was not till after many years of
+civil strife that the last-named chief,
+prompted by ambition, and presuming
+on his popularity and high military
+reputation, set up on his own account,
+and bore away the prize from the
+more legitimate competitors.</p>
+
+<p>When only in his twelfth year, Dost
+Mohammed Khan was attached to the
+retinue of his brother as <i>abdar</i>, or water-bearer.
+He soon acquired Fatah's
+confidence, and was admitted to share
+his secrets. Before he was fourteen
+years old, he displayed great energy
+and intrepidity, which qualities, added
+to his remarkable personal beauty,
+rendered him exceedingly popular in
+the country and a vast favourite with
+Fatah, but excited the jealousy of his
+other brothers&mdash;men of little more
+than ordinary capacity, totally unable
+to compete with him in any respect.
+Whilst still a mere lad, Dost, by his
+courage and sagacity, delivered Fatah
+from more than one imminent peril.
+At last Shah Zaman, who had been
+deposed and blinded, and his son
+Shah Zadah, laid a snare for Fatah
+in the palace-gardens at Qandhar.
+Ambushed men suddenly seized him,
+hurled him to the ground with such
+violence as to break his teeth, and
+kept him prisoner. Dost Mohammed
+made a dashing attempt at a rescue;
+but he had only five hundred followers,
+the palace was strongly garrisoned,
+and a heavy fire of matchlocks repelled
+him. Meanwhile large bodies
+of troops marched to occupy the city
+gates; and, for his own safety's sake,
+he was compelled to leave his brother
+in captivity, and cut his way out. Retreating
+to his stronghold of Giriskh,
+he awaited the passage of a rich caravan
+from Persia. This he plundered,
+thereby becoming possessed of about
+four lakhs of rupees, which he employed
+in raising troops. With these
+he invested Qandhar. After a three
+months' siege, the garrison had exhausted
+its provisions and ammunition;
+and Zadah, to get rid of the terrible
+Dost, released Fatah Khan. The
+prisoner's liberation was also partly<span class="pagenum">[542]</span>
+owing to the intercession of Shah
+Shuja; notwithstanding which, Fatah
+and Dost, with an utter contempt of
+gratitude and loyalty, soon afterwards
+turned their arms against that prince.
+A great cavalry fight took place, in
+which the brave but unprincipled
+brothers were victorious. Dost Mohammed
+was made a field-marshal,
+and marched against an army commanded
+by Shah Shuja in person;
+a desperate battle ensued, terminated
+by negotiation, and once more Dost
+and the Shah were allies. But no
+sooner had poor Shuja gained over
+his enemies, than his friends revolted
+against him, and set up his nephew
+Zadah as king of Afghanistan; and
+very soon his new allies, with unparalleled
+treachery, and despite of the
+titles and presents he had showered
+upon them, once more abandoned him.
+Friend Lal, we are sorry to perceive,
+seems struck rather with admiration
+than horror of these double-dyed
+traitors, and talks of the brave heart
+and wise head of Dost Mohammed,
+and of the noble and independent notions
+which nature had cultivated in
+him; thus betraying a certain Oriental
+laxity of principle which European
+education and society might have been
+expected to eradicate. But he is perhaps
+dazzled and blinded by the brilliant
+military prowess of Dost, who,
+at the head of only three thousand
+men, fell upon the advanced-guard of
+the Shah's army, ten thousand strong,
+and, after a terrible slaughter, completely
+routed it. The news of this
+reverse greatly incensed and alarmed
+Shuja, who said confidentially to his
+minister, that whilst Dost Mohammed
+was alive and at large, he (Shuja)
+could never expect victory or the enjoyment
+of his crown. A wonderful
+and true prophecy, observes Mohan
+Lal. Shortly afterwards, the remainder
+of the Shah's troops were defeated
+by Dost, and the Shah himself was
+once more a fugitive.</p>
+
+<p>Shah Mahmud was now placed upon
+the throne; Vazir Fatah Khan was his
+prime minister, and Dost received the
+title of Sardar, or chief. It was about
+this time that the "Sardar of my tale,"
+as the worthy Lal affectionately styles
+his hero, committed the first of a series
+of murders which, were there no other
+infamous deeds recorded of him, would
+stamp him as vile, and destroy any
+sympathy that his bravery in the field
+and notable talents might otherwise
+excite in his favour. A Persian secretary,
+one Mirza Ali Khan, by his skill
+and conduct as a politician, and by his
+kindly disposition, gained a popularity
+and influence which offended the ambitious
+brothers, and Fatah desired
+Dost to make away with him.</p>
+
+<p>"On receiving the orders of the
+Vazir, Dost Mohammed armed himself
+cap-a-pie, and taking six men with
+him, went and remained waiting on
+the road between the house of Mohammed
+Azim Khan and the Mirza.
+It was about midnight when the Mirza
+passed by Dost Mohammed Khan,
+whom he saw, and said, 'What has
+brought your highness here at this
+late hour? I hope all is good.' He
+also added, that Dost Mohammed
+should freely command his services if
+he could be of any use to him. He
+replied to the Mirza that he had
+got a secret communication for him,
+and would tell him if he moved aside
+from the servants. He stopped his
+horse, whereupon Dost Mohammed,
+holding the mane of the horse with
+his left hand, and taking his dagger
+in his right, asked the Mirza to bend
+his head to hear him. While Dost
+Mohammed pretended to tell him
+something of his own invention, and
+found that the Mirza was hearing him
+without any suspicion, he stabbed him
+between the shoulders, and throwing
+him off his horse, cut him in many
+places. This was the commencement
+of the murders which Dost Mohammed
+Khan afterwards frequently committed."</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding his high military
+rank and great services, Dost was
+very submissive to Fatah, who was
+greatly his senior. He acted as his
+cup-bearer, and was a constant attendant
+at his nocturnal carouses,
+carrying a golden goblet, and helping
+him to wine. The morals of both
+brothers were as exceptionable in
+private as in public life. Their biographer
+gives details of an intrigue
+between Dost and the favourite wife
+of Fatah; and even hints a doubt
+whether the Vazir was not cognizant
+of the intercourse, which he took no
+steps to check or punish. Both
+brothers were fond of wine, and in<span class="pagenum">[543]</span>dulged
+in it to excess. Dost, especially,
+was at one time a most unmitigated
+sot, although his bibulous propensities
+had apparently no permanent
+effect upon his intellects and
+energies. His capacity for liquor, if
+Lal's account be authentic, was extraordinary.
+"It is said that he has
+emptied several dozens of bottles in
+one night, and did not cease from
+drinking until he was quite intoxicated,
+and could not drink a drop
+more. He has often become senseless
+from drinking, and has, on that account,
+kept himself confined in bed
+during many days. He has been often
+seen in a state of stupidity on horseback,
+and having no turban, but a
+skull-cap, on his head." At a later
+period of his life, Dost Mohammed,
+being abroad one evening, met two of
+his sons, Afzal Khan, and the well-known
+Akhbar Khan, in an intoxicated
+state. Less tolerant for his
+children than for himself, he gave
+them a sound thrashing, and, not
+satisfied with that, took them up to
+the roof of a house, and threw them
+down on stony ground, to the risk of
+their lives. The mother of Akhbar
+heard of this, and reproached her
+husband with punishing others for a
+vice he himself was prone to. Dost
+hung his head, and swore to drink
+wine no more. We are not told
+whether he kept the vow, but subsequently,
+when he was made Amirul-Momnim,
+or Commander of the
+Faithful, he did forsake his drunken
+habits. On his reinstatement at
+Kabul, after its final abandonment by
+the British, he relapsed into his old
+courses, saying, that whilst he was an
+enemy to wine, he was always unlucky;
+but that since he had resumed
+drinking, his prosperity had returned,
+and he had gained his liberty after
+being in "Qaid i Frang," which,
+being interpreted, means an English
+prison. When sitting over his bottle,
+he can sing a good song, and play
+upon the <i>rabab</i>, a sort of Afghan
+fiddle, with very considerable skill.
+Altogether, and setting aside his
+throat-cuttings, and a few other peculiarities,
+Dost Mohammed must be
+considered as rather a jovial and
+good-humoured barbarian.</p>
+
+<p>Although a fervent admirer of the
+fair sex, the valiant Sardar occasionally,
+in the hurry and excitement of
+war and victory, forgot the respect to
+which it is entitled. A blunder of
+this description was productive of
+fatal consequences to his brother the
+Vazir. A breach of decorum overthrew
+a dynasty: a lady's girdle
+changed the destinies of a kingdom.
+The circumstances were as follows:&mdash;By
+a well-executed stratagem, Dost
+Mohammed surprised the city of
+Hirat, seized Shah Zadah Firoz, who
+ruled there, and plundered the palace.
+Not content with appropriating the
+rich store of jewels, gold, and silver,
+found in the treasury, he despoiled
+the inmates of the harem, and committed
+an offence unpardonable in
+Eastern eyes, by taking off the
+jewelled band which fastened the
+trowsers of the daughter-in-law of
+Shah Zadah. The insulted fair one
+sent her profaned inexpressibles to
+her brother, a son of Mahmud Shah,
+known by the euphonious appellation
+of Kam Ran. Kam swore to be revenged.
+Even Fatah Khan was so
+shocked at the unparalleled impropriety
+of his brother's conduct, that
+he threatened to punish him; whereupon
+Dost, with habitual prudence,
+avoided the coming storm, and took
+refuge with another of his brothers,
+then governor of Kashmir. Kam
+Ran came to Hirat, found that Dost
+had given him the slip, and consoled
+himself by planning, in conjunction
+with some other chiefs, the destruction
+of Fatah Khan. They seized
+him, put out his eyes, and brought
+him pinioned before Mahmud Shah,
+whom he himself had set upon the
+throne. The Shah desired him to
+write to his rebellious brothers to
+submit: he steadily refused, and
+Mahmud then ordered his death.
+"The Vazir was cruelly and deliberately
+butchered by the courtiers, who
+cut him limb from limb, and joint
+from joint, as was reported, after his
+nose, ears, fingers, and lips, had been
+chopped off. His fortitude was so
+extraordinary, that he neither showed
+a sign of the pain he suffered, nor
+asked the perpetrators to diminish
+their cruelties; and his head was at
+last sliced from his lacerated body.
+Such was the shocking result of the
+misconduct of his brother, the Sardar
+Dost Mohammed Khan, towards the<span class="pagenum">[544]</span>
+royal female in Hirat. However, the
+end of the Vazir, Fatah Khan, was
+the end of the Sadozai reign, and an
+omen for the accession of the new dynasty
+of the Barakzais, or his brothers,
+in Afghanistan."</p>
+
+<p>It would be tiresome to trace in
+detail the events that followed the
+Vazir's death,&mdash;the numerous battles&mdash;the
+treaties concluded and violated&mdash;the
+reverses and triumphs of the
+various chiefs who contended for the
+supremacy. To revenge their brother,
+and gratify their own ambition, the
+Barakzais united together, expelled
+Mahmud, and divided the country
+amongst themselves. Mohammed
+Azim, the eldest brother, took Kabul,
+Sultan Mohammed had Peshavar,
+Purdil Khan received Qandhar, and
+to the Sardar Dost Mohammed
+Ghazni was allotted. Apparently all
+were content with this arrangement;
+but, in secret, Dost was far from satisfied,
+and plotted to improve his share.
+With this view, he entered into negotiations
+with Ranjit Singh and the
+Lahore chiefs; and at last, by intrigue
+and treachery, rather than by
+force of arms, he reduced Mohammed
+Azim to such extremities and despair,
+that he retired to Kabul, and there
+died broken-hearted. His son, Habib-Ullah,
+who succeeded him, fared no
+better. He was turned out of Kabul,
+and exposed to want and misery,
+which broke his spirit, and rendered
+him insane. He left the country with
+his wives and children, whom he
+murdered on the banks of the Indus,
+and threw into the river.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Dost was in full career of
+success and aggrandisement, achieved
+by the most treacherous and sanguinary
+means, Shah Shuja raised an
+army in Sindh, intending to invade
+Qandhar and recover his dominions.
+A report was spread by certain discontented
+chiefs in Dost Mohammed's
+and the Qandhar camps that the English
+favoured Shuja's attempt. To
+ascertain the truth of this, Dost Mohammed
+addressed a letter to Sir
+Claude Wade, then political agent at
+Loodianah, requesting to know whether
+the Shah was supported by the English.
+If so, he said, he would take
+the state of affairs into his deliberate
+consideration; but if the contrary was
+the case, he was ready to fight the
+Shah. Sir Claude Wade replied, that
+the British government took no share
+in the king's expedition against the
+Barakzai chief, but that it wished him
+well. Thereupon Dost and his son
+Akhbar Khan marched to meet the
+Shah. A battle was fought in front
+of Qandhar, and at first victory seemed
+to incline to Shuja; but by the exertions
+and valour of the Sardar and his
+son, the tide was turned, and the
+threatened defeat converted into a
+signal victory. "All the tents, guns,
+and camp equipage of the ever-fugitive
+Shah Shuja fell into the hands of the
+Lion of Afghanistan, and a large bundle
+of the papers and correspondence
+of various chiefs in his country with
+the Shah. Among these he found
+many letters under the real or forged
+seal of Sir Claude Wade, to the address
+of certain chiefs, stating that
+any assistance given to Shah Shuja
+should be appreciated by the British
+government."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Mohammed thus successfully
+assisted his brothers, the Qandhar
+chiefs, against their common foe,
+Shah Shuja, his other brothers, the
+Peshavar chiefs, were dispossessed by
+the Sikhs, and compelled to take refuge
+at Jellalabad. There, expecting
+that Dost would be beaten by the
+Shah, they planned to seize upon
+Kabul. Their measures were taken,
+and in some districts they had actually
+appointed governors, when they learned
+Shuja's defeat, and their brother's triumphant
+return. This was the destruction
+of their ambitious projects;
+but with true Afghan craft and hypocrisy,
+they put a good face upon the
+matter, fired salutes in honour of the
+victory, disavowed the proceedings of
+those officers who, by their express
+order, had taken possession of the
+Sardar's villages, and went out to
+meet him with every appearance of
+cordiality and joy. Although not
+the dupe of this seeming friendship,
+Dost Mohammed received them well,
+and declared his intention of undertaking
+a religious war against the
+Sikhs to revenge their aggressions at
+Peshavar, and to punish them for having
+dared, as infidels, to make an inroad
+into a Mahomedan land. In acting
+thus, the cunning Sardar had two
+objects in view. One was to obtain
+recruits by appealing to the fanaticism<span class="pagenum">[545]</span>
+of the people, for his funds were low,
+and the Afghans were weary of
+war; the other, which he at once
+attained, was to get himself made
+king, on the ground that religious
+wars, fought under the name and flag
+of any other than a crowned head, do
+not entitle those who fall in them to
+the glory of martyrdom. The priests,
+chiefs, and counsellors, consulted together,
+and agreed that Dost Mohammed
+ought to assume the royal title.
+The Sardar, without any preparation
+or feast, went out of the Bala
+Hisar with some of his courtiers; and
+in Idgah, Mir Vaiz, the head-priest
+of Kabul, put a few blades of grass
+on his head, and called him "Amirul-Momnin,"
+or, "Commander of the
+Faithful." Thus did the wily and
+unscrupulous Dost at last possess the
+crown he so long had coveted. Instead,
+however, of being inflated by
+his dignity, the new Amir became still
+plainer in dress and habits, and more
+easy of access than before. Finding
+himself in want of money for his projected
+war, and unable to obtain it by
+fair means, he now commenced a system
+of extortion, which he carried to
+frightful lengths, pillaging bankers
+and merchants, confiscating property,
+and torturing those who refused to
+acquiesce in his unreasonable demands.
+One poor wretch, a trader
+of the name of Sabz Ali, was thrown
+into prison, branded and tormented
+in various ways, until he expired in
+agony. His relatives were compelled
+to pay the thirty thousand rupees
+which it had been the object of this
+barbarous treatment to extort. At
+last five lakhs of rupees were raised,
+wherewith to commence the religious
+war. Its result was disastrous and
+discreditable to the Amir. Without
+having fought a single battle, he was
+outwitted and outman&oelig;uvred, and
+returned crestfallen to Kabul&mdash;his
+brothers, the Peshavar chiefs, who
+were jealous of his recent elevation,
+having aided in his discomfiture.</p>
+
+<p>Although the Amir had many
+enemies both at home and abroad&mdash;the
+most inveterate amongst the former
+being some of his own brothers&mdash;and
+although he was often threatened
+by great dangers, he gradually succeeded
+in consolidating his power, and
+fixing himself firmly upon the throne
+he had usurped. Himself faithless
+and treacherous, he distrusted all
+men; and gradually removing the
+governors of various districts, he
+replaced them by his sons, who feared
+him, scrupulously obeyed his orders,
+and followed his system of government.
+In time his power became so
+well established that the intrigues of
+his dissatisfied brethren no longer
+alarmed him. The Sikhs gave him
+some uneasiness, but in a battle at
+Jam Road, near the entrance of the
+Khaibar Pass, his two sons, Afzal
+and Akhbar, defeated them and killed
+their general, Hari Singh. The victory
+was chiefly due to Afzal, but
+Akhbar got the credit, through the
+management of his mother, the Amir's
+favourite wife. This unjust partiality,
+to which we shall again have occasion
+to refer when touching upon the future
+prospects of Afghanistan, greatly
+disheartened Afzal and his brothers,
+and indisposed them towards their
+father.</p>
+
+<p>The brief and imperfect outline
+which we have been enabled to give
+of the career of Dost Mohammed, and
+of his arrival at the supreme power
+in Kabul, is entirely deficient in dates.
+The Afghans have no records, but
+preserve their history solely by tradition
+and memory. Mohan Lal having,
+as before mentioned, lost his
+manuscripts, containing information
+supplied by the Amir's relations and
+courtiers, was afterwards unable to
+place the circumstances of his history
+in chronological order. The deficiency
+is not very important, since it
+naturally ceases to exist from the
+time that British India became mixed
+up in the affairs of Afghanistan.
+The fight of Jam Road, in which the
+Afghans were the aggressors, and
+which was occasioned by the Amir's
+cravings after the province of Peshavar,
+brings us up to the latter part of
+the year 1836. Previously and subsequently
+to that battle, Dost Mohammed
+wrote several letters to the
+Governor-general of India, Lord Auckland,
+expressing his fear of the Sikhs,
+and asking advice and countenance.
+Lord Auckland resolved to accord him
+both, and dispatched Sir Alexander
+Burnes to Kabul to negotiate the
+opening of the Indus navigation. The
+presence of the British mission at the<span class="pagenum">[546]</span>
+Amir's court, and the proposals made
+by the Governor-general to the Maharajah
+to mediate between him and
+Dost Mohammed, sufficed to check
+the advance of a powerful Sikh
+army which Ranjit Singh had assembled
+to revenge the reverse of Jam
+Road. The Amir was not satisfied
+with this protection; but urged Sir
+Alexander Burnes to make the Sikhs
+give up Peshavar to him. The reply
+was, that Peshavar had never belonged
+to the Amir, but to his brothers;
+that Ranjit Singh was a faithful ally
+of the English government, which
+could not use its authority directly in
+the case; but that endeavours should
+be made to induce the Maharajah
+amicably to yield Peshavar to its former
+chief, Sultan Mohammed Khan.
+This mode of viewing the question by
+no means met the wishes of the ambitious
+Amir; for he coveted the territory
+for himself, and would rather
+have seen it remain in the hands of
+the Sikhs than restored to Sultan
+Mohammed, who was his deadly
+enemy.<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> He expressed his dissatisfaction
+in very plain terms to Sir
+Alexander Burnes; and perceiving
+that the English were not disposed
+to aid him in his unjustifiable projects
+of aggrandisement, he threw himself
+into the arms of Russia and Persia,
+to which countries he had, with characteristic
+duplicity, communicated
+his grievances and made offers of alliance,
+at the same time that he professed,
+in his letters to Lord Auckland,
+to rely entirely upon British
+counsels and friendship.</p>
+
+<p>And now commenced those intrigues
+and machinations of Russia,
+of which so great a bugbear was made
+both in India and England. Mohan
+Lal maintains that the apprehensions
+occasioned by these man&oelig;uvres were
+legitimate and well-founded; that the
+views of Russia were encroaching
+and dangerous; and that her name
+and influence were already seriously
+injurious to British interests, as far
+even as the eastern bank of the Indus.
+Vague rumours of Russian power and
+valour had spread through British
+India; had been exaggerated by
+Eastern hyperbole, and during their
+passage through many mouths; and
+had rendered numerous chiefs, Rajput
+as well as Mahomedan, restless and
+eager for a fray. Throughout the
+country there was a growing belief
+that English power was on the eve of
+a reverse. We are told of the mission
+of Captain Vikovich, of Muscovite
+ducats poured into Afghan pockets,
+of an extension of influence
+sought by Russia in Turkistan and
+Kabul, of arms to be supplied by
+Persia, and of a Persian army to be
+marched into Afghanistan to seize
+upon the disputed province of Peshavar.
+As the companion and friend
+of Sir Alexander Burnes during his
+mission to Kabul, Mohan Lal coincides
+in the opinions of that officer
+with respect to the necessity of taking
+vigorous and immediate steps to
+counteract the united intrigues of the
+Shah of Persia and Count Simonich,
+the Russian ambassador at Tehran.
+This necessity was pressed upon Lord
+Auckland in numerous and alarming
+despatches from Sir A. Burnes and
+other Anglo-Indian diplomatists.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[547]</span></p>
+<p>With such opinions and prognostications
+daily ringing in his ears, Lord
+Auckland, who at first, we are told,
+did not attach much importance to
+the Vikovich mission and the Russian
+intrigues, at last took fright, and prepared
+to adopt the decisive measures
+so plausibly and perseveringly urged
+by the alarmists. The well-known
+and notable plan to be resorted to,
+was the expulsion of the Amir Dost
+Mohammed and of the other Barakzai
+chiefs inimical to the British, and the
+establishment of a friendly prince
+upon the throne of Kabul. Who was
+to be chosen? Two candidates alone
+appeared eligible&mdash;Sultan Mohammed
+Khan, chief of Peshavar, brother and
+bitter foe of the Amir, and Shah
+Shuja, the deposed but legitimate
+sovereign of Afghanistan. The Shah,
+who had long lived inactive and retired
+at Loodianah, was believed, not
+without reason, to have lost any ability
+or talent for reigning which he
+had ever possessed; nevertheless, his
+name and hereditary right caused
+him to be preferred by Lord Auckland,
+whose advisers also were unanimous
+in their recommendation of
+Shuja. "As for Shah Shuja," wrote
+Sir Alexander Burnes, who had now
+left Kabul, in his letter to the Governor-general,
+dated 3d June 1838,
+"the British government have only
+to send him to Peshavar with an
+agent, one or two of its own regiments
+as an honorary escort, and an
+avowal to the Afghans that we have
+taken up his cause, to ensure his being
+fixed <i>for ever</i> on his throne."</p>
+
+<p>"The British government," said
+one of those on whose information
+that government acted, (Mr Masson,)
+"could employ interference without
+offending half-a-dozen individuals.
+Shah Shuja, under their auspices,
+would not even encounter opposition,"
+&amp;c.&mdash;(<i>Thornton's British India</i>,
+vol. vi. p. 150.)</p>
+
+<p>"Annoyed at Dost Mohammed's
+reception of Vikovich, the Russian
+emissary, and disquieted by the departure
+of the British agent, they (the
+Afghans)" says Lieutenant Wood,
+"looked to the Amir as the sole cause
+of their troubles, and thought of Shah
+Shuja and redress."</p>
+
+<p>Sir C. Wade, Mr Lord, and other
+authorities supposed to be well
+versed in the politics of the land
+where mischief was imagined to be
+brewing, expressed opinions similar
+in substance to those just cited.
+It was decided that Shuja was the
+man; and Sir William M'Naghten
+started for the court of Lahore to negotiate
+a tripartite treaty between the
+Maharajah, the Shah, and the British
+government. Wade and Burnes were
+to co-operate with the envoy. The
+treaty was concluded and signed, advices
+from Lord Palmerston strengthened
+and confirmed Lord Auckland
+in his predilection for "vigorous measures,"
+and a declaration of war was
+proclaimed and circulated throughout
+India and Afghanistan.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Auckland is, we dare to say,
+a very well-meaning man&mdash;albeit not
+exactly of the stuff of which viceroys
+of vast empires ought to be made;
+and we willingly believe that he acted
+to the best of his judgment in undertaking
+the Afghan war. Unfortunately,
+that is not saying much. His
+lordship's advisers may have been
+right in supposing that the people of
+Kabul were weary of the Amir's extortionate
+and tyrannical rule, and
+desired the milder government of Shah
+Shuja; but if so, it is the more to be
+regretted that, when we had established
+Shuja on the throne, the mismanagement
+and want of unity of
+British agents&mdash;amongst whom were
+some of those very advisers&mdash;should
+so rapidly have changed the partiality
+of the Afghans for the Shah into contempt,
+their friendly dispositions towards
+the British into aversion and
+fierce hatred. Mohan Lal strenuously
+insists upon the blamelessness of Lord
+Auckland in the whole of the unfortunate
+affairs of Afghanistan; lauds
+his judicious measures, and maintains
+that had they not been adopted, "disasters
+and outbreaks would soon have
+appeared in the very heart of India.
+The object of the governor-general
+was to annihilate the Russian and
+Persian influence and intrigues in
+Afghanistan, both at that time, and
+for all time to come, unless they adopt
+open measures; and this object he
+fortunately and completely attained,
+in a manner worthy of the British
+name, and laudable to himself as a
+statesman." We could say a word or
+two on this head, but refrain, not
+wishing to rake up old grievances, or
+discuss so uninteresting a subject as
+Lord Auckland's merits and abilities.
+Mr Lal admits that his lordship made
+two enormous blunders: one "in appointing
+two such talented men as Sir
+William M'Naghten and Sir Alexander
+Burnes, to act at the same time,
+in one field of honour; the second was,<span class="pagenum">[548]</span>
+that on hearing of the outbreak at
+Kabul, he delayed in insisting upon
+the commander-in-chief to order an
+immediate despatch of the troops towards
+Peshavar." "He being the
+superior head of the government,"
+continues this long-winded Kashmirian,
+"he ought not to allow hesitation
+to approach and to embarrass his
+sound judgement, at the crisis when
+immediate and energetic attention was
+required." <i>De mortuis nil</i>, &amp;c.; and
+therefore, of the two unfortunate gentlemen
+above referred to, we will
+merely say, that many have considered
+their talents far less remarkable
+than their blunders. As to the Earl
+of Auckland&mdash;"Save me from my
+friends!" his lordship might well exclaim.
+Indecision and lack of discrimination
+compose a nice character for
+a governor-general. One great criterion
+of ability to rule is a judicious
+choice of subordinate agents. Lord
+Auckland's reason for not sending the
+reinforcements so terribly required by
+our troops in Kabul, is thus curiously
+rendered by his Eastern advocate:&mdash;"His
+lordship had already made
+every arrangement to retire from the
+Indian government, and therefore did
+not wish to prolong the time for his
+departure by embarking in other and
+new operations." Truly a most ingenious
+defence! So, because the governor-general
+was in haste to be off,
+an army must be consigned to destruction.
+Most sapient Lal! his lordship
+is obliged to you. "Call you that
+backing your friends?" May our
+worst enemy have you for his apologist.</p>
+
+<p>We return to Dost Mohammed and
+his fortunes. Shah Shuja was publicly
+installed upon the throne; numerous
+chiefs tendered him their allegiance;
+Kalat, Qandhar, and Ghazni
+fell into the hands of his British allies,
+before the Amir himself gave sign of
+life. This he did by sending his brother,
+Navab Jabbar Khan, who was
+considered a stanch friend of Europeans,
+and especially of the English,
+to treat with Sir William M'Naghten.
+The Navab stated that the Amir was
+desirous to surrender, on condition
+that he should be made Vazir or
+Prime Minister of the Shah, to which
+post he had an hereditary claim. The
+condition was refused; as was also
+the Navab's request that his niece,
+the wife of Haidar Khan, the captured
+governor of Ghazni, should be
+given up to him. Altogether, the poor
+Navab was treated in no very friendly
+manner; and he returned to Kabul
+with his affection for the English considerably
+weakened. As he had long
+been suspected of intriguing against
+the Amir, he took this opportunity to
+wipe off the imputation, by encouraging
+the people to rise and oppose his
+brother's enemies. "The Amir called
+an assembly in the garden which surrounds
+the tomb of Taimur Shah, and
+made a speech, petitioning his subjects
+to support him in maintaining
+his power, and in driving off the infidels
+from the Mahomedan country.
+Many people who were present stated
+to me that his words were most touching
+and moving, but they gained no
+friends." He also invented various
+stories to frighten the lower orders
+into resistance, saying that during
+their march from Sindh to Ghazni, the
+English had ill-treated the women,
+and boiled and eaten the young children.
+Arguments and lies&mdash;all were
+in vain. The Kohistanis, his own subjects,
+who had been induced to rise
+against him, descended from their
+valley, and threatened to attack the
+Kabulis, if they allowed the Amir to
+remain amongst them. The army of
+the Indus drew near, and at last Dost
+Mohammed abandoned the city, and
+fled to Bamian, leaving his artillery
+and heavy baggage at Maidan. There
+it was taken possession of by the British,
+and given up to Shah Shuja; and
+on the 7th of August 1839, that prince,
+after an exile of thirty years, re-entered
+the capital of his kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>Hard upon the track of the fugitive
+Amir, followed Colonel Outram, with
+several other officers, and some Afghans
+under Haji Khan Kaker, in all
+about eight hundred foot and horse.
+Dost Mohammed had with him a
+handful of followers, including the
+Navab Jabbar Khan and Akhbar
+Khan, the latter of whom was sick
+and travelled in a litter. On the
+21st August, Colonel Outram was
+informed that he was within a day's
+march of the object of his pursuit,
+whose escape, on that occasion, he
+attributes to the treachery of Haji
+Khan. One night the Hazarahs stole<span class="pagenum">[549]</span>
+twenty of the Amir's horses, which
+greatly reduced the numbers of his
+little escort. At last, however, he
+found himself in safety amongst the
+Uzbegs, and thence wished to proceed
+to Persia; but the difficulties of
+the road, already nearly impassible
+on account of the snow, decided him
+to accept the proferred protection of
+the Amir of Bokhara. By this half-mad
+monarch he was very queerly
+treated; at one time his life was in
+peril&mdash;a treacherous attempt being
+made to drown him, his sons, and
+relations, whilst crossing the river
+Oxus in a boat. At last he was forbidden
+to leave his house, even to
+make his prayers at the mosque, and
+was in fact a prisoner. His two sons,
+Afzal and Akhbar, shared his captivity.</p>
+
+<p>For the easy conquest of Afghanistan,
+and for the popularity of the
+English during the early days of its
+occupation, a long string of reasons
+is given by Mohan Lal. By various
+parts of his conduct, especially by his
+injustice and extortions, the Amir
+had made himself unpopular with the
+Afghans, who, on the other hand, remembered
+the liberality displayed by
+the Honourable Montstuart Elphinstone
+in the days of his mission to
+Kabul, and being by nature exceedingly
+avaricious, hoped to derive immense
+profit and advantage from
+British occupation of their country.
+The recent intercourse and friendship
+of the Amir with the Shah of Persia
+had also excited the indignation of
+his subjects, who, being Sunnies by
+sect, were deadly enemies of the Persian
+Shias. The English, in short,
+were as popular as the Barakzais
+were detested. Nevertheless it behoved
+the Shah Shuja and his European
+supporters to be circumspect and
+conciliatory; for Dost Mohammed
+was still at large, and lingering on
+the frontier, and any offence given to
+the Kabulis might be the signal for
+his recall. "Notwithstanding," says
+Mohan Lal, "all these points of grave
+concern, we sent a large portion of
+the army back, with Lord Keane, to
+India; and yet we interfered in the
+administration of the country, and
+introduced such reforms amongst the
+obstinate Afghans just on our arrival,
+as even in India, the quietest part of
+the world, Lords Clive and Wellesley
+had hesitated to do but slowly." The
+administration of the principal frontier
+towns was now confided to the
+Shah's officers; but these were not
+suffered to rule undisturbed, for Sir
+W. MacNaghten's political assistants
+every where watched their conduct
+and interfered in their jurisdictions.
+The occult nature of this interference
+prevented benefit to the people,
+whilst it caused a disregard for the
+local authorities. An undecided course
+was the bane of our Afghanistan
+policy. The government was neither
+entirely taken into the hands of the
+British, nor wholly left in those of the
+Shah. Outwardly, we were neutral;
+in reality, we constantly interfered:
+thus annoying the king and disappointing
+the people. Shah Shuja grew
+jealous of British influence, and began
+to suspect that he was but the shadow
+of a sovereign, a puppet whose
+strings were pulled for foreign advantage.
+Sir A. Burnes introduced reductions
+in the duties on all articles
+of commerce. Trade improved, but
+the Shah's servants frequently deviated
+from the new tariff, and extorted
+more than the legal imposts. When
+complaints were made to the English,
+they were referred to the Shah's Vazir,
+Mulla Shakur, who, instead of giving
+redress, beat and imprisoned the aggrieved
+parties for having appealed
+against the king's authority. Persons
+known to be favoured by the English
+were vexed and annoyed by the
+Shah's government; and it soon became
+evident that Mulla Shakur was
+striving to form a party for Shuja, in
+order to make him independent of
+British support. The people began
+to look upon the Shah as the unwilling
+slave of the Europeans; the
+priests omitted the "Khutbah," or
+prayer for the king, saying that it
+could only be recited for an independent
+sovereign. Soon the high price
+of provisions gave rise to grave dissensions.
+The purchases of grain
+made by the English commissariat
+raised the market, and placed that
+description of food out of reach of
+the poorer classes. Forage, meat,
+and vegetables, all rose in proportion,
+and a cry of famine was set up. Both
+in town and country, the landlords
+and dealers kept back the produce, or<span class="pagenum">[550]</span>
+sent the whole of it to the English
+camp. A proclamation made by
+Mulla Shakur, forbidding the hoarding
+of provisions, or their sale above
+a fixed price, was disregarded. The
+poor assembled in throngs before the
+house of Sir A. Burnes, who was compelled
+to make gratuitous distributions
+of bread. At last the Shah's
+government adopted the course usual
+in Afghanistan in such emergencies;
+the store-keepers were seized, and
+compelled to sell their grain at a
+moderate price. They complained to
+the English agents, who unwisely
+interfered. Mohan Lal was ordered
+to wait upon Mulla Shakur, and to
+request him to release the traders.
+The result of this was a universal cry
+throughout the kingdom, that the
+English were killing the people by
+starvation. What wretched work
+was this? what miserable mismanagement?
+and how deluded must
+those men have been who thought it
+possible, by pursuing such a course, to
+conciliate an ignorant and barbarous
+people, and secure the permanence of
+Shah Shuja's reign? "After the outbreak
+of Kabul," says Mohan Lal,
+whose evidence on these matters
+must have weight, as that of an eyewitness,
+and of one who, from his
+position as servant of the East India
+Company, would not venture to distort
+the truth, "when I was concealed
+in the Persian quarters, I heard both
+the men and the women saying that
+the English enriched the grain and
+the grass-sellers, &amp;c., whilst they
+reduced the chiefs to poverty and
+killed the poor by starvation."</p>
+
+<p>It is a well-known English foible to
+think nothing good unless the price be
+high. This was strikingly exemplified
+in Afghanistan, where every thing
+was done virtually to lower the value
+of money. The labourers employed
+by our engineer officers were paid at
+so high a rate that there was a general
+strike, and agriculture was brought
+to a stand-still. The king's gardens
+were to be put in order, but not a
+workman was to be had except for
+English pay. The treasury could not
+afford to satisfy such exorbitant demands,
+and the people were made to
+work, receiving the regular wages of
+the country. Clamour and complaint
+were the consequence, and the English
+authorities informed Mullah
+Shakur, that if he did not satisfy the
+grumblers, they would pay them for
+the Shah, thus constituting him their
+debtor. Shuja's jealousy increased,
+and he showed his irritation by various
+petty attempts at annoyance.
+Discontent was rife in Afghanistan,
+even when the general impression
+amongst the English officers there,
+was, that the country was quiet and
+the people satisfied. Colonel Herring
+was murdered near Ghazni; a chief
+named Sayad Hassim rebelled, but
+was subdued, and his fort taken, by
+Colonel Orchard and the gallant Major
+Macgregor.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this critical period that
+news came to Kabul of Dost Mohammed's
+escape from Bokhara. The
+Shah of Persia had rebuked the Bokhara
+ambassador for his master's harsh
+treatment of the Amir, whereupon the
+latter was allowed more liberty, of
+which he took advantage to escape.
+On the road his horse knocked up,
+but he luckily fell in with a caravan,
+and obtained a place in a camel-basket.
+The caravan was searched by
+the emissaries of the King of Bokhara,
+but the Amir had coloured his
+white beard with ink, and thus avoided
+detection. He was received with
+open arms by the Mir of Shahar Sabz
+and the Vali of Khulam, and held
+counsel with those two chiefs and
+some other adherents as to the course
+he should adopt. It was resolved to
+make an attempt to recover Kabul,
+and measures were taken to collect
+money, men, and horses. The moment
+appeared favourable for the enterprise;
+the Afghan chiefs and people
+were discontented, and there were disturbances
+in Kohistan. Sir William
+MacNaghten knew not whom to trust;
+and a vast number of arrests were
+made on suspicion, some without the
+slightest cause, which increased the
+disaffection and want of confidence.
+On the 30th of August hostilities
+commenced with an attack by Afzal
+Khan on the British post at Bajgah.
+It was repulsed, and on the 18th of
+September the Amir and the Vali of
+Khulam were routed by Colonel Dennie.
+Dost Mohammed fled to Kohistan,
+many of whose chief inhabitants
+rallied round his standard, until he
+found himself at the head of five<span class="pagenum">[551]</span>
+thousand men. He might have augmented
+this number, but for the exertions
+of Sir A. Burnes and Mohan
+Lal, who sent agents into the revolted
+country with money to buy up
+the inhabitants. This became known
+amongst the Amir's followers, and
+rendered him distrustful of them; for
+he feared they would be unable to
+withstand the temptations held out,
+and would betray him, in hopes of a
+large reward. On the 2d of November
+occurred a skirmish between the
+Amir's forces and the troops under
+General Sale and Shah Zadah, in
+which the 2d cavalry were routed,
+and several English officers killed, or
+severely wounded. Notwithstanding
+this slight advantage, and a retrograde
+movement effected the same night by
+the united British and Afghan division,
+the Amir felt himself so insecure,
+fearing even assassination at the hand
+of the Kohistanis, that, on the evening
+of the 30th November, he gave
+himself up to Sir William MacNaghten
+at Kabul. He was delighted with
+the kind and generous reception he
+met, and wrote to Afzal Khan and
+his other sons to join him. After a
+few days, the necessary arrangements
+being completed, he was sent to India.</p>
+
+<p>The Amir a prisoner, the chief apparent
+obstacle to the tranquillity of
+Afghanistan was removed, and it was
+not unreasonable to suppose that Shah
+Shuja would thenceforward sit undisturbed
+upon the throne of his ancestors.
+Unfortunately such anticipations
+were erroneous. Had Dost
+Mohammed remained at large, any
+harm he could have done would have
+been inferior to that occasioned by
+the injudicious measures of the British
+agents. These measures, as Mohan
+Lal asserts, with, we fear, too
+much truth, were the very worst that
+could be devised for the attainment of
+the ends proposed. The Afghan character
+was misunderstood, Afghan customs
+and institutions were interfered
+with, and Afghan prejudices shocked.
+Certain things there were, which it
+would have been good policy to wink
+at, or appear ignorant of. The contrary
+course was adopted. On the
+field of Parvan, where the combat of
+the 2d November took place, a bag
+of letters was found, compromising a
+large number of chiefs and influential
+Kabulis. The Amir having surrendered,
+and as it was not intended to
+punish these persons, the wisest plan
+would have been to suppress the letters
+entirely; but this was not done,
+and the disclosure caused a vast deal
+of mistrust on the part of the suspected
+chiefs towards the English. It
+also gave a stimulus to a practice
+then very prevalent in Kabul, that of
+forging letters from persons of note,
+with a view to compromise the supposed
+writers, and to procure for the
+forgers money and English friendship.
+Much mischief was done by these letters,
+some of which were fabricated by
+Afghans enjoying the favour and confidency
+of Sir A. Burnes and Sir W.
+MacNaghten.</p>
+
+<p>On the repeated solicitations of the
+English, the Vazir Mulla Shakur
+was dismissed. His successor, Nizam-ul-Daulah,
+was almost forced upon the
+Shah, whose power was thus rendered
+contemptible in the eyes of the Afghans.
+The new minister took his
+orders rather from the British agents
+than from his nominal master&mdash;going
+every day to the former to report
+what he had done, caring nothing for
+the good or bad opinion of the nation,
+or for the will of the Shah, whose
+mandates he openly disobeyed. Having
+committed an oppressive act, by
+depriving a Sayad of his land,
+Shuja repeatedly enjoined him to restore
+the property to its rightful
+owner. He paid no attention to these
+injunctions; and at last the Shah told the
+suppliant, when he again came to him
+for redress, "that he had no power
+over the Vazir, and therefore that the
+Sayad should curse him, and not
+trouble the Shah any more, because
+he was no more a king but a slave."
+By bribes to the newswriters of the
+envoy and Sir A. Burnes, Nizam-ul-Daulah
+endeavoured to keep his misdeeds
+from the ears of those officers.
+Nevertheless, they became known to
+them through Mohan Lal and others;
+but Sir A. Burnes "felt himself in an
+awkward position, and considered it
+impossible to cause the dismissal of
+one whose nomination he had with
+great pains so recently recommended."</p>
+
+<p>A reform in the military department,
+recommended by Sir A. Burnes,<span class="pagenum">[552]</span>
+caused immense bitterness and ill-blood
+amongst the chiefs, whose retinues
+were compulsorily diminished,
+the men who were to be retained, and
+those who were to be dismissed, being
+selected by a British officer. This
+was looked upon as an outrageous
+insult and grievous humiliation. The
+reduction was effected, also, in a harsh
+and arbitary manner, without consideration
+for the pride of the chiefs
+and warriors, by whom all these
+offences were treasured up, to be one
+day bloodily revenged. Other innovations
+speedily followed and increased
+their discontent; until at last
+they were reduced to so deplorable a
+position that they waited in a body
+upon Shah Shuja to complain of it.
+The Shah imprudently replied, that
+he was king by title only, not by
+power, and that the chiefs were
+cowards, and could do nothing. These
+words Mohan Lal believes were not
+spoken to stimulate the chiefs to
+open rebellion, but merely to induce
+them to such acts as might convince
+the English of the bad policy of their
+reforms and other measures. But the
+Shah had miscalculated the effect of
+his dangerous hint. After the interview
+with him, at the end of September
+1841, the chiefs assembled, and
+sealed an engagement, written on the
+leaves of the Koran, binding themselves
+to rebel against the existing
+government, as the sole way to annihilate
+British influence in Kabul.
+Mohan Lal was informed of this plot,
+and reported it to Sir A. Burnes, who
+attached little importance to it, and
+refused to permit the seizure of the
+Koran, whence the names of the conspirators
+might have been learned.
+It has been frequently stated, that
+neither Burnes nor MacNaghten had
+timely information of the discontent
+and conspiracy of the chiefs. Mohan
+Lal affirms the contrary, and supports
+his assertion by extracts from letters
+written by those gentlemen. Pride of
+power, he says, and an unfortunate
+spirit of rivalry, prevented them from
+taking the necessary measures to meet
+the outbreak. Sir A. Burnes thought
+that to be on the alert would show
+timidity, whilst carelessness of the
+alarming reports then afloat would
+prove intrepidity, and produce favourable
+results. But it was not the moment
+for such speculations. A circular
+letter was secretly sent round to all
+the Durrani and Persian chiefs in
+Kabul and the suburbs, falsely stating
+that a plan was on foot to seize them
+and send them to India, whither Sir
+W. MacNaghten was about to proceed
+as governor of Bombay. The authors
+of this atrocious forgery were afterwards
+discovered. They were three
+Afghans of bad character and considerable
+cunning, who had been employed
+by the Vazir, by the envoy,
+and by Sir A. Burnes. Their object was
+to produce a revolt, in which they
+might make themselves conspicuous
+as friends of the English, and so obtain
+reward and distinction. They
+had been wont to derive advantage
+from revolutions and outbreaks, and
+were eager for another opportunity
+of making money. Their selfish and
+abominable device was the spark to
+the train. It caused a prompt explosion.
+The chiefs again assembled,
+resolved upon instant action, and
+fixed upon its plan. It was decided
+to begin by an attack upon the houses
+of Sir A. Burnes and the other English
+officers resident in the city. For fear
+of discovery, not a moment was to be
+lost. The following day, the 2d of
+November, was to witness the outbreak.</p>
+
+<p>And now, at the eleventh hour,
+fresh intimations of the approaching
+danger were conveyed to those whom
+it threatened. Two persons informed
+Sir A. Burnes of it; and one of the
+conspirators more than hinted it to
+Mohan Lal, who had boasted to him
+that the Ghilzais were pacified by
+Major Macgregor, and that Sir Robert
+Sale was on his victorious march to
+Jellalabad. The conspirator laughed.
+"To-morrow morning," he said, "the
+very door you now sit at will be in
+flames of fire; and yet still you pride
+yourselves in saying that you are
+safe!"</p>
+
+<p>"I told all this," says Mohan Lal,
+"to Sir Alexander Burnes, whose
+reply was, that we must not let the
+people suppose we were frightened, and
+that he will see what he can do in the
+cantonment, whither he started immediately.
+Whilst I was talking with
+Sir A. Burnes, an anonymous note
+reached him in Persian, confirming
+what he had heard from me and from<span class="pagenum">[553]</span>
+other sources, on which he said, 'The
+time is arrived that we must leave
+this country.'" The time for that
+was already past.</p>
+
+<p>The disastrous occurrences in Afghanistan,
+on and subsequently to the
+2d of November 1841, are so recent, so
+well-known, and have been so much
+written about, that any thing beyond a
+passing reference to them is here unnecessary.
+Mohan Lal's account of
+the deaths of Sir A. Burnes, Charles
+Burnes, Sir W. MacNaghten, and Shah
+Shuja, is interesting, as are also some
+details of his own escapes and adventures
+during the insurrection. From
+the roof of his house he witnessed the
+attack upon that of Sir A. Burnes, and
+the death of Lieutenant H. Burnes,
+who slew six Afghans before he
+himself was cut to pieces. Sir Alexander
+was murdered without resistance,
+having previously tied his cravat
+over his eyes, in order not to see the
+blows that put an end to his existence.
+Mohan Lal himself narrowly escaped
+death at the hands of the man who
+subsequently murdered Shah Shuja;
+but he was rescued by an Afghan
+friend, and concealed in a harem.
+Afterwards, whilst prisoner to Akhbar
+Khan, he did good service in sending
+information to the English generals
+and political agents, and finally in
+negotiating the release of the Kabul
+captives. For all these matters we
+refer our readers to the closing chapters
+of his book, and return to Dost
+Mohammed.</p>
+
+<p>On his arrival at Calcutta, the Amir
+was treated by Lord Auckland with
+great attention and respect, an income
+of three lakhs of rupees was allotted
+to him, and he was taken to see the
+curiosities of the city, the naval and
+military stores, &amp;c. All these things
+greatly struck him, and he was heard
+to say, that had he known the extraordinary
+power and resources of the
+English, he would never have opposed
+them. After a while, his health sufferred
+from the Calcutta climate; he
+became greatly alarmed about himself,
+and begged to be allowed to join
+his family at Loodianah. He was sent
+to the upper provinces, and afterwards
+to the hills, where the temperature
+was cool and somewhat similar to
+that of his own country. During the
+Kabul insurrection he managed to
+keep up a communication with his son
+Akhbar, whom he strongly advised to
+destroy the English by every means
+in his power.</p>
+
+<p>When the British forces re-entered
+Afghanistan to punish its inhabitants
+for the Kabul massacres, Prince Fatah
+Jang, son of the murdered Shah Shuja,
+was placed upon the throne. But
+when he found that his European supporters,
+after accomplishing the work of
+chastisement, were about to evacuate
+the country with a precipitation which,
+it has been said, "resembled almost
+as much the retreat of an army defeated
+as the march of a body of conquerors,"<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a>
+he hastened to abdicate
+his short-lived authority. He was too
+good a judge of the chances, to await
+the departure of the British and the
+arrival of Akhbar Khan, and preferred
+taking off his crown himself to having
+it taken off by somebody else, with
+his head in it. His brother, Prince
+Shahpur, a mere boy, was then seated
+upon the throne, and left at the mercy
+of his enemies. His reign was very
+brief. As the English marched from
+Kabul, Akhbar Khan approached it,
+and the son of Shuja had to run away,
+with loss of property and risk of life.
+"By such a precipitate withdrawal from
+Afghanistan," says Mohan Lal, "we
+did not show an honourable sentiment
+of courage, but we disgracefully placed
+many friendly chiefs in a serious dilemma.
+There were certain chiefs
+whom we detached from Akhbar Khan,
+pledging our honour and word to reward
+and protect them; and I could
+hardly show my face to them at the
+time of our departure, when they
+came full of tears, saying, that 'we
+deceived and punished our friends,
+causing them to stand against their
+own countrymen, and then leaving
+them in the mouths of lions.' As soon
+as Mohammed Akhbar occupied Kabul,
+he tortured, imprisoned, extorted
+money from, and disgraced, all those
+who had taken our side. I shall consider
+it indeed a great miracle and a
+divine favour, if hereafter any trust
+ever be placed in the word and pro<span class="pagenum">[554]</span>mise of the authorities of the British
+government throughout Afghanistan
+and Turkistan."</p>
+
+<p>When it at last became evident that
+the feeble and talentless Sadozais
+were unable to hold the reins of
+power in Afghanistan, or to contend,
+with any chance of success, against
+the energy and influence of the Barakzai
+chiefs, Dost Mohammed was released,
+and allowed to return to his
+own country. On his way he concluded
+a secret treaty of alliance with
+Sher Singh, the Maharajah of the
+Punjaub, and from Lahore was escorted
+by the Sikhs to the Khaibar
+pass, where Akhbar Khan and other
+Afghan chiefs received him. The
+Amir's exultation at again ascending
+his throne knew no bounds. Unschooled
+by adversity, he very soon
+recommenced his old system of extortion,
+and made himself so unpopular,
+that he was once fired at, but
+escaped. He now enjoys his authority
+and the superiority of his family, fearless
+of invasion from West or East.</p>
+
+<p>Although Akhbar Khan, of all the
+Amir's sons, has the greatest influence
+in Afghanistan, and renown out of it,
+his elder brother, Afzal Khan, is, we
+are informed, greatly his superior in
+judgment and nobility of character.
+Mohan Lal predicts a general commotion
+in Kabul when Dost Mohammed
+dies. If any one of his brothers, the
+chiefs of Qandhar, or Sultan Mohammed
+Khan, the ex-chief of Peshavar,
+be then alive, he will attempt
+to seize Kabul, and many of the Afghan
+nobles, some even of the Amir's
+sons, will lend him their support against
+Akhbar Khan. The popular candidate,
+however, the favourite of the
+people, of the chiefs, and of his relations,
+the Barakzais, is Afzal Khan. Akhbar
+will be supported by his brothers&mdash;the
+sons, that is to say, of his own mother
+as well as of the Amir. Perhaps the
+whole territory of Kabul will be divided
+into small independent principalities,
+governed by the different sons
+of Dost Mohammed. At any rate,
+there can be little doubt that at his
+death wars and intrigues, plunderings
+and assassinations, will again distract
+the country. The crown that was
+won by the crimes of the father, will,
+in all probability, be shattered and
+pulled to pieces by the dissensions
+and rivalry of the children.<span class="pagenum">[555]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="ON_THE_OPERATION_OF_THE_ENGLISH_POOR-LAWS" id="ON_THE_OPERATION_OF_THE_ENGLISH_POOR-LAWS"></a>ON THE OPERATION OF THE ENGLISH POOR-LAWS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The time has arrived when the
+modes of administering the poor-law
+in England and Wales must undergo
+inquiry and revision. Twelve years
+have elapsed since the Poor-Law
+Amendment Act became the law of
+the land; and during the period many
+changes have been made. In many
+cases, the new arrangements of the
+Poor-Law Commissioners have been
+adopted without a murmur. In some
+cases, they have met with continued
+but fruitless opposition. In others,
+they have been resisted with success.
+During the whole period a war has
+raged, in which no two of the combatants
+have used the same weapons,
+or drawn them in the same cause.
+One has adduced particular cases of
+hardship, suffering, and death, as the
+results of the new system. Another
+has collected statistics, and referred
+to depauperised counties. And yet
+the same number of cases of hardship
+and suffering may have occurred before
+1834, although unrecorded and
+unknown. Nor does it follow, because
+the official returns from agricultural
+counties may show a diminished
+number of paupers, or a diminished
+expenditure, that the residue have
+been able to earn their bread as
+independent labourers. No period
+appears to have been assigned when
+the results of the new system should
+be examined. Successive governments
+have kept aloof from fear, until
+an accident led to important disclosures,
+and an inquiry is now inevitable.
+The Poor-Law Commissioners
+have been invested with extraordinary
+and dangerous powers. They
+possess the united powers of Queen,
+Lords, and Commons. Their most imperfectly-considered
+resolutions have
+the force of an act of parliament, or
+rather, ten-fold more force&mdash;it being
+their duty, first, to ascertain <i>what
+ought to be the law&mdash;then to make the
+law&mdash;then to enforce it&mdash;and then, after
+the elapse of time, to report upon its
+success or failure</i>. It would be difficult
+for the wisest to exercise powers
+like these beneficially; and it is to
+be feared that abuses have crept in.
+And when we find that men, who
+have hitherto upheld the system, now
+demand inquiry in their place in parliament,
+and the ministers who were
+concerned in the establishment of the
+system, promising, either to withdraw
+opposition to the demand, or to amend
+the laws themselves so we may be assured
+that the topic at the present
+time, as regards the administration
+of Relief to the Poor in England and
+Wales, is Inquiry and Revision.</p>
+
+<p>The subject matter of this article
+must be suggestive, rather than affirmative.
+Even at this time of day, it
+would be presumptuous to take up a
+commanding or decided position. The
+old system was rotten. The good it
+contained was choked up with weeds;
+the pruning-knife has been applied
+unsparingly; and it is to be feared
+that good wood has been cut away.
+New arrangements have been devised
+with practical shrewdness, to displace
+clearly recognised evils; but, with
+these practical improvements, certain
+economic theories have been speculatively,
+tried; and it is likely that evils
+have sprung up; so that those who
+proclaim so loudly that every part of
+the new arrangements is either naught
+or vicious, and those who affirm that
+the old methods were all good, are both
+remote from the truth, which, probably,
+lies somewhere between the two.</p>
+
+<p>The subject being set apart for inquiry,
+the question arises&mdash;How can
+a subject which has so many phases
+be advantageously considered; to
+whom must we go for information;
+and to what matters should the attention
+be chiefly directed? It is to these
+questions this article will attempt to
+provide answers. To the first question&mdash;To
+whom must we go for information?&mdash;the
+answer is obvious. To
+all who are engaged in the administration
+of the law, and chiefly to
+those who have to do with those
+departments where evils may be supposed
+to exist. And, in order to
+answer the second, the subject must be
+divided into classes, and the mode of
+operation of the law in each must be
+sketched. The reader will then be
+able to see for himself, and judge
+whether the matters referred to are<span class="pagenum">[556]</span>
+not those which most imperatively
+demand inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>The several parishes, townships,
+chapelries, and hamlets of England
+and Wales, whether grouped into
+Unions or not, may be usefully distributed
+into three classes.</p>
+
+<p><i>The First Class</i> includes "parishes,
+townships, chapelries, and hamlets,"
+grouped into Unions, in which the
+<i>population bears a small proportion to
+the number of acres they comprise</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Second Class</i> includes small populous
+parishes, grouped into Unions,
+in which the <i>population bears a large
+proportion to the number of statute
+acres they cover</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Third Class</i> consists of <i>large
+single parishes</i>, in which the <i>population
+bears a large proportion to the
+number of acres</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The following diagram will explain
+this classification:</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="2" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><span class="smcap"><br />County.</span></td><td align="center"><br /><span class="smcap">Union.</span></td><td align="center"><br /> No. of<br />Parishes</td>
+<td align="center"> Population of<br />Parishes.<br/>______________<br />Highest | Lowest</td><td align="center">Population<br />of Union.</td><td align="center">Area of<br />Union,<br />Statute<br/>Acres.</td><td align="center">No. of <br />Reliev-<br />ing<br />Officers.</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">First<br /> Class</span>,</td><td align="left">Denbigh,<br />Durham,<br />Staffordshire,<br />Derbyshire,<br />Lincoln,</td>
+<td align="left">Ruthin,<br />Easington,<br />Uttoxeter,<br />Shardlow,<br />Louth,</td>
+<td align="center">21<br /> 19 <br />16 <br />46 <br />88<br /></td>
+<td align="center"> 2066&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 97<br />2976&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10<br />4864&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;116<br /> 3182&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 23<br />6927&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 24</td>
+<td align="right"> 16,019<br />    6,984<br /> 12,837<br /> 29,812<br /> 25,214</td>
+<td align="right">166,619<br />34,660<br />56,685<br />66,974<br />152,251 </td>
+<td align="center">2<br /> 1<br /> 1<br /> 2<br /> 3 </td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Second<br /> Class</span>,</td><td align="left">Middlesex,</td><td align="left">City of<br />London</td>
+<td align="center">98</td><td align="center">&nbsp;&nbsp;401&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;72</td><td align="right">57,100</td><td align="right">370</td><td align="center">3</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="smcap">Third<br />Class</span>,</td><td align="left">Middlesex.</td><td align="center">Parish<br />Marylebone,</td><td align="center">1</td>
+<td align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.....&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.....</td><td align="right">138,164</td><td align="right"> 1490</td><td align="center">...</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p>These divisions of territory may be
+regarded from different points of view.
+They may be seen through the media
+of statute-books, reports, returns, and
+statistics; or they may be actually
+surveyed. Each course has its peculiar
+dangers. The mind, occupied
+with matters of detail and routine
+occurrences, is apt to lose in comprehensiveness
+as much as it gains in
+minute exactness. To avoid this
+danger the mind must soar as the
+facts accumulate. It must regard
+them, sometimes from the height of
+one theory, and sometimes from the
+height of another. For the mind becomes
+tinged with the hue of whatever
+is frequently presented to it.
+Opinions even are hereditary. And
+every set of facts leads to a different
+conclusion, according to the texture
+of the minds they pass through. Refer
+to the facts connected with the
+condition of the poor, which have
+been proclaimed during the last few
+years; and then reflect to what contradictory
+opinions they have led.
+The man of strong benevolent feelings
+deduces one inference. The politico-economical
+theorist deduces
+another. And the man of practice
+and experience is as likely to be deluded
+as either. He sees destitution
+so frequently connected with imprudence,
+laziness, and crime, that he is
+apt to believe that the union is indissoluble.
+His mind has never embraced
+a general idea, or traced effects
+to causes, or distinguished them,
+the one from the other. And in this
+matter, where the causes and effects
+are so complicated, and entangled by
+their mutual reaction, he is likely to
+be at fault. Then the man of pure
+benevolence sees only the pain, and
+demands only the means of immediate
+relief. And the political economist
+tells us, "That the law which would
+enforce charity can fix no limits,
+either to the ever-increasing wants
+of a poverty which itself has created,
+or to the insatiable desires and demands
+of a population which itself
+hath corrupted and led astray."</p>
+
+<p>In the First Class, the parishes are
+large, thinly populated, and situated
+generally in rural districts. In some
+cases, the Union includes a country
+town; the neighbouring parishes and
+hamlets being connected with it. The
+total number of parishes may be
+eighteen or twenty. In other cases,<span class="pagenum">[557]</span>
+the Union consists of about twenty-five
+parishes, townships, hamlets, and
+chapelries. In some instances, the
+population of the parishes are collected
+into so many villages, which are distant
+from each other. In others, the
+entire surface of the country is sprinkled
+thinly with cottages. The communications
+are by high-roads, and
+muddy lanes, over high hills, and
+through bogs and marshes, and by
+bridle-roads and footpaths&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"O'er muirs and mosses many, O."<br /><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>In each of these Unions, the management
+of the relief fund is confided to a
+Board, consisting of resident rate-payers,
+and resident country magistrates.
+The former are guardians by
+election, and the latter ex-officio.
+The Board is completed by the addition
+of the churchwardens and overseers.
+The chairman is generally the
+most distinguished, and the vice-chairman
+the most active man in
+the Union. The chairman regulates
+the proceedings of the Board, and ascertains
+its resolutions. The clerk
+records them. The relief which applicants
+are to receive, is determined
+by the Board; except that which is
+given by certain officers in cases of
+"sudden and urgent necessity." The
+management of the Union-house is
+invested in the master&mdash;a paid officer.
+His duties are ascertained and fixed.
+He is liable to dismissal by the joint
+resolution of the Poor-Law Commissioners
+and the Guardians, or by the
+order of the Commissioners alone. It
+is also the duty of the master to attend
+to such cases of destitution as
+may be presented at the Union-House
+gate; and, if their necessities be of a
+sudden and urgent character, to admit
+them into the house. It may be
+remarked here, that information is
+wanted upon this point. The question
+is not, by what general term may the
+cases be designated, whether sudden
+or urgent, but what the circumstances
+of the cases really are, which are so
+relieved. The answers to the question
+would throw light upon the
+relation subsisting between a strict
+work-house system and the increase
+of vagrancy. To continue. The sick
+poor are confided to the care of the
+medical officer; and the out-door
+relief is chiefly administered by the
+relieving-officer. His duties in rural
+Unions are as follows:&mdash;To pay or deliver
+such amounts of money or food
+as the Board may have ordered the
+poor to receive, at the villages, hamlets,
+and cottages where they may
+reside. He must visit the poor at
+their homes. He receives applications
+for relief; and when the necessity
+is sudden and urgent, he relieves
+the case promptly with food. He
+must report upon the circumstances
+of each case, and keep accounts. For
+neglect of duty, he is liable to penal
+consequences, and to dismissal, in
+the same way as the master. The
+average number of parishes, townships,
+and hamlets committed to the
+care of the relieving-officer may be
+about twenty. The reader may be
+able, from his local knowledge, to picture
+this Union, and give it a name.</p>
+
+<p>The Union then consists of twenty
+parishes. The Union-house is pretty
+central, and situated near a small
+market-town. The meetings of the
+Board are held in the Union-house,
+and upon the market-day; because
+then the guardians, churchwardens,
+and overseers, after having transacted
+their private business, may conveniently
+perform their public duties. At
+the last meeting of the Board of Guardians,
+certain poor persons appeared
+before them, and were ordered to be
+relieved with money or food, at a
+specific rate, and for a specified time.
+The relieving-officer resides in that
+part of the Union from whence he can
+reach the most distant and opposite
+points with nearly equal facility. He
+divides his district into rounds, and
+each occupies the greatest portion of a
+day. At the end of each week he will
+have visited the whole of the twenty
+parishes.</p>
+
+<p>The Board met yesterday, and to-day
+the relieving-officer's week began.
+By the conditions of his appointment,
+he must have a horse and chaise.
+The contractor for bread is bound to
+deliver it at the home of the pauper;
+he must therefore provide man and
+horse, and they accompany the relieving-officer.
+They set out on the
+first day's journey; they arrive at
+the first hamlet on the route, and
+stop at a cottage door. Around it
+and within it the destitute poor of the
+hamlet are assembled. Each receives<span class="pagenum">[558]</span>
+his allowance of money and bread.
+But a group has collected about the
+door, whose names are not on the
+relief-list. One woman tells the relieving-officer
+that her husband is ill
+with fever, and her children are without
+food. He knows the family; he
+hastens down the lane, and across
+the field, and enters the labourer's
+hut. The man is really ill, and there
+are too evident signs of destitution.
+A written order is given on the medical
+officer to attend the case, and
+necessary relief is given. The man
+who now approaches the officer with
+such an air of overbearing insolence,
+or fawning humility, is also an applicant.
+He is known at the village
+beer-shop, and by the farmer as a
+man who can work, but will not;
+he is the last man employed in the
+parish; his hovel is visited&mdash;it is a
+scene of squalid misery. What is to
+be done? He may be relieved temporarily
+with bread, or admitted into
+the Union-house, or he is directed to
+attend the Board. The relieving
+officer then proceeds to his next station.
+There a larger supply of bread
+awaits him, for he is now in a populous
+parish. The poor of the place
+are assembled at the church door, and
+the relief is given in the vestry-room.
+The applications are again received
+and disposed of. He then rides to
+the cottages of the sick and the aged,
+and again continues his route. He
+does not proceed far before he is hailed
+by the labourer in the field, who tells
+him of some solitary person who is
+without medical aid. By-and-by, he
+is stopped by the boy who has long
+waited for him on the stile, and begs
+him to come and see his mother;
+and the farmer's man, on the farmer's
+horse, gives him further news of disease,
+destitution, or death. He completes
+his day's journey before the
+evening. To-morrow another route
+is taken; and thus he proceeds from
+day to day, and from month to month,
+through summer's heat and winter's
+cold.</p>
+
+<p>The number of medical officers in
+a Union varies. In some cases,
+where there are two relieving-officers,
+there are four medical officers.
+The medical officer resides within the
+limits of the Union. He is not prevented
+from attending to his private
+practice, and he does not therefore
+reside in a central position, or at the
+nearest point to his pauper patients;
+he is supplied with a list of persons
+who are in receipt of relief, and he is
+bound to attend these without an
+order; he must also attend to cases
+upon the receipt of a written order
+from the relieving-officer or the overseer;
+he regulates the diet of his patients,
+and he is paid by a salary, and
+by fees in certain cases.</p>
+
+<p>There are contradictory opinions
+respecting the efficiency of this system.
+Some say that the amount of remuneration
+is inadequate to insure qualified
+persons, and others that the
+qualifications are secured by the requisition
+of recognised diplomas.</p>
+
+<p>If we inquire of those among the
+peasantry who have never received
+parochial relief, or even of the yeomanry,
+we find that in many districts,
+and especially those of which
+we are now speaking, it is a difficult
+matter to obtain immediate medical
+aid; and if this consideration have
+any weight, the system would appear
+satisfactory, providing always the
+overseers perform their duty when
+applied to. It would be desirable to
+ascertain whether there are any restrictions
+in the issue of medical
+orders. As regards relieving the poor
+with food, there are many who say,
+that, in so doing, the very evil is
+created which we are endeavouring
+to destroy. But this is not said with
+respect to medical relief. The labouring
+man with his family may
+earn an average wage of from 7s. to
+12s. per week. The most prudent
+cannot save much, and those savings
+are invested in the purchase of a
+stack of wood, a sack of meal, a crop
+of potatoes, a stye of pigs, or a cow.
+His savings might enable him to provide
+food for his family during illness,
+but they would be totally insufficient to
+pay for medicine and medical aid. It
+would be desirable to ascertain where
+and to what extent medical clubs and
+dispensaries exist, and what means the
+agricultural labourer, in thinly populated
+districts, possesses for obtaining
+gratuitous medical aid.</p>
+
+<p>It would be well, too, if Boards of
+Guardians would remember that their
+duties have not ended when they
+have disposed of the cases on each<span class="pagenum">[559]</span>
+board-day. They have to do with
+pauperism, not only as it exists to-day,
+but as it may exist next month
+or next year; and therefore they have
+to do with its causes, as well as its
+existing results. This truth is just
+now occupying the minds of statesmen,
+and it is to be hoped that it
+may receive the attention of Boards
+of Guardians. Sanatory regulations
+will decrease pauperism. Many men
+have been destroyed, and their families
+pauperised, by uncovered sewers in
+thickly populated lanes and alleys;
+and much disease has been engendered
+by the want of facilities for cleanliness.
+And so also has much pauperism
+been engendered by the drain
+upon the resources of the poor man
+during a long illness. Could not this
+be remedied, and that without weakening
+the feeling of independence?
+And why might not a Board of
+Guardians be allowed, or compelled, to
+contribute a given sum to any dispensary
+or medical club which may
+be governed by certain rules duly
+certified?</p>
+
+<p>We must now refer to the churchwardens
+and overseers of the several
+parishes of this rural Union. The
+question with respect to them is, do
+they receive the applications of the
+poor in their respective parishes, and
+deal with them in the same way as
+the relieving-officer? It would not be
+a sufficient answer to quote acts of
+parliament, or lists of duties. It is
+doubtless of importance to know that,
+according to law, the duty of relieving
+in cases of sudden and urgent
+necessity is still reserved to the overseer.
+But it is of equal importance
+to ascertain whether, in those extensive
+or thinly populated parishes
+where the relieving-officer may reside
+many a weary mile distant from the
+cottage of the destitute, any check,
+or hinderance, or heavy discouragement
+has been offered to the overseer
+in his attempt to perform his duty.
+We can easily conceive the farmer
+overseer, before 1834, riding over the
+fields of his parish, and meeting one
+of the poor cottagers, at once relieving
+him with a piece of money, and
+taking no further note of the circumstance
+than was necessary to prevent
+his forgetting to repay himself. And
+we can understand how the same
+overseer, under the new system, when
+men to whom he has been accustomed
+to look up with deference are united
+with him in the administration of
+relief, may not trouble himself to
+inquire into, or care to exercise, the
+rights reserved to him. Or he may
+find that he has something more to
+do than merely to enter the amount
+in his pocket-book. He may have to
+report the case to the relieving-officer,
+or to defend it at the Board&mdash;neither
+of which acts his literary habits, his
+opportunities, his patience, or his
+ability to speak before the magnates
+of his district in Board assembled,
+may dispose him to perform. In other
+cases, where these considerations may
+have no weight, the overseer may be
+of opinion, since paid officers have
+been appointed to do the duty, and
+are paid to do it, that they are the
+proper persons to perform it.</p>
+
+<p>In thus referring to the duties of
+overseers, it must not be supposed
+that a recurrence to the old system is
+aimed at. It is a common opinion
+that the Union system is diametrically
+opposed to the old parochial system.
+And it seems to be too generally
+thought that relief should be given
+through paid agency. But this is not
+so. The power to relieve, in cases of
+sudden and urgent necessity, still rests
+with the overseers. But the law has
+deprived the overseer of the power to
+give permanent relief. It will not allow
+him to give a regular weekly allowance.
+The question the overseer has to do with
+is not whether labourer Miles shall
+receive, for a number of consecutive
+weeks or months, a certain sum, but
+whether he should not receive relief
+at this moment, his necessities being
+sudden and urgent. The question of
+permanent relief is no longer a subject
+of personal controversy and irritation
+between the labourer and the farmer.
+It is now a question between the
+labourer and the Board. What he
+shall receive no longer depends upon
+the will of a single person, but upon
+the collective will of a number so
+great, that personal partialities and
+prejudices can scarcely have place.
+The system, in this respect, assures
+justice alike to the rate-payer and
+the indigent poor. It stands between<span class="pagenum">[560]</span>
+the poor man and the overseer; and
+also between the overseer and the
+sturdy threatening vagrant.</p>
+
+<p>But it is desirable to know whether
+the dereliction of duty by overseers
+has been of frequent occurrence, and
+whether there has been any want of
+care or disposition on the part of the
+authorities to facilitate its exercise.
+That the relief given must be duly
+recorded and accounted for, is quite
+clear. Now, do the means for doing
+this equal those given to the relieving-officer,
+who requires them less? Then,
+again, have arrangements been duly
+made to enable overseers to relieve in
+food? Is the loaf or the meat at hand?
+Can it be had from the nearest shop?
+Or must it be brought from the store
+of the contractor, who cannot always
+reside in the next village? In fact,
+must the destitute person wait for the
+periodical visit of the relieving-officer,
+and is the duty of the overseer thus
+made a superfluity?</p>
+
+<p>It is likely that the dweller in cities
+may not sufficiently estimate the importance
+of this topic. In a populous
+city, however sudden the casualty
+may be to which a fellow-creature
+may fall a victim, the means of relief
+are within a stone's-throw from the
+spot. But the case is different in
+that wide expanse of level country
+which opens to the view of the pedestrian
+as he gains the summit of the
+hill. The plain is dotted with solitary
+cottages, hamlets, and villages. The
+town is just perceptible in the distance.
+But its hum and its chimes are unheard.
+The Union-house loses its
+barrack-like appearance by its remoteness.
+He descends, and its "goes
+on his way." He hears the voices of
+children, the song of birds; and he
+sees cottages "embosomed" in trees,
+and those pictures which pastoral
+poets have so loved to paint, pass in
+panoramic order before him. He enters
+the cottage door; he sees the
+dampness of the walls; he feels the
+clayey coldness of the floors, and
+observes the signs of poverty. While
+pondering upon these things, sensation
+vacates its office, and imagination
+rules in the ascendant; material
+images fade away. Now the fields,
+the trees, and the entire air become
+covered and filled with drifting snow.
+Or,</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"The stillness of these frosty plains,<br /><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Their utter stillness, and the silent grace<br /><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Of yon ethereal summits, white with snow,<br /><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">(Whose tranquil pomp and spotless purity<br /><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Report of storms gone by<br /><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">To those who tread below.")<br /><br /></span>
+
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Or the winds howl, the biting sharpness
+of the frosty air nips the joints
+and shrivels the flesh, and the smoking
+smouldering fire has no power to
+control the winds which rush across
+the room. The scene changes. The
+lowlands are flooded, and the waters
+reach to, and stagnate at the cottage
+door. The rains descend; the air is
+saturated with water; it chills the
+frame; the heart beats languidly, and
+the soul of man stoops to the deadening
+influence of the elements. Agues,
+rheumatism, and fevers prevail. The
+hardships of the season bear down
+old and young; for the want of sufficient
+or nutritious food has shorn them
+of their strength.</p>
+
+<p>Upon awakening from this trance,
+"which was not all a dream," and
+reflecting how far aid is distant, even
+if it can be obtained from the nearest
+overseer, how forcibly must the
+thought occur&mdash;what numbers suffer
+and die whose suffering is unrelieved
+and unknown! If our pedestrian
+learn nothing from his trip for health
+and pleasure more than this, he will
+have learnt enough to satisfy him
+that the point we have directed his
+attention to, viz. that the means of
+relief in rural districts should be made
+as ample as possible; and that, therefore,
+the right and duty of the overseers
+to relieve promptly should be
+encouraged and zealously guarded.</p>
+
+<p>Reference must now be made to the
+notorious "Prohibitory Order." And
+in doing so, it is not to the order itself,
+either in its original or amended
+form, that the following remarks are
+especially made, but to the practices
+which owe their origin to the enactments
+of the Poor-Law Amendment
+Act, to the Utopian expectations of
+many, that a strict work-house test
+would destroy pauperism, and to the
+explanations and reports of the Commissioners
+themselves. The following<span class="pagenum">[561]</span>
+is the prohibitory in its latest and most
+humanised form:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Article I.&mdash;Every able-bodied person,
+male or female, requiring relief
+from any parish within any of the said
+Unions, shall be relieved wholly in the
+work-house of the said Unions, together
+with such of the family of every such
+able-bodied person as may be resident
+with him or her, and may not be in
+employment, and together with the wife
+of every such able-bodied male person,
+if he be a married man, and if she be
+resident with him; save and except in
+the following cases:&mdash;</p></blockquote>
+
+<p class="indent">1st, Where such person shall require
+relief on account of sudden and
+urgent necessity.<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></p>
+
+<p class="indent">2d, Where such person shall require
+relief on account of any sickness,
+accident, or bodily or mental infirmity,
+affecting such person, or
+any of his or her family.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">3d, Where such person shall require
+relief, for the purpose of defraying
+the expenses, either wholly or in
+part, of the burial of his or her
+family.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">4th, Where such person, being a
+widow, shall be in the first six
+months of her widowhood.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">5th, Where such person shall be a
+widow, and have a legitimate child
+or legitimate children dependent
+upon her, and incapable of earning
+his, her, or their livelihood, and no
+illegitimate child born after the
+commencement of her widowhood.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">6th, Where such person shall be confined
+in any jail or place of safe
+custody.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">7th, Where the relief shall be required
+by the wife, child, or children
+of any able-bodied man who shall
+be in the service of her Majesty,
+as a soldier, sailor, or marine.</p>
+
+<p class="indent">8th, Where any able-bodied person,
+not being a soldier, sailor, or marine,
+shall not reside within the
+Union, but the wife, child, or children,
+of such person shall reside
+within the same, the Board of
+Guardians of the Union, according
+to their discretion, may afford relief
+in the work-house to such
+wife, child, or children, or may
+allow out-door relief for any such
+child or children, being within the
+age of nurture, and resident with
+the mother within the Union."</p>
+
+<p>The fifth exception, relating to widows,
+is accompanied with a course
+of reasoning directed against its application;
+and as it is to be feared
+that the practice engendered by a
+former order, in which this exception
+had no place, may have become habitual,
+this exception will be treated
+as if it did not exist. Especial inquiries
+ought to be made, in order to ascertain
+whether widows with children
+are generally allowed out-door relief.</p>
+
+<p>The immediate effect of this system
+of relief is a diminution of expenditure.
+But we must look beyond the
+immediate effects. It is to be feared
+that great politico-social evils result
+from this system. They have
+been somewhat reduced in number,
+perhaps, by the new prohibitory order.
+But it is too probable that the
+original wound has left a scar. The
+evils are not on the surface, and strike
+the mind at intervals. Perhaps we
+may be struck with the fact, that our
+prisons are filled with individuals who
+have been committed for slight offences,
+and for short periods; and it
+may casually appear, that the work-house
+has something to do with it.
+Then the question may occur, why
+the ordinary accommodation for wayfarers
+in the casual wards of work-houses
+has become insufficient or less
+ample than formerly? Or, when travelling,
+we may see whole families
+creeping along the roads apparently
+without object or aim; and if, after
+giving them a coin, you ask them
+where they are going to, and why
+they are going? you will be struck
+<span class="pagenum">[562]</span>with the vagueness of their replies.
+Wherever you meet them, you find
+they are going from this place to that;
+and if you were to meet them every
+day for a twelvemonth, the answers
+would always be as indefinite. At
+another time, we may be deeply concerned
+in the subject of prison discipline;
+and while studying reports,
+returns, and dietaries, the subject of
+workhouse discipline may become
+associated with it, and induce comparisons.
+And it may come to our
+knowledge, that there is a vast body
+of persons to whom it is a matter of
+indifference whether they are inmates
+of a prison or a workhouse. Or the
+mind may soar above the dull, cold,
+field of politics, and extend its researches
+to the pure regions of morality,
+leaving the questions of science
+for those of philosophy; and then it
+will appear that there are causes in
+operation, and results constantly
+flowing, which escape the "economic"
+eyes of assistant Commissioners.</p>
+
+<p>But we must avoid generalities. We
+still retain our original ground, viz.
+the rural Union, with its large area
+and its thinly scattered population.
+The reader must accompany us to
+the rural Union, where the spirit of
+the prohibitory order exercises its
+most baneful influence.</p>
+
+<p>We saw the relieving-officer performing
+his round of duties. The poor
+were assembled at the cottage door.
+Two classes of applicants were then
+given. We must now, however, look
+deeper into human nature. The destitute
+consist of the virtuous and the
+vicious, the vulgar and the refined.
+There stands an able-bodied man with
+his able-bodied wife, and his large
+healthy family. His weekly wages
+amount to nine shillings per week.
+If he loses a week's work he is destitute.
+He is now making an application
+to the relieving-officer. But it is
+useless. He must walk to the Union,
+and become an inmate, where his dinner
+awaits him. The man who now
+approaches the officer is like the last,
+able-bodied and out of work; but, unlike
+him, he has an idle, unthrifty, drunken
+wife. He is always trembling on the
+confines of destitution; and the instant
+he is without work he is on the
+brink of starvation. His spirit is
+broken. His children are dirty and
+ragged, and appear emaciated without
+disease. He, too, must enter the
+Union. The next is a hard-featured
+man;&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i3">"A savage wildness round him hung<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">As of a dweller out of doors;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">In his whole figure, and his mien,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">A savage character was seen<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Of mountains and of dreary moors."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>He does not seem to care whether
+relief is granted or not; and we may
+hear him say, "I don't want relief
+for myself, I can get my living somehow
+or other&mdash;but my wife and child
+musn't starve. I shan't go to the
+Union&mdash;I shall be off&mdash;and catch me
+who can."&mdash;In the cottage, a woman
+is seated with her children, whose
+husband has done that which the
+other has threatened to do. She may
+be industrious or idle, but she cannot
+support herself, thus suddenly thrown
+upon her own resources. Let us hope
+that she is allowed the benefit of the
+amended order.&mdash;There is the man
+whose children are approaching the
+state of womanhood or manhood. He
+has work to do, and he does it. He
+could manage to eke out a subsistence
+for himself&mdash;for his habits are simple
+and frugal; but his children are now
+a sore trial to him. His daughter has
+returned to his cottage with a child of
+shame. She has erred, but she cannot
+be turned from his door. She has
+tried to make the father contribute to
+the support of the child, but without
+success. Poor ignorant creature, instead
+of taking a competent witness
+with her, when she asked the man to
+assist her, she was too anxious to
+hide her shame. Instead of putting
+questions to him, in order "to get up"
+the corroborative evidence, she was
+too apt to spoil all by passionate
+upbraidings. And then, when she
+appeared before their worships the
+justices, she was too much abashed
+or excited, to enable her to develope
+those latent powers of examination
+and cross-examination which the law
+supposes her to possess. Those who
+have witnessed those humiliating proceedings
+in our petty courts of justice,
+and seen the magistrate at one
+moment kindly acting as counsel for
+the girl, then falling back to his posi<span class="pagenum">[563]</span>tion
+as judge, and observed the evident
+helplessness of the girl, must
+have left the court with the impression
+that the whole affair is a disgusting
+farce. She departs without redress.
+The "corroborative evidence" is declared
+insufficient. She goes to her
+father's cottage. His heart compels
+him to give her shelter, and a place
+at his scanty board. But the smallest
+assistance cannot be rendered with
+impunity. And there he stands an
+applicant. He is told, "you must
+come into the house." "But it is my
+daughter." "Then she must enter
+the Union." And, if she does, there
+she must remain until her child dies,
+or her hair grows grey.&mdash;On the other
+side, and away from the rest, stands
+a coarse-featured man, who has often
+been an inmate of the county jail.
+He is the smuggler on the coast, the
+footpad on the common, the poacher
+in the forest, the housebreaker, the
+horse-stealer, the sheep-slayer, or
+the incendiary. He may be any of
+these. He demands his rights, and
+threatens vengeance if refused.&mdash;We
+turn from this group, and walk slowly
+to the Union-house, now visible in the
+distance; and, in walking, the time
+may be well employed in reflection.
+The thought which occurs with the
+greatest vividness is this&mdash;for the reception
+of such a group, what must
+the arrangements be? There is the
+old man, honest but poor, who seeks
+there an asylum. There is the man
+old in sin and iniquity, as well as
+years. There is the able-bodied man
+and woman with their family. There
+is the able-bodied man with his
+drunken, unthrifty wife, and his emaciated
+children. There is the young
+girl, whom the season has thrown out
+of her ordinary field employment.
+There is the woman with her illegitimate
+child, either heart-broken, or
+glorying in her shame. There is the
+girl, young in years but old in profligacy,
+suffering for her sins. There
+is the matron in her green old age,
+the result of a life of industry and
+prudence. And there is the ruffian,
+and the thief, and the profligate vagrant,
+male and female. Now what
+arrangements can be made for this
+assemblage&mdash;the bad anxious to obtain
+temporary quarters, the good
+anxious to retain their homes?</p>
+
+<p>Surely they are not classed according
+to rules in which age, and sex,
+and state of health are the only principles?
+The widow with the prostitute,
+the aged cottar with the aged
+vagrant. If this were all, the moral
+consequences would not be so fearful.
+Does the young girl, who is now innocent,
+associate daily with her who
+has wandered over half the neighbouring
+counties, sinking lower and
+lower each journey? If so, poison
+will be instilled, which produces certain
+moral death. Refer to any list,
+now seven years old, of the inmates
+of a workhouse, who were then aged
+from twelve to eighteen years, and
+then inquire what has become of them.
+Or inquire of those who have the administration
+in metropolitan parishes,
+or in manufacturing and sea-port
+towns, how many of those unfortunates,
+scarcely yet arrived at the
+state of womanhood, and suffering
+from loathsome diseases, were brought
+up, or were sometime inmates of one
+of these Unions. Then there are the
+children of all these;&mdash;the children of
+the farm-labourer associating with
+those of the vagrant, who has quartered
+himself in the Union during the rains.</p>
+
+<p>The evils which this system occasions
+are not, unfortunately, either to
+be seen or understood by the casual
+observer. Even our observer may
+suppose that all is well, after he has
+inspected the place. He sees every
+thing clean and in order. There are
+no rags, no unshorn beards, no unclean
+flesh. The ordinary concomitants
+of virtue are here present&mdash;by
+compulsion. The rags, the filthiness
+of place and person, are absent&mdash;by
+order. This is forgotten; and, allowing
+the outward and visible to govern
+his judgment rather than the inward
+and spiritual, he leaves the place exclaiming,
+"Well! this is not so bad
+after all!" The outside is indeed white,
+but it is the whiteness of the sepulchre.</p>
+
+<p>If this group is to be received into
+one building, there must be something
+peculiar in its arrangements. All
+these persons are suffering, more or
+less, from the want of food, or lodging,
+or clothing, or medical aid. They
+are now offered the whole of these
+blessings, and yet they do not feel
+blessed thereby. He has now that<span class="pagenum">[564]</span>
+livelihood freely offered to him which
+had cost him many a sigh to procure,
+and he has often sighed in vain.
+What then can or must be the nature
+of the arrangements? It must be remembered
+that this Union is presumed
+to be a test of poverty, and therefore
+the condition of its inmates must be
+inferior to that of the independent
+labourer.</p>
+
+<p>To effect this, how must the authorities
+proceed? In the first place,
+there are arrangements which they
+cannot make. They cannot altogether
+dispense with the counsels of the medical
+man, while the matter is under
+discussion. And an inspector of
+prisons should be admitted, certainly,
+as far as the ante-room. Then the
+locality of the Union-house must not
+be unhealthy. The internal parts of
+the building must not be exposed to
+the inclemency of the seasons.</p>
+
+<p>The rooms cannot be badly warmed
+or ventilated. They must not be allowed
+to become filthy. The inmates
+must not sleep on a damp floor, with
+loose straw for a bed, or an old carpet
+for a coverlid. Their clothes must
+not be permitted to fall from them in
+tatters. They must not remain twenty-four
+hours without food. And they
+cannot experience that gnawing anxiety&mdash;that
+sickness of heart which
+those thousands suffer who rise in the
+morning without knowing where they
+can obtain a meal, or lay down their
+head at night. These "ills," which
+constitute so large a portion of the
+poor man's lot, the inmate of this
+Union cannot be <i>made</i> to suffer. Nor
+can they be detained like prisoners.
+He must not be confined for a longer
+period, after an application to leave
+has been made, than will allow for
+forms and casualties. So in three
+hours he is a free man again. What
+is to be done? Might not his food
+be touched? Might he not be allowed
+food which, although possessing nutritious
+qualities, should not be palatable?
+At this point, the prison
+inspector should be consulted. This
+experiment upon the dietaries has
+been tried, and with what success
+let public opinion trumpet-tongued
+proclaim. What must then be done?
+First, the family may, nay, must be
+divided and distributed over the building.
+The husband is sent to the
+"Man's Hall," the wife to the "Woman's
+Ward," and the male and female
+children each to their's. This arrangement
+is inevitable, but is fraught with
+dangers. The man who has lived for
+months estranged from his wife and
+children&mdash;for seeing them at certain
+times cannot be considered the same
+thing as living with them&mdash;may learn
+to believe that their presence is not
+necessary to his existence. And
+then it should not be forgotten, that
+the pain here introduced is the pain
+arising from the infliction of a moral
+wound. An attempt has been made
+to disturb a set of virtuous emotions
+in their healthy exercise. By this
+separation they are deprived of their
+necessary aliment; and, if they are
+not strong, will soon sicken and die.
+Now, those moral feelings which preside
+over the social hearth are those
+which exercise the greatest influence
+over the heart of the poor man, and
+bind, and strengthen, and afford opportunities
+for the development of
+the rest. They are in general the
+last that leave him. And when they
+are gone, he is bankrupt indeed. It is
+a pain, too, which only the virtuous
+feel. The lawless, the debauched, and
+the drunken pass unscathed. Is there
+not danger?</p>
+
+<p>In the second place, the inmates
+of the Union must work. And here
+also there are limits which a Board
+cannot pass. Labour cannot be enforced
+from a diseased man. The
+prudent master of a Union will not
+require a task to be performed which
+he cannot enforce. The question is,
+what work can the inmates be set to
+do? Not to lace-making or stocking-weaving,
+for that is the staple of the
+neighbourhood. To give them this
+work would diminish the demand for
+labour out of doors. What labour
+then must it be? Here is the rock
+upon which the vessel is now driving.
+It must certainly be real work. Must
+it, then, be disagreeable work? It
+must. But there is no work so disagreeable
+that willing labourers cannot
+be found to do it, and that at a
+rate of wages reduced by competition.
+Then, again, the most disagreeable
+kind of labour cannot be done
+in a Union-house. And experience
+proves, that the number of such employments
+is extremely limited.<span class="pagenum">[565]</span></p>
+
+<p>There are, however, certain kinds
+of labour that require no exertion of
+skill&mdash;no variety of operation&mdash;and
+consisting of the mechanical and monotonous
+operation of picking, which,
+if performed in the same room during
+a certain number of hours of each
+day, and from day to day, and from
+week to week, will become so sickening
+and wearying, that life with all
+its miseries, doubts, and anxieties,
+and impending starvation, will be
+welcomed in exchange.</p>
+
+<p>This labour women may perform.
+Now, in what way can the men be
+tasked? There are certain kinds of
+mere labour, hard and monotonous,
+such as grinding&mdash;or rather turning
+a handle all day long&mdash;without seeing
+the progress or result of the toil. He
+might also be employed in breaking
+bones. This has been tried, and received
+a check.</p>
+
+<p>But while the conclave are sitting
+in "consultation deep" upon this
+knotty question, let us turn to another
+conclave, and mark their doings.
+They know nothing of the poor-law,
+or paupers. The two authorities are
+separated, the one from the other, by
+a gulf, the depth of which official
+persons alone know. <i>They</i> have to
+do with crime. They have to punish
+the offender. And not only to punish
+the offender who has committed acts
+which require long imprisonment, but
+those also who have committed petty
+offences. Upon this latter subject
+they are engaged. The prisoner
+must be set to work. And then arise
+the old questions, and with the same
+result. What do they determine?</p>
+
+<p>What has been done? Surely the
+two bodies have not each issued the
+same regulations to paupers and prisoners.
+If this be so, the matter
+cannot rest. And that it must be so,
+is obvious from a mere inspection of
+the means which the workhouse master
+and the jailer have at their disposal.
+It is not an oversight or an abuse.
+The data being given, the consequences
+are inevitable. Each conclave
+has separately arrived at nearly the
+same conclusion. In one case a prison
+and a prisoner, and a brief period of
+incarceration is given, with the condition,
+that his punishment shall not
+be so severe as that of the criminal
+deeply dyed in crime; and yet his circumstances
+shall be less desirable than
+those of the independent labourer. In
+the other case, a pauper and a Union-house
+is given; and if the condition
+of the problem be, that the pauper's
+situation shall be less disagreeable
+than that of the independent labourer,
+the solution becomes impossible; and,
+if this latter condition be left out or
+forgotten, the result is, that the prisoner
+and the pauper are in the same
+position. This mode of treating the
+matter has been preferred to that of
+comparing dietaries and labour-tables,
+and to quoting from evidence showing
+the indifference with which the prison
+and the workhouse are regarded by
+the lower class of paupers. Our object
+has been to show that the strict
+workhouse system leads necessarily
+to these evils.</p>
+
+<p>It is argued, on the other side, that
+pauperism has diminished in those
+Unions where the "prohibitory order"
+has been issued; and, in proof thereof,
+we are referred to reports and tables
+showing diminished expenditure.
+A family, with a judicious out-door
+management, would be able to subsist
+with the occasional assistance of
+two, three, or four shillings' worth of
+food weekly. The cost of the family
+in the house would be about 18s.
+weekly; and yet the expenditure in
+the rural Union, where the "prohibitory
+order" is in force, has been reduced.
+No especial reference can now
+be made to the amount of unrelieved
+suffering which this fact discloses.
+Those who decline the order cannot
+now be followed to their homes; nor
+can another incident of this system be
+dwelt upon&mdash;its tendency to reduce
+the standard of wages. The employer
+is likely to get labour cheap, when he
+has a number of unemployed labourers
+to choose from, who have just preferred
+to "live on" in a half-starved
+condition, rather than submit to a
+system of prison discipline. To return
+to the allegation, that pauperism
+has been diminished in those Unions
+where the order is in operation. The
+reply is&mdash;that the statistics do not
+touch the question. They ought to
+be thrown aside as useless, until the
+condition of those who have refused
+to enter the Union walls has been
+ascertained. Have their numbers become
+thinned by the ravages of the<span class="pagenum">[566]</span>
+fever, which their "houseless heads
+and unfed sides" have unfitted them
+to resist? Have they been unable to
+pay their pittance of rent; and is the
+cottage, which was once theirs, now
+falling to decay? Have estates thus
+been thinned without the formality
+and notoriety of a warrant? Have
+the able-bodied left the Union, and
+become wanderers, seeking for an understocked
+labour-market; and, finding
+it not, are they becoming, through
+common lodging-house associations,
+half labourers, half vagrants&mdash;labouring
+to-day, begging to-morrow, and
+stealing the next? Is the inclination
+to wander growing into a passion?
+Are habits of strolling being formed?
+Is he gradually deteriorating to the
+half-savage state? Is this so? A
+great national question is involved.
+The French government know, by
+experience, the importance of a true
+knowledge of "Les Classes Dangereuses."</p>
+
+<p>Now, if any of these applicants
+have become wanderers, or have migrated
+to distant towns where charities
+abound, or have been cut off by
+sickness, or have remained in a state
+of semi-starvation, the statistics would
+remain the same. Besides, these statistics
+embrace two periods; the present
+time, when an extremely rigid
+system of out-door relief is in action;
+and a past time, when the out-door
+management was loose, irregular, and
+rotten; and for the diminution of expenditure,
+arising from a sound system
+of out-door relief, no allowance has
+been made, the whole benefit of the
+economy being referred to the workhouse
+test.</p>
+
+<p>It is probable much of the evil has
+been stayed, from the circumstance
+that the "system" has been carried
+into effect by human agency. A certificate
+of illness from the medical
+officer would exempt the individual
+from the operation of the rule. Now,
+the seeds of disease are oftentimes
+deeply hidden in the bodily frame;
+and the alleged throbbing or shooting
+pain, although the symptoms may not
+be seen, may have an existence, and
+be certified accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>Then the relieving-officer, after relieving
+the case as one of sudden and
+urgent necessity to-day, may see the
+applicant again upon his next visit;
+and knowing that a case is urgent
+after forty-eight hours' fasting, and
+may be considered sudden, if two
+days' work only was obtained when
+four days was expected, he may be
+relieved on the same plea again, and
+again, and again. In point of fact,
+the relief is an allowance.</p>
+
+<p>If this be the practice, a bad mode
+of out-door relief has grown into use,
+the worst peculiarities of the old
+method being involved in it. It is
+irregular, partial, and dependent on
+personal partialities and prejudices;
+and, if persisted in, would revive old
+times, when the overseer gave away,
+in the first place, to the bold, the
+insidious, and the designing, and modest
+merit was left to pick up the
+crumbs.</p>
+
+<p>The result of an inquiry into the
+two other classes into which England
+is parochially divided would probably
+be, that many evils have been removed
+or lessened, that others have
+remained untouched, that much good
+has been secured, and that new abuses
+have crept in.</p>
+
+<p>Take the Union of small parishes.
+An improvement has certainly been
+effected by the Union of these. A city
+or town, because it happened to be composed
+of a large number of small parishes,
+having no perceptible boundaries,
+but, in virtue of ancient usage or
+statute-law, was governed by so many
+independent petty powers. It does not
+require much study to ascertain what
+abuses would be likely to arise, or from
+what quarter they would probably
+come. It is likely that the round of
+petty magnates would be a small and
+cozy party; that a man, the moment
+he became initiated, would begin to
+ascend the ladder of fortune. Jobbery
+would flourish. Such things are not
+peculiar to England. In Spain and
+France they have been matter of observation.
+Read the following extract
+from Fabrice's account of the masters
+he served:&mdash;"Le Seigneur Manuel
+Ordonnez, mon maître, est un homme
+d'une piété profonde. On dit que,
+dès sa jeunesse, n'ayant en vue que
+le <i>bien</i> des pauvres, il s'y est attaché
+avec un zèle infatigable. Aussi ses
+soins ne sont-ils pas demeurés sans
+récompense: tout lui a prospéré.
+Quelle benediction! En faisant les
+affaires des pauvres, il s'est enriché."<span class="pagenum">[567]</span></p>
+
+<p>These abuses belong to the past,
+but their existence should not be forgotten.
+Pauperism would flourish.
+For a system of management, proverbially
+jealous of having its affairs
+exposed to the gaze of the ignorant
+vulgar, could not look with too curious
+an eye into the circumstances of
+those who applied for relief. The
+beadle who flourished in those days
+did not, as some affirm, derive his
+authority from his cocked hat or his
+gilded coat, but from the real power he
+exercised.</p>
+
+<p>The overseers were elected with
+their will, or against it. They often
+served in a perpetual circle. The
+duty of relieving the poor was too
+often left to subordinate irresponsible
+officers, whose duties were neither
+expressed nor recognised. Their most
+arduous task was to keep their superior
+out of hot water. But what
+kind of cases were relieved, and
+under what circumstances, and what
+kind of cases were refused, and under
+what circumstances, is now mere
+matter&mdash;matter of tradition, and will
+become a mystery in the course of a
+few years. Many poor were relieved;
+but the bold, the idle, and the squalid
+had the best chance. Honest, humble
+poverty approached the overseer's
+door with fear and trembling,
+and the slightest rebuff or harsh
+word, which an importune application
+might occasion, would be sufficient to
+make her leave the door unrelieved.
+While the destitute confirmed pauper
+would annoy, insult, and extract relief,
+by the scandal of so much squalid
+destitution lying and crouching about
+the overseer's door.</p>
+
+<p>Now what change has taken place?
+These parishes have been formed into
+Unions. The churchwardens and
+overseers of each parish form part of
+a Board of management. This Board
+of management is completed by the
+addition of a class hitherto unknown
+in parish matters, viz. the guardians
+who are elected from the parishioners,
+on grounds in which wealth, station,
+and public importance are elements.
+All repairs and alterations, and the
+supply of provisions, are subject to
+contract, and open to competition.
+The parish plumber can no longer
+make his fortune by the repair of the
+parish pump. All disbursements
+are recorded, and subjected to rigid
+inspection, and all receipts are duly
+accounted for.</p>
+
+<p>But the poor, how do they fare?
+It is necessary to state, with reference
+to this point, that the peculiar politico-economic
+theories which have had
+such frequent expression in the letters,
+reports, and orders of the Poor-Law
+Commissioners, have also had their
+influence upon all persons connected
+with the administration of relief. The
+idea was, that a severe "house test"
+would nearly destroy pauperism.
+This dream, however, is passing away,
+and a more humane set of opinions
+are being engendered.</p>
+
+<p>The circumstances of a city Union
+are widely different from those of the
+rural Union; and, therefore, many
+suggestions and strictures which have
+been made against the mode of administering
+relief in the latter are
+inapplicable to the former. In the
+rural Union, the chief difficulty is,
+that a long distance must be travelled
+before the application to the relieving-officer
+can be made, and relief obtained.
+And it becomes a matter of
+importance to know to what extent the
+local officers are able to perform their
+duty. In the Union of small parishes,
+these difficulties cannot exist, for the
+whole diameter may be traversed in
+half-an-hour. Then a relief office is
+built. It is situated in a poor neighbourhood.
+It is open a certain
+number of hours in each day; an
+officer is in attendance; and the bread
+and meat, and other kind of food, are
+in the building. These facts are
+known to the poor, to the magistrates,
+and to the police. The individual
+power of the overseer in these little
+parishes falls daily into disuetude.
+The poor man can obtain relief most
+readily at the office. He need not
+wait for the leisure moment of an
+overseer&mdash;deeply engaged in his private
+affairs. The poor know this,
+and do not apply to him. Occasionally
+an application is made to
+an overseer, and if he wish the case to
+be relieved, his most convenient practical
+course, is to submit the case to
+the relieving-officer, by a note, and
+then to put a question to the chairman
+at the next board-day.</p>
+
+<p>It will be found that the evil to be
+apprehended is, that relief in certain<span class="pagenum">[568]</span>
+cases may be too easily obtained, and
+a class of paupers improperly encouraged.
+This, however, does not necessarily
+proceed from the Union, but
+from certain other wise notions respecting
+mendicancy and vagrancy.</p>
+
+<p>A certain part of every workhouse
+is separated from the rest of the
+building, and appropriated to wayfarers.
+Formerly, at the close of day,
+a number of persons usually applied
+to the officers for lodging for the night.
+They were questioned as to their mode
+of livelihood, their object in travelling,
+the distance they had travelled,
+and the route; and these answers
+were tested by any means at hand.
+If the result was satisfactory, they
+were admitted, and allowed to pursue
+their way at an early hour in the
+morning, with an allowance of food.
+If the result was doubtful, or they
+were convicted of deceit, their application
+was either deferred, refused, or
+they were required to do work for the
+relief given. Then questions of age,
+sex, and degrees of health were
+considered. Now, relief precedes
+inquiry; and as these persons are
+relieved but once, no inquiry is
+made, and is in fact impossible. Now,
+if a man appears before an officer apparently
+destitute, he must be relieved
+forthwith. If the man is not relieved,
+the relieving-officer's situation and
+character are in jeopardy. And so
+the workhouse at night has become
+open house to all comers. The wards
+are filled with a strange group of
+beings. The very scum, not of the
+poor, but the vicious, are to be found
+in these wards. The man who attends
+these dens does his duty in the midst
+of revilings and cursings, and at the
+risk of his life. The poor man who
+is really "tramping" in search of
+work, and has not been able to get
+the threepence for his night's lodging,
+has not the benefit of this change.
+Fevers and other contagious diseases
+are likely to be generated and spread.
+Some inquiry has been made into this
+subject, but is by no means exhausted.
+Further inquiry should be made, and
+the connexion between vagrancy and
+a strict workhouse system should not
+be overlooked.</p>
+
+<p>The third class into which the parishes
+and Unions of England have been
+divided in this article, viz. that of
+populous single parishes, differs from
+that which comprises Unions of small
+parishes in but few particulars. These
+parishes are generally very populous,
+and cover a small area. The duty of
+administering relief has always been
+heavy and onerous. The mode of
+management has generally been determined
+by local acts. A board of
+management has always existed. In
+some cases the overseers have been
+elected and paid, because much experience,
+and the devotion of much
+time, is necessary for the due performance
+of the duties. In other
+instances, unpaid overseers hold the
+responsibility, and are assisted by
+subordinate officers. Many of these
+parishes have defied the power of the
+Commissioners, and retained their independent
+authority. The Boards are
+composed of men of standing and
+business habits. They are generally
+well acquainted with the poor, and
+know much better how the relief fund
+should be expended, than those who
+see them only through the imperfect
+media of reports and statistics. Many
+novelties in management, enforced
+on Unions by the Commissioners,
+have been voluntarily adopted, and
+many time-honoured fictions have been
+exploded. In general, the proceedings
+of the Commissioners have not been
+to them satisfactory. The new project
+of district asylums for the reception
+of wayfarers may be given as an
+example.</p>
+
+<p>These parishes, however, should
+not escape the inquiry; and a useful
+direction might be given to it, if the
+subject of classifications in workhouses
+were to be considered in connexion
+with these populous places. Not that
+special evils exist, but because the
+subject of classification on moral
+grounds might be more conveniently
+considered, and more severely tested.</p>
+
+<p>We think that an improved classification
+in workhouses, in which moral
+consideration might be allowed to form
+an element, might be attempted.
+Very decided opinions have been
+expressed to the contrary. It is generally
+believed, and has been declared
+by high authorities, that the poor fund
+is a statutable fund, raised by compulsion,
+for the relief of destitution;
+and, therefore, the statutable purpose
+of the fund has reference only to the<span class="pagenum">[569]</span>
+fact of destitution, and not to moral
+qualities. That this may be true in
+cases of <i>sudden</i> necessity is not denied;
+but with respect to those cases where
+relief is likely to be permanent&mdash;as
+old age&mdash;or in those cases in which
+a period must elapse before the relief
+is withdrawn, the moral character of
+the individual must, and does, form a
+leading circumstance in the treatment.
+It is not said that the fact of giving
+or refusing relief should depend on
+moral considerations, but that the
+mode or manner should be determined
+by them. Take a case. A widow
+with a family, in the first month of
+her widowhood, applies for relief.
+During the first three months of her
+husband's illness, his savings were
+adequate to his necessities. And during
+the last three months, the weekly
+voluntary gathering of his brother
+workmen, or the allowance from his
+club, has sufficed; and he died without
+destitution actually coming to his
+door. His remains have been conveyed
+to the grave; and, with the
+balance of money from the friendly
+society, or trades' club, she has been
+supported to the end of the first
+month of her widowhood.</p>
+
+<p>The other case is also a widow.
+But, as a wife, she was unthrifty and
+drunken, and she has not changed,
+for her sobriety was more than suspected
+on the day of the funeral.
+Here, there are no savings, no donations
+from friends, no allowance from
+a club. Her husband lived and died
+a pauper, was buried as a pauper, and
+his widow has determined to make
+the most of her destitution, and extract
+the utmost farthing from the
+reluctant guardians. Each of these
+cases must be relieved. As regards
+the fact of destitution, the latter case
+is the worst; but the frugal widow
+suffers the greatest deprivation. To
+the common observer, the state of the
+bad is one of pure misery, and the
+state of the other simply quiet, frugal,
+lowliness of condition. The fact,
+however, really is, that the good
+widow suffers the most keenly; and,
+excepting certain little matters of decency
+and cleanliness, is really the
+most destitute. The cry, "What
+will become of my children?" implies
+in itself a large amount of suffering.
+The thought scarcely occurs
+to the mind of the other. The treatment
+of these cases must be, and is
+different; and the difference is founded
+on moral grounds. In one case, if
+the relief were in money, it would be
+instantly transmitted into gin. Relief
+in kind must be resorted to, and
+be given in small quantities, and frequently;
+and even then she must be
+watched, or the bread would never
+reach the mouths of her children. In
+the other case, a liberal allowance in
+money, given in the first month of
+her widowhood, would be expended
+carefully, and if given promptly, before
+her "little home" has been
+broken up, she may be able in a few
+months to insure a livelihood, and
+become independent of the parish.
+These cases represent extremes. There
+is every variety of shade between
+them; and sometimes the case presents
+so mingled a yarn of laziness,
+and bodily weakness, ignorance,
+cunning, and imprudence, that the
+guardians scarcely know the proper
+treatment. Boards of guardians have
+frequently to deal with such cases,
+and do, without expressing it in
+words, dispose of them on moral
+grounds, although those in high places
+may be too much occupied with statistics
+and generalities to be aware of
+the fact.</p>
+
+<p>The question, how far moral considerations
+can be allowed in the
+classification of workhouses, is one of
+difficulty, and all opinions and suggestions
+require to be cautiously and
+guardedly stated. This cannot be
+done now. It may, however, be
+thought that, in suggesting a moral
+classification, we are getting rid of
+some of our objections to the "strict
+workhouse system." We may therefore
+say, that while we think a sound
+system of out-door relief is the preferable
+mode of dealing with poverty
+and pauperism, yet we believe the
+workhouse to be a necessary adjunct.
+Under the most favourable circumstances,
+the Union-house or workhouse
+is a moral pest-house; but,
+in the large manufacturing town
+or populous metropolitan parish, it
+is a necessary evil. In cities, where
+wretchedness is seen in its most
+squalid condition, and where crime
+assumes its most varied and darkest
+hues, there must always be a mul<span class="pagenum">[570]</span>titude
+of human beings whose necessities
+the public charities cannot
+reach. There are diseases which
+hospitals will not admit, because they
+can end only in speedy dissolution,
+or because they are incurable and
+lingering. There are cases, compounded
+of deceit and misery, which
+private charity passes by. There
+are aged men and women who have
+either outlived their children or their
+affection, or who saw them depart
+many years since to foreign lands as
+emigrants, soldiers, sailors, or convicts.
+And there are young children
+whose parents have been cut off by
+fever. There are the children of sin
+and shame. There is the young woman,
+overtaken in her downward
+career by horrible diseases, and who
+is now pitilessly turned from the door
+of her who taught her to sin for money.
+There is the vagrant, the debauched,
+and the criminal, who are approaching
+the end of their career. There are
+those who, by unexpected circumstances,
+have been deprived of a shelter.
+And there are those who will
+not work, who have absconded, and
+whose wives and children are without
+home or food. For all these, and
+many more, an asylum must exist,
+and this asylum is the workhouse.
+Is it quite clear that this collection
+of human beings, representing so many
+varieties of virtue and vice, cannot be
+divided and distributed over the
+building on principles of classification,
+in which other elements than those
+of age, sex, and healthiness might be
+admitted? The subject is worthy of
+full investigation.</p>
+
+<p>The subject of out-door relief might
+also be considered by the committee,
+not so much with a view to ascertain
+the actual mode in which it is dispensed,
+as to obtain suggestions from
+subordinate officers of improvement
+in its administration. The stoker of
+steam-engine can point out defects,
+and suggest simple remedies, which
+might escape the utmost penetration
+and official research of the principal
+engineer. This subject may be most
+conveniently considered under this
+head, because, in populous parishes,
+out-door relief is a prominent feature.
+In many cases, an apparently trivial
+change, which might be treated very
+contemptuously as a mere affair of
+detail, would lead to important reforms.
+In the report upon the Andover
+case, certain stringent remarks
+appear upon the neglect of the relieving-officer
+in not filling up the columns
+in his report-book headed "wages."
+Now, to those engaged in the administration
+of relief, the omission is not
+considered a great fault, it being in
+fact an omission of a mere form.
+Refer to the application and report-book,
+and the pauper description-book,
+prepared by the Commissioners,
+and the use of which <i>is enforced in all
+Unions</i>. They consist in a series of
+narrow columns. Each column is
+headed by an interrogatory, and appears
+to require a very brief answer.
+Refer to the column headed "weekly
+earning," &amp;c. In this column, it is
+the duty of the relieving-officer to
+enter the amount of wages earned by
+the pauper. Now, in most populous
+parishes, the mode of living of those
+who receive relief is so irregular and
+precarious, as to preclude the possibility
+of ascertaining the amount of
+their earnings. The number of carpenters,
+bricklayers, smiths, and masons
+who receive relief is almost incredibly
+few. There are many who style
+themselves carpenters, &amp;c. who have
+no knowledge of the trade. The bulk
+of the relieved poor consists of such
+a group as this&mdash;jobbing-smiths and
+carpenters, who are generally old or unskilful;
+aged men and women, and infirm
+persons, who do certain kinds of
+rough needlework, take care of children
+and sick people. There are cases where
+the head of the family is sickly, and
+whose employ is occasional. There
+are widows who do needlework by
+the piece&mdash;not for tradesmen, but for
+those who have received the work for
+those who received it from the tradesmen.
+There are those who wash and
+charr by the half or quarter of a day.
+There are men who make money-boxes,
+cigar-cases, children's toys,
+list-shoes, and cloth caps, and send
+their wives and children to sell them
+in the streets. If the weather is fine,
+they go singly; if the night be rainy,
+they form a miserable group at the
+corner of great thoroughfares. There
+are men who frequent quays, docks,
+markets, and coach-offices. There are
+those who sell in the streets, fruit,
+vegetables, and fish. There are those<span class="pagenum">[571]</span>
+who sweep crossings, and pick up
+bones, rags, and excrement; and there
+are those who say they do nothing;
+and the most searching inquiry is at
+fault, and yet they appear to thrive.
+In this multitude, there are thousands
+who do not apply for parochial relief
+once in ten years. Now, try to fix
+the wages of those who really compose
+the mass of pauperism in towns.
+Who can conscientiously do it? The
+most correct statement must be erroneous.
+By frequent visitation, the
+officer acquires an intimate knowledge
+of their condition. When the Board
+are disposing of the out-relief cases,
+it is by this knowledge the Board are
+guided. The column of brief answers,
+read by the clerk, are so many algebraic
+symbols to the majority, and
+convey no particular meaning; and
+this explains the conduct of the Andover
+Guardians, which is otherwise
+inexplicable. They must have had
+some data before them in dealing
+with cases, and the earnings of the
+paupers could not possibly be omitted.
+There is no doubt that the report-book
+was tacitly considered as a form
+necessary to be filled up, because there
+were orders to that effect, but as having
+no practical utility. And yet, how
+easily might the evil have been avoided!
+The individual who devised and
+drew up the form should have thought
+less of its statistical completeness, and
+more of its practical use. He should
+have seated himself in the Boardroom,
+while the business of the week
+was being transacted, a silent but
+observant spectator; and then, with
+his mind imbued with the fact, he
+might have drawn up a form of report-book
+which would have been useful,
+statistically and practically. The
+principle of the book would have
+been that of the merchant's ledger,
+in which, upon reference to a particular
+folio, an account of business
+transactions with a person during
+many years may be seen at a glance.
+Its construction would be obvious,
+and its chief feature might be easily
+shown. It would be a book of the
+largest size. Each case would have
+its own double page. On the left
+side, columns, as at present, might
+appear; and on the right would appear
+a most circumstantial account
+of the pauper's circumstances. If
+this page had been commenced in
+1836, and Mary Miles had received
+relief, either continuously or from
+time to time, until 1846, the page
+would probably be filled; and its
+contents being read by the clerk upon
+each appearance of the pauper before
+the Board, a minute account of the
+character and circumstances of the
+case would be disclosed, together with
+the several amounts of relief ordered
+or refused, and the several opinions
+of the Board, as recorded at different
+times, which would enable the Board
+to dispense with the verbal statements
+of the relieving-officer. At present, a
+case, however often relieved, is essentially
+a new one. The Board of
+Guardians is a changing body; the
+individuals composing it may not
+attend regularly; and thus the relieving-officer
+becomes the only person
+conversant with the facts and merits
+of the case, and he is enabled, or
+compelled, to exercise a degree of
+authority or influence which is highly
+inexpedient.</p>
+
+<p>How easily may these and other
+evils be remedied! But how, and by
+whom? This brings us back to our
+starting-point. An inquiry must be
+instituted into the actual working of
+the existing machinery. It must be
+conducted in a sober spirit, and without
+reference to theories; not in a
+reckless spirit of destruction, but of
+improvement. The question is, What
+remedial measures or improvement
+can be adopted in the administration
+of the English Poor-Laws? And if
+this paper has shown any imperfections,
+suggested any improvement, or
+should give the inquiry a useful direction,
+its object would be gained.<span class="pagenum">[572]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="PRUSSIAN_MILITARY_MEMOIRS" id="PRUSSIAN_MILITARY_MEMOIRS"></a>PRUSSIAN MILITARY MEMOIRS.</h2>
+
+
+<blockquote><p><i>Wanderungen eines alten Soldaten</i>, von <span class="smcap">Wilhelm Baron Von Rahden</span>,
+ehemaligem Hauptmann in Königl. Preuss. und Konigl. Niederländ. Diensten,
+designirtem Capitain im Kaiserl. Russ. Generalstabe, zuletzt Brigade-Général im
+Genie-Corps der Spanisch-Carlistischen Armee von Aragon und Valencia. Erster
+Theil. Befreiungs Kreig von 1813, 1814, and 1815. Berlin: 1846.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Military memoirs are a popular
+class of literature. If few non-military
+men make them their chief
+study, still fewer do not upon occasion
+willingly take them up and dip with
+pleasure into their animated pages.
+The meekest and most pacific, those
+in whose composition no spark of the
+belligerent and pugnacious is discernible,
+yet dwell with interest upon
+the strivings, dangers, and exploits
+of more martial spirits. Even the
+softer sex, whilst gracefully shuddering
+at the bloodshed and horrors of
+war, will ofttimes seriously incline to
+read of the disastrous chances, moving
+accidents, and hair-breadth 'scapes
+that checker a soldier's career. The
+poetical and the picturesque of military
+life appeal to the imagination,
+and act as counterpoise to the massacres
+and sufferings that painfully
+shock the feelings. Amidst the wave
+and rustle of silken banners, the glitter
+and clash of steel, the clang of
+the brazen trumpet, and hurra of the
+flushed victor, the blood that buys
+the triumph and soaks the turf vanishes
+or is overlooked; the moans
+of those who die upon the field,
+linger in hospital, or pine in stern
+captivity, are faintly heard, if not
+wholly drowned. The pomp and
+pageantry of war, the high aspirations
+and heroic deeds of warriors, too
+often make us forget the countless
+miseries the strife entails&mdash;the peaceful
+peasant's ravaged homestead, the
+orphan's tears, the widow's desolation.</p>
+
+<p>Although the public mind dwells
+upon military matters less in England
+than in France and Germany, neither
+of these countries has, during the
+thirty years' peace, been more prolific
+than our own in books of a military
+character. We speak not of
+strategical works, but of the pleasant
+and sometimes valuable narratives of
+individual adventure that have flowed
+in abundance from the pens of soldiers
+of every class and grade. Not
+a branch of the service, from the amphibious
+corps of the marines to the
+aristocratic cohorts of the guards, but
+has paid tribute, in many cases a most
+liberal one, to the fund of military
+literature. The sergeant and the
+general, the lieutenant and the lieutenant-colonel,
+the showy hussar and
+the ponderous dragoon, the active
+rifleman and the stately grenadier&mdash;men
+of all ranks and arms&mdash;have, upon
+hanging up the sabre, taken up the
+pen, and laboured more or less successfully
+to add their mite to the
+stores of history and stock of entertainment.
+The change from the excitement
+and bustle of active service
+to the monotony and inertion of peacetime,
+is indeed great, and renders
+occupation essential to stave off
+ennui. In ruder days than the present,
+the dice-box and pottle-pot
+were almost sole resources. In
+the rare intervals of repose afforded
+by a more stirring and warlike age,
+the soldier knew no other remedies,
+against the <i>tædium vitæ</i> that assailed
+him. When "wars were all over, and
+swords were all idle," "the veteran
+grew crusty as he yawned in the
+hall," and he drank. Now it is otherwise.
+Refinement has driven out
+debauchery, and the unoccupied <i>militaire</i>,
+superior in breeding and education
+to his brother in arms of a
+former century, often fills up his leisure
+by telling of the battles, sieges, and
+fortunes he has passed; reciting them,
+not, like Othello, verbally and to win
+a lady's favour, but in more permanent
+black and white, for the instruction
+and amusement of his fellows.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst paying a well-merited
+tribute to the talents of our English
+military authors, we willingly acknowledge
+the claims of men, who,
+<span class="pagenum">[573]</span>although born in another clime, and
+speaking a different tongue, are yet
+allied to us by blood, have fought
+under the same standard, and bled in
+the same cause. One of these, a
+German officer who shared the reverses
+and triumphs of the three
+eventful years, 1813 to 1815, beginning
+at Lutzen and ending with Waterloo,
+has recently published a volume
+of memoirs. It contains much
+of interest, and well deserves a notice
+in our pages.</p>
+
+<p>William Baron von Rahden is a
+native of Silesia. His father, an
+officer in the Prussian service, was
+separated from his wife, after ten
+years' wedlock, by one of those divorces
+so easily procurable in Germany,
+and returned to Courland, his
+native country, leaving his children
+to their mother's care. At the age
+of six years, William, the second son,
+was adopted by a Silesian nobleman,
+a soldier by profession, who had
+served under Frederick the Great,
+and who, although he had long left
+the service, still retained in full force
+his military feelings and characteristics.
+The apartments of his country
+house were hung with portraits of
+his warlike ancestors; the officers of
+the neighbouring garrison were his
+constant guests. Thus it is not surprising
+that young Rahden's first
+associations and aspirations were all
+military, and that he eagerly looked
+forward to the day when he should
+don the uniform and signalise himself
+amongst his country's defenders. His
+wishes were early gratified. When
+only ten years old, he was sent to
+the military school at Kalisch.</p>
+
+<p>The novitiate of a Prussian officer
+at the commencement of the present
+century was a severe ordeal, the road
+to rank any thing but a flowery path,
+and it was often with extreme unwillingness
+that the noble families of
+South Prussia yielded their sons to
+the tender mercies of the Kalisch college.
+The boys had frequently to be
+hunted out in the forests, where,
+through terror of the drill or in obedience
+to their parents, they had
+sought refuge, and when caught they
+were conducted in troops to their destination.
+On reaching the Prosna, a
+little river near Kalisch, they were
+stripped naked, their hair was cut
+close, and they were then driven into
+the water, whence, after a thorough
+washing, they emerged upon the opposite
+bank, there to be metamorphosed
+into Prussian warriors. The same
+operation, with the exception of the
+bath in the Prosna, was undergone
+by the willing recruits. Baron von
+Rahden gives a humorous account
+of the equipment of these infant soldiers,
+and of his own appearance in
+particular.</p>
+
+<p>"The little lad of ten years old,
+broader than he was long, with his
+closely cropped head, upon the hinder
+part of which a bunch of hair was
+left, whereto to fasten a tail eight or
+ten inches long, and with a stiff stock
+over which his red cheeks puffed out
+like cushions, was altogether a most
+comical figure. The old uniform coats
+originally blue, but now all faded and
+threadbare, with facings of a brick-dust
+colour and great leaden buttons,
+never fitted the young bodies to which
+they were allotted; they were always
+either too long and broad, or too narrow
+and short. The same was the
+case with the other portions of the
+uniform, which were handed down
+from one generation of cadets to
+another, without reference to any
+thing but the number affixed to them.
+I got No. 24; I was heir to some
+lanky long-legged urchin, into whose
+narrow garments I had to squeeze my
+unwieldy figure. A yellow waistcoat
+of immoderate length, short white
+breeches, fastened a great deal too
+tight below the knee, grey woollen
+stockings and half-boots, composed the
+costume, which was completed by a
+little three-cornered hat, pressed low
+down over the eyes, with the view of
+imparting somewhat of the stern aspect
+of a veteran corporal to the red
+and white face of the juvenile wearer."</p>
+
+<p>Such was the clothing of Prussia's
+future defenders. Their fare was
+of corresponding quality; abundant,
+but coarse in the extreme. The harsh
+and unswerving enactments of the
+great Frederic had as yet been but
+little amended. Moreover, by the
+system of military economy existing
+in 1804, both food and raiment were
+lawfully made a source of profit to
+the captain of this company of cadets.
+The director of the establishment
+Major Von Berg, was an excellent
+man, zealous for the improvement of
+his pupils, and striving his utmost to<span class="pagenum">[574]</span>
+instil into them a military spirit. Under
+his superintendence strict discipline
+was maintained, and instruction
+advanced apace.</p>
+
+<p>The year 1806 brought the French
+into Prussia. Marshal Ney visited
+Kalisch, and placed a score of cadets
+in the newly-formed Polish regiments.
+In due time the others, as they were
+given to understand, were to be similarly
+disposed of. Young Rahden
+wrote to his adopted father, begging
+to be removed from the college, lest
+he should be made to serve with the
+enemies of his country. But the old
+officer looked further forward than
+the impatient boy; he knew that it
+was no time for the youth of Prussia
+to abandon the military career;
+that the day would come when their
+country would claim their services.
+His reply was prompt, brief, and decided.
+"I will not take you home,"
+he wrote; "for then you will learn
+nothing. Be a Polish or a French
+cadet, I care not; only become an
+honourable soldier, and all that is in
+my power will I do for you. But do
+not come to me like our young officers
+from Jena; for if you do, you will get
+neither bread nor water, but a full
+measure of disgrace. Your faithful
+father, T." This letter made a strong
+impression upon Von Rahden, and he
+nerved himself to endure what he now
+viewed as inevitable. For another
+year he remained at Kalisch, until, in
+December 1807, news came of the
+approach of Prince Ferdinand of Pless,
+who had thrown himself, with a few
+thousand men, between the French
+army, then on its march to Poland,
+and the Bavarians and Wurtembergers
+under Jerome Buonaparte. This
+intelligence caused universal alarm in
+the college of Kalisch, now become
+French.</p>
+
+<p>"On the broad road in front of
+our barracks, large bodies of Polish
+boors, in coarse linen frocks, were
+drilled for the service of Napoleon by
+officers in Prussian uniforms; certainly
+a singular mixture. At the cry&mdash;'The
+Prussians are coming!' they all
+ran away, the officers the very first,
+and this might have given me an
+inkling of the reasons and motives of
+my father's severe letter. Under
+cover of the general confusion, a
+Prussian artilleryman muffled me and
+six other Silesian cadets in the linen
+frocks of the recruits, and hurried us
+off through field and forest, over bog
+and sand, to the Prince of Pless,
+whom we fell in with after thirty-six
+hours' wanderings. We were all weary
+to death. Nevertheless, five of my
+companions were immediately placed
+amongst the troops, who continued
+their route without delay; only myself
+and a certain Von M&mdash;&mdash;, still
+younger than me, were left behind,
+as wholly unable to proceed. Of what
+passed during the next six weeks, I
+have not the slightest recollection. I
+afterwards learned that I had been
+seized with a violent nervous fever,
+the result of fatigue and excitement,
+and that I was discovered by a Bavarian
+officer in a Jew tavern near
+Medzibor, close to the frontier. The
+uniform beneath my smock-frock, and
+a small pocket-book, told my name
+and profession, and under a flag of
+truce I was sent into Breslaw, then
+besieged, to my mother, whom I had
+not seen for seven years."</p>
+
+<p>After two years passed in idleness,
+young Von Rahden was attached as
+bombardier to the artillery at Glatz,
+and found himself under the command
+of a certain Lieutenant Holsche, an
+officer of impetuous bravery, but
+somewhat rough and hasty, and apt
+to show slight respect to his superiors.
+At that time, 1809, the Duke of
+Brunswick was recruiting at Nachod
+in Bohemia, within two German
+miles of Glatz, his famous black corps,
+the death's-head and <i>memento mori</i>
+men&mdash;the Corps of Revenge, as it was
+popularly called in Germany. Numbers
+of Prussians, officers of all arms,
+left their homes in Silesia, where they
+vegetated on a scanty half-pay, to
+swell his battalions; and even from
+the garrison of Glatz officers and
+soldiers daily deserted to him, eager
+to exchange inaction for activity.
+Subsequently, many of these were
+tried and severely punished for their
+infringement of discipline, and over-eagerness
+in the cause of oppressed
+Germany, but the year 1813 again
+found them foremost in the ranks of
+their country's defenders.</p>
+
+<p>On a certain morning, subsequent
+to Von Rahden's arrival at Glatz, the
+young artillery cadets were assembled
+on the parade-ground outside the gates
+of the fortress, and went through
+their exercise with four light guns,<span class="pagenum">[575]</span>
+drawn, as was then the custom, by
+recruits instead of horses. Holsche,
+who was also known as the "Straw-bonnet"
+commandant, from his desperate
+defence of a detached work of
+the fort of Silberberg, which bore
+that name, was present. Although
+usually free and jocose with his subordinates,
+on that day he was grave
+and preoccupied, and twisted his black
+mustache with a thoughtful air. It
+was an oppressive and stormy morning,
+and distant thunder mingled
+with the sound of cannon, which the
+wind brought over from Bohemia.</p>
+
+<p>"By a succession of marches and
+flank movements, Holsche took us
+through the river Neisse, which flowed
+at the extremity of the parade-ground,
+and was then almost dry.
+We proceeded across the country, and
+finally halted in a shady meadow.
+Here the word of command brought
+us round the lieutenant, who addressed
+us in a suppressed voice:&mdash;'Children,'
+said he, pointing towards
+Bohemia, 'yonder will I lead you;
+there you will be received with open
+arms. There, horses, not men, draw
+the guns, and many of you will be
+made sergeants and even officers.
+Will you follow me?' A loud and
+unanimous hurra was the reply. For
+a quarter of an hour on we went,
+over hedge and ditch, at a rapid pace.
+A heavy rain soaked the earth and
+rendered it slippery, the wheels of the
+gun-carriages cut deep into the ground,
+until we panted and nearly fell from
+our exertions to get them along. Suddenly
+the word was given to halt.
+'Boys,' cried the lieutenant, 'many
+of you are heartily sick of this work;
+that I plainly see. Listen, therefore!
+I will not have it said that I compelled
+or over-persuaded any one.
+He who chooses may return, not to
+the town, but home to his mother.
+You children, in particular,' he added,
+stepping up to the first gun, to which
+five young lads, of whom I was the
+least, were attached as bombardiers,
+'you children <i>must</i> remain behind.'
+Against this decision we all protested.
+We would not go back, we screamed
+at the top of our voices. Holsche
+seemed to reflect. After a short pause,
+the tallest and stoutest fellow in the
+whole battery came to the front, and
+in a voice broken by sobs, begged the
+lieutenant to let him go home to his
+mother. 'Oho!' shouted Holsche,
+'have I caught you, you buttermilk
+hero? Boys!' he continued, addressing
+himself to all of us, 'how could
+you believe that my first proposal
+was a serious one? I only wished to
+ascertain how many cowards there
+were amongst you. Thank God, there
+is but one! Help me to laugh at the
+fellow!' A triple shout of laughter
+followed the command; then 'Right
+about' was the word, and in an
+hour's time, weary and wet through,
+we were again in our barracks."</p>
+
+<p>The pluck and hardihood displayed
+on this occasion by the boy-bombardier
+won the favour of Holsche,
+who took him into the society of the
+officers, gave him private lessons in
+mathematics, and did all he could to
+bring him forward in his profession.
+But, soon afterwards, Rahden's destination
+was altered, and, instead of
+continuing in the artillery, he was
+appointed to the second regiment of
+Silesian infantry, now the eleventh of
+the Prussian line. In this regiment
+he made his first campaigns, and
+served for nearly twenty years. In
+the course of the war he frequently
+fell in with his friend Holsche, and
+we shall again hear of that eccentric
+but gallant officer.</p>
+
+<p>The year 1813 found Von Rahden,
+then nineteen years of age, holding a
+commission as second lieutenant in
+the regiment above named, and indulging
+in brilliant day-dreams, in
+which a general's epaulets, laurel
+crowns, and crosses of honour, made
+a conspicuous figure. But a very
+small share of these illusions was destined
+to realisation. For the time,
+however, and until experience dissipated
+them, they served to stimulate
+the young soldier to exertion, and to
+support him under hardship and suffering.
+Such stimulus, however, was
+scarcely needed. The hour was come
+for Germany to start from her long
+slumber of depression, and to send
+forth her sons, even to the very last,
+to victory or death. The disasters of
+the French in Russia served as signal
+for her uprising.</p>
+
+<p>"The great events which the fiery
+sign in the heavens (the comet of
+1811) was supposed to forerun, came
+to pass in the last months of the following
+year. The French bulletin of
+the 5th December 1812, announced<span class="pagenum">[576]</span>
+the terrible fate of the Grande Armée,
+and removed the previously existing
+doubt, whether it were possible to
+humble the invincible Emperor and
+his presumptuous legions. It was a
+sad fate for veteran soldiers, grown
+grey in the harness, to be frozen to
+death, or, numbed and unable to use
+their weapons, to be defencelessly
+murdered. Such was the lot of the
+French, and although they were then
+our bitterest foes, to-day we may well
+wish that they had met a death more
+suitable to brave men. At Malo-Jaroslawetz,
+at Krasnoi, and by the
+Beresina, whole battalions of those
+frozen heroes were shot down, unable
+to resist. Do the Russians still commemorate
+such triumphs? Hardly,
+one would fain believe. No man of
+honour, in our sense of the word,
+would now command such massacres;
+for only when our foes are in full possession
+of their physical and moral
+strength, is victory glorious. But at
+that time I lacked the five-and-thirty
+years' experience that has enabled me
+to arrive at these conclusions; I was
+almost a child, and heartily did I rejoice
+that the whole of the Grande
+Armée was captured, slain, or frozen.
+The joy I felt was universal, if that
+may serve my excuse.</p>
+
+<p>"Like some wasted and ghastly
+spectre, hung around with rags, its
+few rescued eagles shrouded in crape,
+the remains of the great French army
+recrossed the German frontier. Sympathy
+they could scarce expect in Germany;
+pity they found, and friendly
+arms and fostering care received the
+unfortunates. So great a mishap
+might well obliterate hostile feelings;
+and truly, it is revolting to read, in
+the publications of the time, that 'at
+N&mdash;&mdash; or B&mdash;&mdash; the patriotic inhabitants
+drove the French from their doors,
+refusing them bread and all refreshment.'
+Then, however, I rejoiced at
+such barbarity, which appeared to me
+quite natural and right. One thing
+particularly astonished me; it was,
+that amongst the thirty thousand
+fugitives, there were enough marshals,
+generals, and staff-officers to supply
+the whole army before its reverses.
+Either they had better horses to
+escape upon, or better cloaks and
+furs to wrap themselves in; thus not
+very conscientiously fulfilling the duty
+of every officer, which is to share, in
+all respects, the dangers and fatigues
+of his subordinates."<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a></p>
+
+<p>The hopes and desires of every
+Prussian were now concentrated on
+one single object&mdash;the freedom of the
+Fatherland. Breslaw again became
+the focus of the whole kingdom.
+From all sides thousands of volunteers
+poured in, and the flower of
+Prussia's youth joyfully exchanged
+the comforts and superfluities of home
+for the perils and privations of a campaigner's
+life. Universities and schools
+were deserted; the last remaining son
+buckled on hunting-knife and shouldered
+rifle and went forth to the
+strife, whilst the tender mother and
+anxious father no longer sought to
+restrain the ardour of the Benjamin
+of their home and hearts. All were
+ready to sacrifice their best and dearest
+for their country's liberation. Women
+became heroines; men stripped
+themselves of their earthly wealth for
+the furtherance of the one great end.
+In Breslaw the enthusiasm was at the
+hottest. In an idle hour, Von Rahden
+had sauntered to the college, the Aula
+Leopoldina, and stood at an open
+window listening to a lecture on anthropology,
+delivered by a young, but
+already celebrated professor. Little
+enough of the learned discourse was
+intelligible to the juvenile lieutenant,
+but still he listened, when suddenly
+the stillness in the school was broken
+by the clang of wind instruments.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[577]</span></p>
+<p>The people shouted joyful hurras,
+casements were thrown open, and
+thronged with women waving their
+handkerchiefs. Professor and scholars
+hurried to the windows and
+into the street. What had happened?
+It was soon known. A score
+of couriers, blowing furious blasts
+upon their small post-horns, dashed
+through the town-gates, and the next
+instant a shout of "War! War!"
+burst from ten thousand throats. The
+couriers brought intelligence of the alliance
+just contracted at Kalisch between
+the Emperor Alexander and
+the King of Prussia.</p>
+
+<p>When the clamour and rejoicing
+amongst the students had a little
+subsided, their teacher again addressed
+them. All were silent. Twisting
+a small silver pencil-case between his
+thin fingers, he began as follows:
+"My young friends! It would be
+difficult to resume the thread of a
+lecture thus abruptly broken by the
+sound of the war-trumpet. At this
+moment our country demands of
+us other things than a quiet abode
+in the halls of study. I propose to
+you, therefore, that we all, without
+exception, at once join the
+ranks of our country's defenders,
+and henceforward wield the sword
+instead of the pen." This patriotic
+proposal was received with joyous
+applause. Professor Steffens and
+hundreds of his hearers left the lecture-room,
+exchanged the university
+gown for the uniform, and from that
+day were the pith and marrow of the
+black band of Lutzow. It is matter
+of history how Henry Steffens, at the
+head of his wild Jägers, greatly distinguished
+himself in the field, won
+the Iron Cross, and by his animated
+eloquence and noble example, drew
+thousands of brave defenders around
+the standard of German independence.
+Thirty-two years later, at
+Berlin, Baron von Rahden followed
+his mortal remains to their last resting-place.</p>
+
+<p>Other examples of devotion, less
+known but not less touching, are cited
+in the volume before us. When the
+King of Prussia's celebrated proclamation
+"<span class="smcap">To my People</span>," had raised
+German enthusiasm to its highest
+pitch, and the noble-hearted women
+of Silesia sent their jewels to the public
+treasury, replacing them by iron
+ornaments, a young girl at Breslaw,
+who had nothing of value to contribute,
+cut off the luxuriant golden
+tresses that adorned her graceful head,
+and sold them, that she might add her
+mite to the patriotic fund. The purchaser
+gave a high price, but yet
+made an enormous profit; for no sooner
+was the story known, than hundreds
+of those then arming for the fight flew
+to obtain a golden hair-ring, to wear
+as a talisman in the battle-field. This
+heroine, Baron von Rahden believes,
+was a Fraulein von Scheliha, a name
+noted in the annals of Prussian patriotism.
+The three sons of a Herr
+von Scheliha, officers in various regiments,
+fell in the campaign of 1813.
+Their mother and only sister died of
+broken hearts, and the father, bowed
+down under his grief, sold his estate
+and country-house, which now only
+served to remind him of his losses.
+The King of Prussia sent him the
+Iron Cross; and that and the sympathy
+of all who knew his sad history, were
+the only remaining consolations of
+the bereaved old man. A Silesian
+count, named Reichenbach, wrote to
+the King in the following terms: "If
+it please your majesty to allow me, I
+will send five thousand measures of
+corn and my draught oxen to the
+military stores for rations, and my
+best horses to the &mdash;&mdash; regiment of
+cavalry; I will equip all the men on
+my estates capable of bearing arms,
+and they shall join the &mdash;&mdash; regiment
+of infantry, and I will pay ten thousand
+thalers into the military chest.
+For my three sons I crave admission
+into the army as volunteers. And,
+finally, I humbly implore of your majesty
+that I myself; who, although
+advanced in years, am strong and
+willing, may be permitted to march
+by their side, to teach then to fight
+and, if needs be, to die. Meanwhile,
+my wife and daughters shall remain at
+home to prepare lint, sew bandages,
+and nurse the sick and wounded."</p>
+
+<p>A Major Reichenbach commanded
+Von Rahden's battalion, and under
+his guidance the young lieutenant
+first smelled powder. It was at
+Lutzen, a bloody fight, and no bad
+initiation for an unfledged soldier.
+Although modest and reserved when
+speaking of his own exploits, it is not
+difficult to discern that on this, as on
+many subsequent occasions, the baron<span class="pagenum">[578]</span>
+bore himself right gallantly. At eleven
+o'clock the army of the Allies stood
+in order of battle, Von Rahden's battalion,
+which formed part of General
+Kleist's division, in the centre, and
+well to the front. At a distance of
+six or eight hundred paces, the hostile
+masses moved to and fro, alternately
+enveloped in clouds of dust, and disappearing
+behind trees and houses.
+The fight began with artillery. "The
+first round-shot whizzed close over
+the heads of the battalion, and buried
+itself in the ground a few hundred
+paces in our rear. A second immediately
+followed, carrying away a few
+bayonets and the drum-major's cane.
+Each time the whole battalion, as if
+by word of command, bobbed their
+heads, and the men pressed closer together.
+In front of us sat our commandant,
+Count Reichenbach, reining
+in his splendid English roan, which
+snorted and curveted with impatience.
+The count had not bowed his head;
+he had made the Rhine campaigns,
+and a cannon-ball was nothing new
+to him. He turned to the battalion,
+slapping his leg with his right hand,
+whilst a comical twitching of his nose
+and at the corner of his mouth betrayed
+his discontent. 'Men!' said
+he, 'balls that whistle do not hit, so
+it is useless to fear them. Henceforward,
+let no one dare to stoop.'
+Hardly had the words left his lips
+when a third shot passed close over
+his head and dashed into the battalion.
+This time very few made the
+respectful salutation which had occasioned
+the count's reproof, but astonishment
+and horror were visible on
+every countenance when we saw our
+dear comrades struck down by our
+side.</p>
+
+<p>"After an hour's cannonade the infantry
+advanced. Skirmishers were
+thrown out, and the musketry came
+into play; and truly, often as I have
+been in action, such firing as at
+Lutzen I never since heard. From
+about mid-day till nine at night, one
+uninterrupted roll; not even for a
+moment were single shots to be distinguished.
+My old comrades will
+bear witness to the truth of this.</p>
+
+<p>"Our light company hastened forward
+as skirmishers, Lieutenant
+Merkatz led them on, and, with
+waving sword and a joyful shout,
+rushed towards the foe, full a hundred
+paces in front of his men. Soon
+the wounded straggled, and were carried
+past us by dozens&mdash;amongst
+others Anselme, captain of the company.
+A rifle-ball had shattered his
+right shoulder. When I saw him,
+twenty-five years later, as a general,
+he still carried his arm in a sling,
+fragments of bone frequently came
+away, and his sufferings were very
+great. Such wounds as his no gold,
+or title, or decorations can repay;
+in the consciousness of having done
+one's duty the only compensation is
+to be found."</p>
+
+<p>Von Rahden was soon called upon
+to replace a wounded officer, and he
+hurried to the front. Before he
+reached the skirmishers, he met the
+dead body of the young prince of
+Hesse-Homburg, who served as staff-officer
+in the first regiment of Silesian
+infantry. He had entered action as
+he would have gone to parade, in full
+dress, with a star upon his breast, and
+wearing all the insignia of his rank.
+General Ziethen remonstrated with
+him on the imprudence of thus rendering
+himself a conspicuous mark,
+but he was deaf to the warning, and
+refused to take off his star. "This,"
+said he, "is the soldier's most glorious
+parade-ground." The next moment
+a ball struck him, and he fell
+mortally wounded from his horse.</p>
+
+<p>We shall not follow Baron Von
+Rahden through the bloody day of
+Lutzen, in the course of which he received
+a wound, not sufficiently severe,
+however, to compel him to leave the
+field. Neither of that action, nor of
+any subsequent one, does he give a
+general account, but professes merely
+to relate what he himself saw. As a
+subaltern officer, his sphere of observation
+was, of course, very limited.
+He recites his own adventures and
+the proceedings of his battalion, or,
+at most, of the division to which it
+was attached, and is careful to
+name those officers who particularly
+distinguished themselves. He
+urges the surviving veterans of those
+eventful campaigns to follow his example,
+and publish their reminiscences,
+as a means of rescuing from unmerited
+oblivion the names of many who
+especially signalised themselves whilst
+defending the holy cause of German
+independence. It was a period prolific
+in heroes; and if the man&oelig;uvres<span class="pagenum">[579]</span>
+and discipline of the Prussian army
+had been more in proportion with the
+gallant spirit that animated the majority
+of its members, doubtless the
+struggle would have been briefer. As
+it was, the campaign of 1813 opened
+with a reverse which it was vainly
+endeavoured to cloak by mendacious
+bulletins. "The nobly fought and
+gloriously won action of Gross-Gröschen,"
+said the official accounts of the
+battle of Lutzen. But stubborn facts
+soon refuted the well-intended but injudicious
+falsehoods, propounded to
+maintain the moral courage of the
+nation. The French entered Dresden,
+driving out the rear-guard of the
+retreating Allies, who, on the evening
+of the 12th of May, established their
+camp, or rather their bivouac, for
+tents they had none, near Bautzen,
+and fortified their position by intrenchments
+and redoubts. On the
+20th the fight began; 28,000 Prussians
+and 70,000 Russians, so says the
+baron, against 150,000 French. A
+large disproportion; and, moreover,
+the troops of the Allies were not made
+the most of by their commanders.
+General Kleist's corps, consisting of
+but 5000 men, was left from ten in the
+morning till late in the afternoon to
+defend itself unassisted against over-powering
+numbers of the French.
+And most gallant their defence was.
+They fought before the eyes of both
+armies, on the heights of Burk, which
+served as a stage for the exhibition of
+their courage, and of the calm skill of
+their commander. Von Rahden records
+the fact, that the Emperor
+Alexander sent several times to Kleist
+to express his praise and admiration;
+and that his last message was, that
+he could kiss Kleist's feet (a thorough
+Russian testimony of respect) for his
+splendid behaviour with the advanced
+guard. At length large bodies of the
+French having moved up to support
+the assailants, a reinforcement was
+sent to Kleist to cover his retreat. It
+consisted of Von Rahden's battalion,
+which, on the retrograde movement
+being commenced, was for some time
+completely isolated, and bore the
+whole brunt of the fight. Orders
+were given to clear a corn-field which
+afforded shelter to the enemy. Here
+is a spirited description of the fight
+that ensued.</p>
+
+<p>"I led the skirmishes of the first
+and second company. We entered the
+field, and instantly found ourselves
+within fifteen or twenty paces of the
+French marines, whom Napoleon had
+attached to the army, and whom we
+recognised by the red lace on their
+shakos. We were so near each
+other, that when our opponents fired
+I felt the heat of the burnt powder.
+The battalion was about fifty paces
+behind us, but on rather higher ground.
+It deployed into line, and fired a volley
+over our heads, which some of the
+bullets missed by a trifle. A very
+unpleasant sensation and critical moment;
+and many of my men showed
+an eagerness to get out of this double
+fire, or at least to shelter themselves
+from it as much as possible. The
+bugler tried to run; I caught him
+by the coat skirt, and ordered him
+to sound the assembly, meaning to
+retire with my skirmishers to the right
+flank of the battalion. He obeyed,
+clapped his bugle to his lips, and began
+a quavering call. Suddenly the sounds
+ceased, and the bugler fell backwards,
+spitting and sputtering with his mouth,
+stamping and striking out with his
+feet and hands; then, jumping up,
+he ran off like a madman. A bullet
+had entered the sound-hole of his
+bugle. At the same moment I felt a
+hard rap on the right hip, and was
+knocked down. It was a canister-shot;
+the blood poured out in streams,
+and, before I could join the battalion,
+my boot was full of it. My comrades
+were hard at work; after a few volleys,
+they kept up an incessant file-fire.
+They were drawn up in line, only two
+deep, the third rank having been taken
+for skirmishers. Luckily the enemy
+had no cavalry at hand, or it would
+have been all up with us, for we should
+never have been able to form a square.
+It was all that the officers and serrafiles
+could do to keep the men in their
+places. The French infantry surrounded
+us on three sides, but they
+kept behind the hedges, and amongst
+the high corn, and showed no disposition
+to come to close quarters, when
+the bayonet and but-end would have
+told their tale. On the other hand,
+from the adjacent heights the artillery
+mowed us down with their canister.
+The fight lasted about an hour; half
+a one more, and to a certainty we
+should all have been annihilated or
+prisoners, for we were wholly unsup<span class="pagenum">[580]</span>ported.
+Sporschil and other writers
+have said that Blucher sent General
+Kleist a reinforcement of three thousand
+infantry. To that I reply that
+our battalion was at most six hundred
+strong, and I did not see another infantry
+soldier in the field. The other
+troops had retired far across the plain.
+Suddenly the earth shook beneath our
+feet, and two magnificent divisions of
+Russian cuirassiers charged to the
+rescue. The French infantry sought
+the shelter of their adjacent battery,
+and we retreated wearily and slowly
+towards our lines. The sun, which
+had shone brightly the whole day, had
+already set when we reached a small
+village, and again extended our skirmishers
+behind the walls and hedges.
+Once more the earth trembled; and,
+with unusual rapidity for an orderly
+retreat, back came the brilliant cuirassiers,
+with bloody heads, and in
+most awful confusion. The French
+infantry and artillery had given them
+a rough reception. A few hostile
+squadrons followed, and, as soon as
+the Russians were out of the way,
+I opened fire with my skirmishers;
+but I was ordered to cease, for the
+distance was too great, and it was
+mere waste of ammunition."</p>
+
+<p>Von Rahden's hurt was but a flesh
+wound, and did not prevent his sharing
+in the next day's fight, and in the
+retreat which concluded it. He was
+then obliged to go into hospital, and
+only on the last day of June rejoined
+his regiment in cantonments between
+Strehlen and Breslaw. At the latter
+town he visited his mother. She had
+mourned his death, of which she had
+received a false account from a soldier
+of his regiment, who had seen him
+struck down by a bullet at Lutzen,
+and had himself been wounded and
+carried from the field before Von
+Rahden regained consciousness and
+rejoined his corps.</p>
+
+<p>The truce which, during the summer
+of 1813, afforded a brief repose to the
+contending armies, was over, and the
+cause of the Allies strengthened by the
+accession of Austria. Hostilities recommenced;
+and on the 27th August
+we find our young lieutenant again
+distinguishing himself, at the head of
+his sharpshooters, in the gardens of
+Dresden. Several wet days, bad quarters,
+and short commons, had pulled
+down the strength and lowered the
+spirits of the Allied troops. Exhausted
+and discouraged, they showed little
+appetite for the bloody banquet to
+which they were invited. Suddenly
+a hurra, but no very joyous one, ran
+through the ranks. The soldiers had
+been ordered to utter it, in honour of
+the Emperor Alexander and King of
+Prussia, who now, with their numerous
+and brilliant staff, rode along the
+whole line of battle, doubtless with the
+intention of raising the sunken spirits
+of the men. Close in front of the
+baron's battalion the two monarchs
+halted; and there it was that General
+Moreau was mortally wounded, at
+Alexander's side, by a French cannon-shot.
+The following details of his
+death are from the work of a well-known
+Russian military author, General
+Michailefski-Danielefski:&mdash;"Moreau
+was close to the Emperor
+Alexander, who stood beside an Austrian
+battery, against which the French
+kept up a heavy fire. He requested
+the Russian sovereign to accompany
+him to another eminence, whence a
+better view of the battle-field was obtainable.
+'Let your majesty trust
+to my experience,' said Moreau, and
+turning his horse, he rode on, the
+emperor following. They had proceeded
+but a few paces, when a cannon-ball
+smashed General Moreau's
+right foot, passed completely through
+his horse, tore away his left calf, and
+injured the knee. All present hurried
+to assist the wounded man. His first
+words, on recovering consciousness,
+were&mdash;'I am dying; but how sweet
+it is to die for the right cause, and
+under the eyes of so great a monarch!'
+A litter was formed of Cossack lances;
+Moreau was laid upon it, wrapped
+in his cloak, and carried to Koitz, the
+nearest village. There he underwent,
+with the courage and firmness of a
+veteran soldier, the amputation of both
+legs. The last bandage was being fastened,
+when two round-shot struck
+the house, and knocked down a corner
+of the very room in which he lay. He
+was conveyed to Laun, in Bohemia,
+and there died, on the 2d of September.
+Such was the end of the hero of
+Hohenlinden."</p>
+
+<p>General Michailofski, it must be
+observed, has been accused by Sporschil
+of stretching the truth a little,
+when by so doing he could pay a
+compliment to his deceased master.<span class="pagenum">[581]</span>
+The adulatory words which he puts
+into Moreau's mouth, may therefore
+never have been uttered by that unfortunate
+officer. Some little inexactitudes
+in the account above quoted
+are corrected by Captain Von Rahden.
+Moreau's litter was composed of muskets,
+and not of lances; he was taken
+to Räcknitz, and not to Koitz; and so
+forth. Upon the 2d of September,
+Von Rahden and eighteen other Prussian
+officers, stood beside the bed
+whereon Moreau had just expired,
+and divided amongst them a black
+silk waistcoat that had been worn by
+the deceased warrior. "I still treasure
+up my shred of silk," says the
+baron, "as a soldierly relic, and as I
+should a tatter of a banner that had
+long waved honourably aloft, and at
+last tragically fallen. In these days
+few care about such memorials, and a
+railway share is deemed more valuable.
+Practically true; but horribly
+unpoetical!"</p>
+
+<p>In 1813, one battle followed hard
+upon the heels of the other. It was
+a war of giants, and small breathing-time
+was given. The echoes of
+the fight had scarcely died away at
+Dresden, when they were reawakened
+in the fertile vale of Toeplitz. The
+action of Kulm was a glorious one for
+the Allies. On the first day, the 29th
+of August, the Russians, under Ostermann
+Tolstoy, reaped the largest
+share of laurels; on the 30th, Kleist
+and the Prussians nobly distinguished
+themselves. The latter, after burning
+their baggage, made a forced march
+over the mountains, and fell upon the
+enemy's rear on the afternoon of the
+second day's engagement. Here Von
+Rahden was again opposed to his old
+and gallant acquaintances the French
+marines, who, refusing to retreat, were
+completely exterminated. The action
+over, his battalion took up a position
+near Arbesau, with their front towards
+Kulm. On the opposite side of the
+road a Hungarian regiment was drawn
+up.</p>
+
+<p>"The sun had set, and distant objects
+grew indistinct in the twilight,
+when we suddenly saw large masses
+of troops approach us. These were
+the French prisoners, numbering, it
+was said, eight or ten thousand. First
+came General Vandamme, on horseback,
+his head bound round with a
+white cloth: a Cossack's lance had
+grazed his forehead. Close behind
+him were several generals, (Haxo and
+Guyot;) and then, at a short interval,
+came twenty or thirty colonels and
+staff-officers. On the right of these
+marched an old iron-grey colonel, with
+two heavy silver epaulets projecting
+forwards from under his light-blue
+great-coat, the cross of the Legion of
+Honour on his breast, a huge chain
+with a bunch of gold seals and keys
+dangling from his fob. He had been
+captured by very forbearing foes, and
+he strode proudly and confidently
+along. He was about ten paces from
+the head of our battalion, which was
+drawn up in column of sections, when
+suddenly three or four of our Hungarian
+neighbours leaped the ditch, and
+one of them, with the speed of light,
+snatched watch and seals from the
+French colonel's pocket. Captain Von
+Korth, who commanded our No. 1
+company, observed this, sprang forward,
+knocked the blue-breeched
+Hungarians right and left, took the
+watch from them, and restored it
+to its owner. The latter, with the
+ease of a thorough Frenchman,
+offered it, with a few obliging words,
+to Captain Von Korth, who refused
+it by a decided gesture, and hastened
+back to his company. All this
+occurred whilst the French prisoners
+marched slowly by, and the captain
+had not passed the battalion more
+than ten or fifteen paces, when he
+turned about, and with the cry of
+"<i>Vive le brave capitaine Prussien!</i>"
+threw chain and seals into the middle
+of our company. The watch he had
+detached and put in his pocket. Von
+Korth offered ten and even fifteen
+<i>louis d'ors</i> for the trinkets, but could
+never discover who had got them;
+whoever it was, he perhaps feared to
+be compelled to restore them without
+indemnification."</p>
+
+<p>"The Emperor Alexander received
+Vandamme, when that general was
+brought before him as prisoner, with
+great coolness, but nevertheless promised
+to render his captivity as light
+as possible. Notwithstanding that
+assurance, Vandamme was sent to
+Siberia. On his way thither, the proud
+and unfeeling man encountered many
+a hard word and cruel taunt, the which
+I do not mean to justify, although he
+had richly earned them by his numerous
+acts of injustice and oppres<span class="pagenum">[582]</span>sion.
+In the spring of 1807, he had
+had his headquarters in the pretty
+little town of Frankenstein in Silesia,
+and, amongst various other extortions,
+had compelled the authorities to supply
+him with whole sackfuls of the
+delicious red filberts which grow in
+that neighbourhood. When, upon his
+way to the frozen steppes, he chanced
+to halt for a night in this same town
+of Frankenstein, the magistrates sent
+him a huge sack of his favourite nuts,
+with a most submissive message, to
+the effect that they well remembered
+his Excellency's partiality to filberts,
+and that they begged leave to offer
+him a supply, in hopes that the cracking
+of them might beguile the time,
+and occupy his leisure in Siberia."</p>
+
+<p>At Kulm the captain of Von Rahden's
+company was slain. He had
+ridden up to a French column, taking
+it, as was supposed, for a Russian one,
+and was killed by three of the enemy's
+officers before he found out his mistake.
+Each wound was mortal; one
+of his assailants shot him in the breast,
+another drove his sword through his
+body, and the third nearly severed
+his head from his shoulders with a
+sabre-cut. The day after the battle,
+before sunrise, Von Rahden awakened
+a non-commissioned officer and three
+men, and went to seek and bury the
+corpse. It was already stripped of
+every thing but the shirt and uniform
+coat; they dug a shallow grave under
+a pear-tree, and interred it. The
+mournful task was just completed
+when a peasant came by. Von Rahden
+called him, showed him the captain's
+grave, and asked if he might
+rely upon its not being ploughed up.
+"Herr Preusse," was the answer, "I
+promise you that it shall not; for the
+ground is mine, and beneath this tree
+your captain shall rest undisturbed."
+The promise was faithfully kept. In
+August 1845, the baron revisited the
+spot. The tree still stood, and the
+soldier's humble grave had been respected.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst wandering over the field of
+battle, followed by Zänker, his sergeant,
+Von Rahden heard a suppressed
+moaning, and found amongst the
+brushwood, close to the bank of a little
+rivulet, a sorely wounded French soldier.
+The unfortunate fellow had been
+hit in three or four places. One ball
+had entered behind his eyes, which
+projected, bloody and swollen, from
+their sockets, another had shattered
+his right hand, and a third had broken
+the bones of the leg. He could neither
+see, nor move, nor die; he lay in the
+broad glare of the sun, parched with
+thirst, listening to the ripple of the
+stream, which he was unable to reach.
+In heart-rending tones he implored a
+drink of water. Six-and-thirty hours
+had he lain there, he said, suffering
+agonies from heat, and thirst, and
+wounds. "In an instant Zänker threw
+down his knapsack, filled his canteen,
+and handed it to the unhappy Frenchman,
+who drank as if he would never
+leave off. When at last satisfied, he
+said very calmly, 'Stop, friend! one
+more favour; blow my brains out!'
+I looked at Zänker, and made a sign
+with my hand, as much as to say, 'Is
+your gun loaded?' Zänker drew his
+ramrod, ran it into the barrel quite
+noiselessly, so that the wounded man
+might not hear, and nodded his head
+affirmatively. Without a word, I
+pointed to a thicket about twenty
+paces off, giving him to understand
+that he was not to fire till I had reached
+it, and, hurrying away, I left him
+alone with the Frenchman. Ten minutes
+passed without a report, and
+then, on turning a corner of the wood,
+I came face to face with Zänker. 'I
+can't do it, lieutenant,' said he.
+'Thrice I levelled my rifle, but could
+not pull the trigger.' He had left the
+poor French sergeant-major&mdash;such
+four gold chevrons on his coat-sleeve
+denoted him to be&mdash;a canteen full of
+water, had arranged a few boughs
+above his head to shield him from the
+sun, and as soon as we reached the
+camp, he hastened to the field hospital
+to point out the spot where the
+wounded man lay, and procure surgical
+assistance."</p>
+
+<p>The battle of Kulm was lost by
+the French through the negligence of
+Vandamme, who omitted to occupy
+the defiles in his rear&mdash;an extraordinary
+blunder, for which a far younger
+soldier might well be blamed. The
+triumph was complete, and, in conjunction
+with those at the Katzbach
+and Gross-Beeren, greatly raised the
+spirits of the Allies. At Kulm, the
+French fought, as usual, most gallantly,
+but for once they were outman&oelig;uvred.
+A brilliant exploit of
+three or four hundred chasseurs, be<span class="pagenum">[583]</span>longing
+to Corbineau's light cavalry
+division, is worthy of mention. Sabre
+in hand, they cut their way completely
+through Kleist's corps, and
+did immense injury to the Allies, especially
+to the artillery. Of themselves,
+few, if any, escaped alive. "Not
+only," says Baron Von Rahden, "did
+they ride down several battalions at
+the lower end of the defile, and cut to
+pieces and scatter to the winds the
+staff and escort of the general, which
+were halted upon the road, but they
+totally annihilated our artillery for
+the time, inasmuch as they threw the
+guns into the ditches, and killed nearly
+all the men and horses. By this example
+one sees what resolute men on
+horseback, with good swords in their
+hands, and bold hearts in their bosoms,
+are able to accomplish." In a letter
+of Prince Augustus of Prussia, we
+find that "the artillery suffered so
+great a loss at Kulm, that there are
+still (this was written in the middle of
+September, fifteen days after the action)
+eighteen officers, eighty non-commissioned
+officers, one hundred and
+twenty-six bombardiers, seven hundred
+and eighteen gunners, besides
+bandsmen and surgeons, wanting to
+complete the strength." In both days'
+fight the present King of the Belgians
+greatly distinguished himself. He was
+then in the Russian service, and, on
+the 29th, fought bravely at the head
+of his cavalry division. On the 30th,
+the Emperor Alexander sent him to
+bring up the Austrian cavalry reserves,
+and the judgment with which he performed
+this duty was productive of
+the happiest results.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian guards fought nobly
+at Kulm, and held the valley of Toeplitz
+one whole day against four times
+their numbers. To reward their
+valour, the King of Prussia gave
+them the Kulm Cross, as it was called,
+which was composed of black shining
+leather with a framework of silver.
+The Prussians were greatly annoyed
+at its close resemblance to the first
+and best class of the Iron Cross,
+which order had been instituted a few
+months previously, and was sparingly
+bestowed, for instances of extraordinary
+personal daring, upon those only
+who fought under Prussian colours.
+It was of iron with a silver setting,
+and could scarcely be distinguished
+from the Kulm cross. "Many thousands
+of us Prussians," says the Baron,
+"fought for years, poured out our
+blood, and threw away our lives, in
+vain strivings after a distinction which
+the Muscovite earned in a few hours.
+For who would notice whether it
+was leather or iron? The colour and
+form were the same, and only the
+initiated knew the difference, which
+was but nominal. In the severe winter
+of 1829-30, when travelling in a Russian
+sledge and through a thorough
+Russian snow-storm, along the shores
+of the Peipus lake, I passed a company
+of soldiers wrapped in their grey
+coats. On the right of the company
+were ten or twelve Knights of the
+Iron Cross, as it appeared to me, and
+of the first class of that order. This
+astonished me so much the more, that
+in Prussia it was an unheard-of thing
+for more than one or two private soldiers
+in a regiment to achieve this
+high distinction. I started up, and
+rubbed my eyes, and thought I
+dreamed. At Dorpat I was informed
+that several hundred men from the
+Semenofskoi regiment of guards, (the
+heroes of Kulm,) had been drafted
+into the provincial militia as a punishment
+for having shared in a revolt at
+St Petersburg."</p>
+
+<p>On the 14th of October occurred
+the battle of cavalry in the plains
+between Güldengossa, Gröbern, and
+Liebertwolkwitz, where the Allied
+horse, fifteen thousand strong, encountered
+ten to twelve thousand
+French dragoons, led by the King of
+Naples, who once, during that day,
+nearly fell into the hands of his foes.
+The incident is narrated by Von Schöning
+in his history of the third Prussian
+regiment of dragoons, then known as
+the Neumark dragoons. "It was
+about two hours after daybreak; the
+regiment had made several successful
+charges, and at last obtained a moment's
+breathing-time. The dust had
+somewhat subsided; the French cavalry
+stood motionless, only their
+general, followed by his staff, rode,
+encouraging the men, as it seemed,
+along the foremost line, just opposite
+to the Neumark dragoons. Suddenly
+a young lieutenant, Guido von Lippe
+by name, who thought he recognised
+Murat in the enemy's leader, galloped
+up to the colonel. 'I must and will
+take him!' cried he; and, without
+waiting for a Yes or a No, dashed<span class="pagenum">[584]</span>
+forward at the top of his horse's speed,
+followed by a few dragoons who had
+been detached from the ranks as skirmishers.
+At the same time the colonel
+ordered the charge to be sounded. A
+most brilliant charge it was, but nothing
+more was seen of Von Lippe
+and his companions. Two days afterwards,
+his corpse was found by his
+servant, who recognised it amongst a
+heap of dead by the scars of the yet
+scarcely healed wounds received at
+Lutzen. A sabre-cut and a thrust
+through the body had destroyed life."
+An interesting confirmation of this
+story may be read in Von Odeleben's
+"Campaign of Napoleon in Saxony
+in the year 1813," p. 328. "He
+(Murat) accompanied by a very small
+retinue, so greatly exposed himself,
+that at last one of the enemy's squadrons,
+recognising him by his striking
+dress, and by the staff that surrounded
+him, regularly gave him
+chase. One officer in particular made
+a furious dash at the king, who, by
+the sudden facing about of his escort,
+found himself the last man, a little in
+the rear, and with only one horseman
+by his side. In the dazzling anticipation
+of a royal prisoner, the eager
+pursuer called to him several times,
+'Halt, King, halt!' At that moment
+a crown was at stake. The officer
+had already received a sabre-cut from
+Murat's solitary attendant, and as he
+did not regard it, but still pressed forward,
+the latter ran him through the
+body. He fell dead from his saddle,
+and the next day his horse was
+mounted by the king's faithful defender,
+from whose lips I received
+these details. Their truth has been
+confirmed to me from other sources.
+Murat made his rescuer his equerry,
+and promised him a pension. The
+Emperor gave him the cross of the
+legion of honour."</p>
+
+<p>The second Silesian regiment suffered
+terribly at the great battle of
+Leipzig. Von Rahden's battalion, in
+particular, was reduced at the close
+of the last day's fight to one hundred
+and twenty effective men, commanded
+by a lieutenant, the only unwounded
+officer. Kleist's division, of which it
+formed part, had sustained severe
+losses in every action since the truce,
+and after Leipzig it was found to have
+melted down to one-third of its original
+strength. Disease also broke
+out in its ranks. To check this, to
+recruit the numbers, and repose the
+men, the division was sent into quarters.
+Von Rahden's regiment went
+to the duchy of Meiningen, and his
+battalion was quartered in the town
+of that name. The friendly and
+hospitable reception here given to
+the victors of Kulm and Leipzig
+was well calculated to make them
+forget past hardships and sufferings.
+The widowed Duchess of Meiningen
+gave frequent balls and entertainments,
+to which officers of all grades
+found ready admittance. The reigning
+duke was then a boy; his two
+sisters, charming young women, were
+most gracious and condescending. In
+those warlike days, the laurel-wreath
+was as good a crown as any other,
+and raised even the humble subaltern
+to the society of princes.</p>
+
+<p>"It chanced one evening," says
+the Baron, "that our major, Count
+Reichenbach, stood up to dance a
+quadrille with the Princess Adelaide
+of Meiningen. His toilet was not
+well suited to the ball-room; his boots
+were heavy, the floor was slippery,
+and he several times tripped. At last
+he fairly fell, dragging his partner
+with him. His right arm was in a
+sling, and useless from wounds received
+at Lutzen, and some short
+time elapsed before the princess was
+raised from her recumbent position
+by the ladies and gentlemen of the
+court, and conducted into an adjoining
+apartment. With rueful
+countenance, and twisting his red
+mustache from vexation, Count
+Reichenbach tried to lose himself in
+the crowd, and to escape the annoyance
+of being stared at and pointed
+out as the man who had thrown
+down the beautiful young princess.
+It was easy to see that he would
+rather have stormed a dozen hostile
+batteries than have made so unlucky
+a <i>debût</i> in the royal ball-room. In a
+short quarter of an hour, however,
+when the fuss caused by the accident
+had nearly subsided, the princess
+reappeared, looking more charming
+than ever, and sought about until she
+discovered poor Count Reichenbach,
+who had got into a corner near the
+stove. With the most captivating
+grace, she invited him to return to
+the dance, saying, loud enough for
+all around to hear, 'that she honour<span class="pagenum">[585]</span>ed
+a brave Prussian soldier whose
+breast was adorned with the Iron
+Cross, and whose badly-wounded
+arm had not prevented his fighting
+the fight of liberation at Leipzig,
+and that with all her heart she
+would begin the dance again with
+him.' The Count's triumph was complete;
+the court prudes and parasites,
+who a moment before had looked
+down upon him from the height of
+their compassion, now rivalled each
+other in amiability. With a well-pleased
+smile the Count stroked his
+great beard, led the princess to the
+quadrille, and danced it in first-rate
+style." The reader will have recognised
+our excellent Queen Dowager
+in the heroine of the charming trait
+which an old soldier thus bluntly narrates.
+The kind heart and patriotic
+spirit of the German Princess were
+good presage of the benevolence and
+many virtues of the English Queen.
+"When, in May 1836," continues
+Captain Von Rahden, "I was presented,
+as captain in the Dutch service,
+to the Princess Adelaide, then
+Queen of England, at St James's
+Palace, her majesty perfectly remembered
+the incident I have here narrated
+to my readers. To her inquiries
+after Count Reichenbach, I
+unfortunately had to reply that he
+was long since dead."</p>
+
+<p>In January 1814, the Baron's regiment
+left Meiningen, crossed the
+Rhine, joined the great Silesian army
+under old Blucher, and began the
+campaign in France. The actions
+of Montmirail, Méry sur Seine, La
+Ferté sous Jouarre, and various
+other encounters, followed in rapid
+succession. Hard knocks for the
+Allies, many of them. But all Napoleon's
+brilliant generalship was in
+vain; equally in vain did his young
+troops emulate the deeds of those iron
+veterans whose bones lay bleaching
+on the Beresina's banks, and in the
+passes of the Sierra Morena. The
+month of February was passed in constant
+fighting, and was perhaps the
+most interesting period of the campaigns
+of 1813-14. On the 13th, the
+Prussian advanced guard, Ziethen's
+division, was attacked by superior
+numbers and completely beaten at
+Montmirail. Von Rahden's battalion
+was one of those which had to cover
+the retreat of the routed troops, and
+check the advance of the exulting
+enemy. Retiring slowly and in good
+order, the rearmost of the whole army,
+it reached the village of Etoges, when
+it was assailed by a prodigious mass of
+French cavalry. But the horsemen
+could make no impression on the
+steady ranks of Count Reichenbach's
+infantry.</p>
+
+<p>"Here the hostile dragoons, formed
+in columns of squadrons and regiments,
+charged us at least twelve or
+fifteen times, always without success.
+Each time Count Reichenbach let
+them approach to within fifty or sixty
+paces, then ordered a halt, formed
+square, and opened a heavy and well-sustained
+fire, which quickly drove
+back the enemy. As soon as they
+retired, I and my skirmishers sprang
+forward, and peppered them till they
+again came to the charge, when we
+hurried back to the battalion. Count
+Reichenbach himself never entered
+the square, but during the charges took
+his station on the left flank, which
+could not fire, because it faced the
+road along which our artillery marched.
+Our gallant commander gave his orders
+with the same calm coolness and
+precision as on the parade ground. His
+voice and our volleys were the only
+sounds heard, and truly that was one
+of the most glorious afternoons of
+Count Reichenbach's life. Our western
+neighbours love to celebrate the
+deeds of their warriors by paint-brush
+and graver; our heroes are forgotten,
+but for the occasional written
+reminiscences of some old soldier, witness
+of their valiant deeds. And truly,
+if Horace Vernet has handed Colonel
+Changarnier down to posterity for
+standing <i>inside</i> his square whilst it received
+the furious but disorderly charge
+of semi-barbarous horse, he might,
+methinks, and every soldier and true
+Prussian will share my opinion, find
+a far worthier subject for his pencil
+in Count Reichenbach, awaiting <i>outside</i>
+his square the formidable attacks
+of six thousand French cavalrymen.</p>
+
+<p>"It became quite dark, and the
+enemy ceased to charge. Pity it was!
+for such was the steadiness and discipline
+of our men, that the defence
+went on like some well-regulated machine,
+and might have been continued
+for hours longer, or till our last cartridge
+was burnt. The count seemed
+unusually well pleased. Twirling his<span class="pagenum">[586]</span>
+mustache with a satisfied chuckle,
+he offered several officers and soldiers
+a dram from a little flask which he
+habitually carried in his holster, and
+turned to me with the words, 'Well
+done, my dear Rahden, bravo!' On
+hearing this praise, short and simple
+as it was, I could have embraced my
+noble commander for joy, and with
+feelings in my heart which only
+such men as Reichenbach know how
+to awaken, I resumed my place on
+the right of the battalion, which now
+marched away."</p>
+
+<p>Gradually the Allies approached
+Paris. On the 28th March, at the
+village of Claye, only five leagues
+from the capital, Kleist's division
+came to blows with the French troops
+under General Compan, who had
+marched out to meet them. As
+usual, Von Rahden was with the skirmishers,
+as was also another lieutenant
+of his battalion, a Pole of gigantic
+frame and extraordinary strength,
+who here met his death. He was
+rushing forward at the head of
+his men, when a four-pound shot
+struck him in the breast. It went
+through his body, passing very near
+the heart, but, strange to say, without
+causing instant death. For most
+men, half an ounce of lead in the
+breast is an instant quietus; but so
+prodigious was the strength and vitality
+of this Pole, that he lingered,
+the baron assures us, full six-and-thirty
+hours.</p>
+
+<p>"We now followed up the French
+infantry, which hastily retreated to a
+farm-yard surrounded by lofty linden
+and chestnut trees, and situated on a
+small vine-covered hill. When half-way
+up the eminence, we saw, upon
+the open space beneath the trees,
+several companies of the enemy in
+full parade uniform, with bearskin
+caps, large red epaulets upon their
+shoulders, and white breeches, form
+themselves into a sort of phalanx,
+which only replied to our fire by single
+shots. Presently even these ceased.
+Scheliha and myself immediately ordered
+our men to leave off firing; and
+Scheliha, who spoke French very
+intelligibly, advanced to within thirty
+paces of the enemy and summoned
+them to lay down their arms, supposing
+that they intended to yield themselves
+prisoners. They made no reply,
+but stood firm as a wall. Scheliha
+repeated his summons: a shot was
+fired at him. This served as a signal
+to our impatient followers, who opened
+a murderous fire upon the dense mass
+before them. We tried a third time to
+get the brave Frenchmen to yield;
+others of our battalions had come up,
+and they were completely cut off; but
+the sole reply we received was a sort of
+negative murmur, and some of them
+even threatened us with their muskets.
+Within ten minutes they all lay dead
+or wounded upon the ground; for our
+men were deaf alike to commands and
+entreaties, and to the voice of mercy.
+Most painful was it to us officers to
+look on at such a butchery, impotent
+to prevent it." It afterwards appeared
+that these French grenadiers, who
+belonged to the <i>Jeune Garde</i>, had left
+Paris that morning. By some mismanagement
+their stock of ammunition
+was insufficient, and having expended
+it, they preferred death, with
+arms in their hands, to captivity.</p>
+
+<p>At eight o'clock on the thirtieth,
+Kleist's and York's corps, now united,
+passed the Ourcq canal, and marched
+along the Pantin road towards Paris.
+Upon that morning they saw old
+Blucher for the first time for more
+than a month. He seemed on the
+brink of the grave, and wore a woman's
+bonnet of green silk to protect
+his eyes, which were dangerously inflamed.
+He was on horseback, but
+was soon obliged to return to his travelling
+carriage in rear of the army,
+and to give up the command to Barclay
+de Tolly. "Luckily," says the
+baron, "the troops knew nothing of
+the substitution." Although it would
+probably hardly have mattered much,
+for there was little more work to do.
+For that year this was the last day's
+fight. After some flank movement
+which took up several hours, the allied
+infantry attacked the village of La
+Villette, but were repulsed by the
+artillery from the adjacent barrier.
+The brigade batteries loitered in the
+rear, and Prince Augustus, vexed at
+their absence, sent an aide-de-camp
+to bring them up. One of them was
+commanded by Lieutenant Holsche,
+Von Rahden's former instructor at the
+artillery school, of whom we have
+already related an anecdote. Although
+an undoubtedly brave and
+circumspect officer, on this occasion
+he remained too far behind the in<span class="pagenum">[587]</span>fantry;
+and Captain Decker,<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> who
+was dispatched to fetch him, was not
+sorry to be the medium of conveying
+the Prince's sharp message, the less
+so as he had observed a certain nonchalance
+and want of deference in the
+artillery lieutenant's manner of receiving
+the orders of his superiors. At a
+later period, Baron Von Rahden heard
+from Decker himself the following
+characteristic account of his reception
+by the gallant but eccentric
+Holsche.</p>
+
+<p>"I came up to the battery," said
+Decker, "at full gallop. The men
+were dismounted, and their officer
+stood chatting with his comrades beside
+a newly-made fire. 'Lieutenant
+Holsche,' said I, rather sharply, 'his
+Royal Highness is exceedingly astonished
+that you remain idle here,
+and has directed me to command you
+instantly to advance your battery
+against the enemy.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Indeed?' was Holsche's quiet
+reply, 'his Royal Highness is astonished!'
+and then, turning to his men
+with the same calmness of tone and
+manner, 'Stand to your horses!
+Mount! Battery, march!'</p>
+
+<p>"I thought the pace commanded
+was not quick enough, and in the same
+loud and imperious voice as before, I
+observed to Lieutenant Holsche that
+he would not be up in time; he had
+better move faster. 'Indeed! not
+quick enough?' quietly answered
+Holsche, and gave the word, 'March,
+march!' We now soon got over the
+ground and within the enemy's fire,
+and, considering my duty at an end, I
+pointed out to the Lieutenant the
+direction he should take, and whereabouts
+he should post his battery.
+But Holsche begged me in the most
+friendly manner to go on and show
+him exactly where he should halt.
+I naturally enough complied with his
+request. The nearer we got to the
+French, the faster became the pace,
+until at last we were in front of our
+most advanced battalions. The bullets
+whizzed about us on all sides; I
+once more made a move to turn back,
+and told Holsche he might stop where
+he was. With the same careless air
+as before, he repeated his request that
+I would remain, in order to be able to
+tell his Royal Highness where Lieutenant
+Holsche and his battery had
+halted! What could I do? It was
+any thing but pleasant to share so
+great a danger, without either necessity
+or profit; and certainly I might
+very well have turned back, but
+Holsche, by whose side I galloped,
+fixed his large dark eyes upon my
+countenance, as though he would have
+read my very soul. We were close to
+our own skirmishers; on we went,
+right through them, into the middle
+of the enemy's riflemen, who, quite
+surprised at being charged by a battery,
+retired in all haste. It really
+seemed as if the artillery was going
+over to the enemy. At two hundred
+paces from the French columns,
+however, Holsche halted, unlimbered,
+and gave two discharges from the
+whole battery, with such beautiful
+precision and astounding effect, that
+he sent the hostile squadrons and battalions
+to the right about, and even
+silenced some of the heavy guns
+within the barriers. That done he
+returned to me, and begged me to inform
+the Prince where I had left
+Lieutenant Holsche and his battery.
+'Perhaps,' added he, 'his Royal
+Highness will again find occasion to
+be astonished; and I shall be very
+glad of it.' And truly the Prince and
+all of us <i>were</i> astonished at this gallant
+exploit; it had been achieved in
+sight of the whole army, and had produced
+a glorious and most desirable
+result."</p>
+
+<p>For this feat Holsche was rewarded
+with the Iron Cross of the first class.
+He had already at Leipzig gained
+that of the second, and on receiving
+it his ambition immediately aspired
+to the higher decoration. Many a
+time had he been heard to vow, that
+if he obtained it, he would have a
+cross as large as his hand manufactured
+by the farrier of his battery,
+and wear it upon his breast. To this
+he pledged his word. The manner in
+which he kept it is thus related by his
+old friend and pupil.</p>
+
+<p>"We were on our march from
+Paris to Amiens, when we were informed,
+one beautiful morning, that<span class="pagenum">[588]</span>
+our brigade battery, under Lieutenant
+Holsche, was in cantonments in
+the next village. The music at
+our head, we marched through the
+place in parade time, and paid Holsche
+military honours as ex-commandant
+of the Straw-bonnet, which title
+he still retained. Intimate acquaintance
+and sincere respect might well
+excuse this little deviation from the
+regulations of the service. Our hautboys
+blew a favourite march, to which
+Holsche himself had once in Glatz
+written words, beginning:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i3">'Natz, Natz, Annemarie,<br /><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Da kommt die Glätzer Infanterie.'<br /><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<p>In his blue military frock, with forage
+cap and sword, Holsche stood upon a
+small raised patch of turf in front of
+his quarters, gravely saluting in acknowledgment
+of the honours paid
+him, which he received with as proud
+a bearing as if he was legitimately
+entitled to them. This did not surprise
+us, knowing him as we did, but
+not a little were we astonished when
+we saw an Iron Cross of the first class,
+as large as a plate, fastened upon his
+left breast. The orders for the battle
+of Paris and the other recent fights
+in France had just been distributed;
+Holsche was amongst the decorated,
+and the jovial artilleryman took this
+opportunity to fulfil his oft-repeated
+vow. Only a few hours before our
+arrival he had had the cross manufactured
+by his farrier."</p>
+
+<p>This dashing but wrong-headed
+officer soon afterwards became a
+captain, and subsequently major, but
+his extravagances, and especially his
+addiction to wine, got him into frequent
+trouble, until at last he was
+put upon the retired list as lieutenant-colonel,
+and died at Schweidnitz in
+Silesia.</p>
+
+<p>At six in the evening of the 30th
+March, the last fight of the campaign
+was over, and aides-de-camp galloped
+hither and thither, announcing the
+capitulation of Paris. Right pleasant
+were such sounds to the ears of the
+war-worn soldiers. Infantry grounded
+their arms, dragoons dismounted,
+artillerymen leaned idly against their
+pieces; Langeron alone, who had begun
+the storm of Montmartre, would
+not desist from his undertaking.
+Officers rode after him, waving their
+white handkerchiefs as a signal to
+cease firing, but without effect. The
+Russians stormed on; and if Langeron
+attained his end with comparatively
+small loss, the enemy being already
+in retreat, there were nevertheless
+four or five hundred men sacrificed to
+his ambition, and that he might have it
+to say that he and his Russians carried
+Montmartre by storm. Whilst the rest
+of the troops waited till he had attained
+his end, and congratulated each other
+on the termination of the hardships
+and privations of the preceding three
+months, a Russian bomb-carriage
+took fire, the drivers left it, and its
+six powerful horses, scorched and
+terrified by the explosion of the
+projectiles, ran madly about the field,
+dragging at their heels this artificial
+volcano. The battalions which
+they approached scared them away
+by shouts, until the unlucky beasts
+knew not which way to turn. At
+last, the shells and grenades being all
+burnt out, the horses stood still, and,
+strange to say, not one of them had
+received the slightest injury.</p>
+
+<p>Terrible was the disappointment of
+Kleist's and York's divisions, when
+they learned on the morning subsequent
+to the capitulation that they
+were not to enter Paris; but, after
+four-and-twenty hours' repose in the
+faubourg Montmartre, where they had
+passed the previous night, were to
+march from the capital into country
+quarters. Their motley and weather-beaten
+aspect was the motive of this
+order&mdash;a heart-breaking one for the
+brave officers and soldiers who had
+borne the heat and burden of the day
+during a severe and bloody campaign,
+and now found themselves excluded
+on the earthly paradise of their
+hopes. They had fought and suffered
+more than the Prussian and Russian
+guards; but the latter were smart and
+richly uniformed, whilst the poor fellows
+of the line had rubbed off and
+besmirched in many a hard encounter
+and rainy bivouac what little gilding
+they ever possessed. So long as
+fighting was the order of the day,
+they were in request; but it was now
+the turn of parades, and on these
+they would cut but a sorry figure.
+So "right about" was the word, and
+Amiens the route. A second day's
+respite was allowed them, however;
+and although they were strictly confined
+to their quarters, lest they should
+shock the sensitiveness of the Parisian<span class="pagenum">[589]</span>
+<i>bourgeoisie</i> by their ragged breeks,
+long beards, and diversity of equipment,
+some of the officers obtained
+leave to go into Paris. Von Rahden
+was amongst these, and, after a dinner
+at Véry's, where his Silesian simplicity
+and campaigning appetite were
+rather astonished by the exiguity of
+the <i>plats</i> placed before him, whereof he
+managed to consume some five-and-twenty,
+after admiring the wonders
+of the Palace Royal, and the rich
+uniforms of almost every nation with
+which the streets were crowded, he betook
+himself to the Place Vendôme to
+gaze at the fallen conqueror's triumphant
+column. It was surrounded by
+a mob of fickle Parisians, eager to cast
+down from its high estate the idol
+they so recently had worshipped. One
+daredevil fellow climbed upon the
+Emperor's shoulders, slung a cord
+round his neck, dragged up a great
+ship's cable and twisted it several
+times about the statue. The rabble
+seized the other end of the rope, and
+with cries of "<i>à bas ce canaille!</i>" tugged
+furiously at it. Their efforts
+were unavailing, Napoleon stood firm,
+until the Allied sovereigns, who, from
+the window of an adjacent house,
+beheld this disgraceful riot, sent
+a company of Russian grenadiers to
+disperse the mob. The masses gave
+way before the bayonet, but not till
+the same man who had fastened the
+rope, again climbed up, and with a
+white cloth shrouded the statue of the
+once adored Emperor from the eyes of
+his faithless subjects. It is well known
+that, a few weeks later, the figure was
+taken down by order of the Emperor
+Alexander, who carried it away as his
+sole trophy, and gave it a place in the
+winter palace at St Petersburg. When
+Louis XVIII. returned to Paris, a
+broad white banner, embroidered
+with three golden lilies, waved from
+the summit of the column; but this in
+its turn was displaced, by the strong
+south wind that blew from Elba in
+March 1815, when Napoleon re-entered
+his capital. A municipal deputation
+waited upon him to know what he
+would please to have placed on the
+top of the triumphant column. "A
+weathercock" was the little corporal's
+sarcastic reply. Since that day, the
+lilies and the tricolor have again alternated
+on the magnificent column, until
+the only thing that ought to surmount
+it, the statue of the most extraordinary
+man of modern, perhaps of any, times,
+has resumed its proud position, and
+once more overlooks the capital which
+he did so much to improve and embellish.</p>
+
+<p>"I now wandered to the operahouse,"
+says the baron, "to hear
+Spontini's <i>Vestale</i>. The enormous
+theatre was full to suffocation; in
+every box the Allied uniforms glittered,
+arms flashed in the bright light,
+police spies loitered and listened,
+beautiful women waved their kerchiefs
+and joined in the storm of applause,
+as if that day had been a most glorious
+and triumphant one for France.
+The consul Licinius, represented, if I
+remember aright, by the celebrated
+St Priest, was continually interrupted
+in his songs, and called upon for the
+old national melody 'Vive Henri
+Quatre,' which he gave with couplets
+composed for the occasion, some of
+which, it was said, were improvisations.
+In the midst of this rejoicing, a
+rough voice made itself heard from the
+upper gallery. '<i>A bas l'aigle imperial!</i>'
+were the words it uttered, and in an
+instant every eye was turned to the
+Emperor's box, whose purple velvet
+curtains were closely drawn, and to
+whose front a large and richly gilt eagle
+was affixed. The audience took up the
+cry and repeated again and again&mdash;'<i>A
+bas l'aigle imperial!</i>' Presently
+the curtains were torn asunder, a fellow
+seated himself upon the cushioned
+parapet, twined his legs round the
+eagle, and knocked, and hammered,
+till it fell with a crash to the ground.
+Again the royalist ditty was called
+for, with <i>ad libitum</i> couplets, in which
+the words '<i>ce diable à quatre</i>' were
+only too plainly perceptible; the unfortunate
+consul had to repeat them
+till he was hoarse, and so ended the
+great comedy performed that day by
+the 'Grande Nation.' Most revolting
+it was, and every right-thinking man
+shuddered at such thorough Gallic
+indecency."</p>
+
+<p>Baron Von Rahden tells the story
+of his life well and pleasantly, without
+pretensions to brilliancy and elegance
+of style, but with soldierly
+frankness and spirit. We have read
+this first portion of his memoirs with
+pleasure and interest, and may take
+occasion again to refer to its lively
+and varied contents.<span class="pagenum">[590]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="ADVICE_TO_AN_INTENDING_SERIALIST" id="ADVICE_TO_AN_INTENDING_SERIALIST"></a>ADVICE TO AN INTENDING SERIALIST.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">A Letter to T. Smith, Esq., Scene-Painter and Tragedian at the
+Amphitheatre.</span></p>
+
+
+<p>My dear Smith,&mdash;Your complaint
+of my unwarrantable detention of the
+manuscript which, some months ago,
+you were kind enough to forward for
+my perusal, is founded upon a total
+misconception of the nature of my interim
+employments. I have not, as
+you somewhat broadly insinuate, been
+prigging bits of your matchless rhetoric
+in order to give currency and flavour
+to my own more maudlin articles.
+The lemon-peel of Smith has not entered
+into the composition of any of
+my literary puddings; neither have I
+bartered a single fragment of your
+delectable facetiæ for gold. I return
+you the precious bundle as safe and
+undivulged as when it was committed
+to my custody, and none the worse
+for the rather extensive journey
+which it has materially contributed
+to cheer.</p>
+
+<p>The fact is, that I have been sojourning
+this summer utterly beyond
+the reach of posts. To you, whose
+peculiar vocation it is to cater for the
+taste of the public, I need hardly remark
+that novelty is, now-a-days, in
+literature as in every thing else, an
+indispensable requisite for success.
+People will not endure the iteration
+of a story, however well it may be
+told. The same locality palls upon
+their ears, and that style of wit which,
+last year, was sufficient to convulse
+an audience, may, if continued for
+another session, be branded with the
+infamy of slang. Even our mutual
+friend Barry, whose jests are the life
+of the arena, is quite aware of this
+unerring physiological rule. He does
+not depend upon captivating the galleries
+for ever by his ingenious conundrum
+of getting into an empty quart
+bottle. His inimitable "be quiet,
+will ye?" as the exasperated Master
+of the Ring flicks off an imaginary fly
+from his motley inexpressibles, is now
+reserved as a great point for rare and
+special occasions; and he now lays
+in a new stock of witticisms at the
+commencement of each campaign, as
+regularly as you contract for lamp-black
+and ochre when there is an immediate
+prospect of a grand new military
+spectacle. The want of attention
+to this rule has, I fear, operated
+prejudicially upon the fortunes of our
+agile acquaintance, Hervio Nano,
+whom I last saw devouring raw
+beef in the character of a human
+Nondescript. Harvey depended too
+much upon his original popularity as
+the Gnome Fly, and failed through incessant
+repetition. The public at
+length would not stand the appearance
+of that eternal blue-bottle. The sameness
+of his entomology was wearisome.
+He should have varied his representations
+by occasionally assuming the
+characters of the Spectre Spider, or
+the Black Tarantula of the Tombs.</p>
+
+<p>Now you must know, that for the
+last three years I have been making
+my living exclusively out of the Swedish
+novels and the Countess Ida
+von Hahn-Hahn. To Frederike Bremer
+I owe a prodigious debt of gratitude;
+for she has saved me the
+trouble&mdash;and it is a prodigious bore&mdash;of
+inventing plots and characters, as
+I was compelled to do when the
+Rhine and the Danube were the chosen
+seats of fiction. For a time the literary
+plough went merrily through the
+sward of Sweden; nor can I, with any
+degree of conscience, complain of the
+quality of the crop. But, somehow or
+other, the thing was beginning to grow
+stale. People lost their relish for the
+perpetual raspberry jam, tart-making,
+spinning, and the other processes of
+domestic kitchen economy which formed
+our Scandinavian staple; indeed, I
+had a shrewd suspicion from the first
+that the market would soon be glutted
+by the introduction of so much linen
+and flannel. It is very difficult to keep
+up a permanent interest in favour of a
+heroine in homespun, and the storeroom
+is but a queer locality for the
+interchange of lovers' sighs. I therefore
+was not surprised, last spring,
+to find my publishers somewhat shy
+of entering into terms for a new translation
+of "<i>Snorra Gorvundstrul; or,<span class="pagenum">[591]</span>
+The Barmaid of Strundschensvoe</i>,"
+and, in the true spirit of British enterprise,
+I resolved to carry my flag
+elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>On looking over the map of the
+world, with the view of selecting a
+novel field, I was astonished to find
+that almost every compartment was
+already occupied by one of our literary
+brethren. There is in all Europe
+scarce a diocese left unsung, and,
+like romance, civilisation is making
+rapid strides towards both the east
+and the west. In this dilemma I
+bethought me of Iceland as a virgin
+soil. Victor Hugo, it is true, had
+made some advances towards it in
+one of his earlier productions; but, if I
+recollect right, even that daring pioneer
+of letters did not penetrate beyond
+Norway, and laid the scene of
+his stirring narrative somewhere about
+the wilds of Drontheim. The bold
+dexterity with which he has transferred
+the Morgue from Paris to the
+most artic city of the world, has always
+commanded my most entire admiration.
+It is a stroke of machinery
+equal to any which you, my dear
+Smith, have ever introduced into a
+pantomime; and I question whether
+it was much surpassed by the transit
+of the Holy Chapel to Loretto. In
+like manner I had intended to transport
+a good deal of ready-made London
+ware to Iceland; or rather&mdash;if
+that will make my meaning clearer&mdash;to
+take my idea both of the scenery and
+characters from the Surrey Zoological
+Gardens, wherein last year I had the
+privilege of witnessing a superb eruption
+of Mount Hecla. On more mature
+reflection, however, I thought it might
+be as well to take an actual survey of
+the regions which I intend henceforward
+to occupy as my own especial
+domain; and&mdash;having, moreover, certain
+reasons which shall be nameless,
+for a temporary evacuation of the
+metropolis&mdash;I engaged a passage in a
+northern whaler, and have only just
+returned after an absence of half a year.
+Yes, Smith! Incredible as it may appear
+to you, I have actually been in
+Iceland, seen Hecla in a state of conflagration;
+and it was by that lurid
+light, while my mutton was boiling in
+the Geyser, that I first unfolded your
+manuscript, and read the introductory
+chapters of "<span class="smcap">Silas Spavinhitch</span>; <i>or,
+Rides around the Circus with Widdicomb
+and Co.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>I trust, therefore, that after this
+explanation, you will discontinue the
+epithet of "beast," and the corresponding
+expletives which you have
+used rather liberally in your last two
+epistles. When you consider the
+matter calmly, I think you will admit
+that you have suffered no very material
+loss in consequence of the unavoidable
+delay; and, as to the public,
+I am quite sure that they will devour
+Silas more greedily about Christmas,
+than if he had made his appearance,
+all booted and spurred, in the very
+height of the dog-days. You will
+also have the opportunity, as your
+serial is not yet completed, of reflecting
+upon the justice of the hints which
+I now venture to offer for your future
+guidance&mdash;hints, derived not only
+from my observation of the works of
+others, but from some little personal
+experience in that kind of popular
+composition; and, should you agree
+with me in any of the views hereinafter
+expressed, you may perhaps be
+tempted to act upon them in the revision
+and completion of your extremely
+interesting work. First, then, let me
+say a few words regarding the purpose
+and the nature of that sort of
+<i>feuilleton</i> which we now denominate
+the serial.</p>
+
+<p>Do not be alarmed, Smith. I am
+not going to conglomerate your faculties
+by any Aristotelian exposition.
+You are a man of by far too much
+practical sense to be humbugged by
+such outworn pedantry, and your own
+particular purpose in penning Silas
+is of course most distinctly apparent.
+You want to sack as many of the
+public shillings as possible. That is
+the great motive which lies at the
+foundation of all literary or general
+exertion, and the man who does not
+confess it broadly and openly is an
+ass. If your study of Fitzball has
+not been too exclusive, you may perhaps
+recollect the lines of Byron:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+
+<span class="i4">"No! when the sons of song descend to trade,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Their bays are sear, their former laurels fade,<br /></span>
+<span class="pagenum">[592]</span>
+<span class="i4">Let such forego the poet's sacred name,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Who rack their brains for lucre, not for fame;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Low may they sink to merited contempt,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And scorn remunerate the mean attempt!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Such be their meed, such still the just reward<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Of prostituted muse and hireling bard!"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Now these, although they have
+passed current in the world for some
+thirty years, are in reality poor lines,
+and the sentiment they intend to inculcate
+is contemptible. Byron lived
+long enough to know the value of
+money, as his correspondence with
+the late Mr Murray most abundantly
+testifies&mdash;indeed, I question whether
+any author ever beat him at the art
+of chaffering. If it be a legitimate
+matter of reproach against an author
+that he writes for money, then heaven
+help the integrity of every profession
+and trade in this great and enlightened
+kingdom! What else, in the
+name of common sense, should he
+write for? Fame? Thank you! Fame
+may be all very well in its way, but it
+butters no parsnips; and, if I am to be
+famous, I would much rather case my
+renown in fine linen than in filthy
+dowlas. Let people say what they
+please, the best criterion of every article
+is its marketable value, and no man
+on the face of this earth will work
+without a reasonable wage.</p>
+
+<p>Your first and great purpose, therefore,
+is to make money, and to make
+as much as you can. But then there
+is another kind of purpose, which, if
+I was sure you could comprehend me,
+I should call the intrinsic one, and
+which must be considered very seriously
+before you obtrude yourself upon
+the public. In other words, what
+is to be the general tendency of your
+work? "Fun," I think I hear you
+reply, "and all manner of sky-larking."
+Very good. But then, my dear
+friend, you must consider that there
+is a sort of method even in grimacing.
+There is a gentleman connected
+with your establishment, who is popularly
+reported to possess the inestimable
+talent of turning his head
+inside out. I never saw him perform
+that cephalic operation, but I have
+heard it highly spoken of by others
+who have enjoyed the privilege. But
+this it is obvious, though a very admirable
+and effective incident, could
+hardly be taken as the groundwork of
+a five-act play, or even a three-act
+melodrama; and, in like manner, your
+fun and sky-larking must have something
+of a positive tendency. I don't
+mean to insinuate that there is no
+story in Silas Spavinhitch. He is, if
+I recollect aright, the younger son of a
+nobleman, who falls in love&mdash;at Astley's,
+of course&mdash;with Signora Estrella
+di Canterini, the peerless Amazon of
+the ring. He forsakes his ancestral
+halls, abjures Parliament, and enlists
+in the cavalry of the Hippodrome.
+In that gallant and distinguished corps
+he rises to an unusual rank, utterly
+eclipses Herr Pferdenshuf, more commonly
+known by the title of the Suabian
+acrobat&mdash;wins the heart of the
+Signora by taming Centaur, the fierce
+Arabian stallion; and gains the notice
+and favour of royalty itself, by leaping
+the Mammoth horse over nineteen consecutive
+bars. Your manuscript ends
+at the point where Spavinhitch, having
+accidentally discovered that the
+beautiful Canterini is the daughter of
+Abd-el-Kader by a Sicilian princess,
+resolves to embark for Africa with
+the whole chivalry of the Surrey side,
+and, by driving the French from
+Algiers, to substantiate his claim
+upon the Emir for his daughter's
+hand. There is plenty incident here;
+but, to say the truth, I don't quite
+see my way out of it. Are you going
+to take history into your own hands,
+and write in the spirit of prophecy?
+The experiment is, to say the least of
+it, dangerous; and, had I been you, I
+should have preferred an earlier period
+for my tale, as there obviously could
+have been no difficulty in making
+Spavinhitch and his cavaliers take a
+leading part in the decisive charge
+at Waterloo.</p>
+
+<p>Your serial, therefore, so far as I
+can discover, belongs to the military-romantic
+school, and is intended to
+command admiration by what we
+may call a series of scenic effects. I
+an not much surprised at this. Your
+experience has lain so much in the
+line of gorgeous spectacle, and, indeed,
+you have borne a part in so
+many of those magnificent tableaux
+in which blue fire, real cannon, charging
+squadrons, and the transparency
+of Britannia are predominant, that
+it was hardly to be expected that the<span class="pagenum">[593]</span>
+current of your ideas would have
+flowed in a humbler channel. At
+the same time, you must forgive me
+for saying, that I think the line is a
+dangerous one. Putting tendency
+altogether aside, you cannot but recollect
+that a great many writers
+have already distinguished themselves
+by narratives of military adventure.
+Of these, by far the best and most
+spirited is Charles Lever. I don't
+know whether he ever was in the
+army, or bore the banner of the
+Enniskillens; but I say deliberately,
+that he has taken the shine out of
+all military writers from the days of
+Julius Cæsar downwards. There is a
+rollocking buoyancy about his battles
+which to me is perfectly irresistible.
+In one chapter you have the lads of
+the fighting Fifty-fifth bivouacking
+under the cork-trees of Spain, with
+no end of spatchcocks and sherry&mdash;telling
+numerous anecdotes of their
+early loves, none the worse because
+the gentleman is invariably disappointed
+in his pursuit of the well-jointured
+widow&mdash;or arranging for a
+speedy duel with that ogre of the
+army, the saturnine and heavy dragoon.
+In the next, you have them
+raging like lions in the very thick of
+the fight, pouring withering volleys
+into the shattered columns of the
+Frenchmen&mdash;engaged in single-handed
+combats with the most famous marshals
+of the empire, and not unfrequently
+leaving marks of their prowess
+upon the persons of Massena or Murat.
+Lever, in fact, sticks at nothing. His
+heroes indiscriminately hob-a-nob with
+Wellington, or perform somersets at
+leap-frog over the shoulders of the
+astounded Bonaparte; and, though
+somewhat given to miscellaneous flirtation,
+they all, in the twentieth number,
+are married to remarkably nice
+girls, with lots of money and accommodating
+papas, who die as soon as
+they are desired. It may be objected
+to this delightful writer&mdash;and a better
+never mixed a tumbler&mdash;that he is, if
+any thing, too helter-skelter in his
+narratives; that the officers of the
+British army do not, as an invariable
+rule, go into action in a state of <i>delirium
+tremens</i>; and that O'Shaughnessy,
+in particular, is rather too
+fond of furbishing up, for the entertainment
+of the mess, certain stories
+which have been current for the last
+fifty years in Tipperary. These, however,
+are very minor points of criticism,
+and such as need not interfere with
+our admiration of this light lancer of
+literature, who always writes like a
+true and a high-minded gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>Now, my dear Smith, I must own
+that I have some fear of your success
+when opposed to such a competitor.
+You have not been in the army&mdash;that
+is, the regulars&mdash;and I should say
+that you were more conversant in
+theory and in practice with firing from
+platforms than firing in platoons. I
+have indeed seen you, in the character
+of Soult, lead several desperate
+charges across the stage, with
+consummate dramatic effect. Your
+single combat with Gomersal as Picton,
+was no doubt a masterpiece of
+its kind; for in the course of it you
+brought out as many sparks from the
+blades of your basket-hilts, as might
+have served in the aggregate for a
+very tolerable illumination. Still I
+question whether the style of dialogue
+you indulged in on that occasion,
+is quite the same as that which
+is current on a modern battle-field.
+"Ha! English slave! Yield, or thou
+diest!" is an apostrophe more appropriate
+to the middle ages than the
+present century; and although the
+patriotism of the following answer by
+your excellent opponent is undeniable,
+its propriety may be liable to censure.
+Crossing the stage at four tremendous
+strides, the glorious Gomersal
+replied, "Yield, saidst thou? Never!
+I tell thee, Frenchman, that whilst
+the broad banner of Britain floats
+over the regions on which the day-star
+never sets&mdash;while peace and plenty
+brood like guardian angels over
+the shores of my own dear native
+isle&mdash;whilst her sons are brave, and
+her daughters virtuous&mdash;whilst the
+British lion reposes on his shadow in
+perfect stillness&mdash;whilst with thunders
+from our native oak we quell the
+floods below&mdash;I tell thee, base satellite
+of a tyrant, that an Englishman
+never will surrender!" In the applause
+which followed this declaration,
+your remark, that several centuries
+beheld you from the top of a
+canvass pyramid, was partially lost
+upon the audience; but to it you
+went tooth and nail for at least a<span class="pagenum">[594]</span>
+quarter of an hour; and I must confess
+that the manner in which you
+traversed the stage on your left knee,
+parrying all the while the strokes of
+your infuriated adversary, was highly
+creditable to your proficiency in the
+broadsword and gymnastic exercises.</p>
+
+<p>But all this, Smith, will not enable
+you to write a military serial. I
+therefore hope, that on consideration
+you will abandon the Algiers
+expedition, and keep Silas in his
+native island, where, if you will follow
+my advice, you will find quite
+enough for him to do in the way of
+incident and occupation.</p>
+
+<p>Now let us return to the question
+of tendency. Once upon a time, it
+was a trite rule by which all romance
+writers were guided, that in the <i>denoûment</i>
+of their plots, virtue was invariably
+rewarded, and vice as invariably
+punished. This gave a kind of
+moral tone to their writings, which
+was not without its effect upon our
+grandfathers and grandmothers, many
+of whom were inclined to consider all
+works of fiction as direct emanations
+from Beelzebub. The next generation
+became gradually less nice and
+scrupulous, demanded more spice in
+their pottage, and attached less importance
+to the prominence of an
+ethical precept. At last we became,
+strictly speaking, a good deal blackguardised
+in our taste. Ruffianism
+in the middle ages bears about it a
+stamp of feudality which goes far to
+disguise its lawlessness, and even to
+excuse its immorality. When a German
+knight of the empire sacks and
+burns some peaceful and unoffending
+village&mdash;when a Bohemian marauder
+of noble birth bears off some shrieking
+damsel from her paternal castle,
+having previously slitted the weasand
+of her brother, and then weds her in
+a subterranean chapel&mdash;or when a roaring
+red-bearded Highlander drives
+his dirk into a gauger, or chucks a
+score of Sassenachs, tied back to
+back, with a few hundredweight of
+greywacke at their heels, into the
+loch&mdash;we think less of the enormity
+of the deeds than of the disagreeable
+habits of the times. It does not follow
+that either German, Bohemian,
+or Celt, were otherwise bad company
+or disagreeable companions over a
+flagon of Rhenish, a roasted boar, or
+a gallon or so of usquebæ. But when
+you come to the Newgate Callendar
+for subjects, I must say that we are
+getting rather low. I do not know
+what your feelings upon the subject
+may be, but I, for one, would certainly
+hesitate before accepting an invitation
+to the town residence of Mr Fagin;
+neither should I feel at all comfortable
+if required to plant my legs
+beneath the mahogany in company
+with Messrs Dodger, Bates, and the
+rest of their vivacious associates.
+However fond I may be of female
+society, Miss Nancy is not quite the
+sort of person I should fancy to look
+in upon of an evening about tea-time;
+and as for Bill Sykes, that infernal
+dog of his would be quite enough to
+prevent any advances of intimacy between
+us. In fact, Smith, although
+you may think the confession a
+squeamish one, I am not in the
+habit of selecting my acquaintance
+from the inhabitants of St Giles,
+and on every possible occasion I
+should eschew accepting their hospitalities.</p>
+
+<p>I have, therefore, little opportunity
+of judging whether the characters
+depicted by some of our later serialists,
+are exact copies from nature or
+the reverse. I have, however, heard
+several young ladies declare them to
+be extremely natural, though I confess
+to have been somewhat puzzled
+as to their means of accurate information.
+But I may be allowed <i>en passant</i>
+to remark, that it seems difficult
+to imagine what kind of pleasure can
+be derived from the description of a
+scene, which, if actually contemplated
+by the reader, would inspire him
+with loathing and disgust, or from
+conversations in which the brutal alternates
+with the positive obscene.
+The fetid den of the Jew, the stinking
+cellar of the thief, the squalid attic of
+the prostitute, are not haunts for
+honest men, and the less that we
+know of them the better. Such places
+no doubt exist&mdash;the more is the pity;
+but so do dunghills, and a hundred
+other filthy things, which the imagination
+shudders at whenever they
+are forced upon it,&mdash;for the man who
+willingly and deliberately dwells upon
+such subjects, is, notwithstanding all
+pretext, in heart and soul a nightman!
+Don't tell me about close<span class="pagenum">[595]</span>
+painting after nature. Nature is not
+always to be painted as she really is.
+Would you hang up such paintings in
+your drawing-room? If not, why suffer
+them in print to lie upon your
+drawing-room tables? What are
+Eugene Sue and his English competitors,
+but coarser and more prurient
+Ostades?</p>
+
+<p>Oh, but there is a moral in these
+things! No doubt of it. There is a
+moral in all sin and misery, as there
+is in all virtue and happiness. There
+is a moral every where, and the veriest
+bungler cannot fail to seize it.
+But is that a reason why the minds
+of our sons and daughters should be
+polluted by what is notoriously the
+nearest thing to contact with absolute
+vice&mdash;namely, vivid and graphic
+descriptions of it by writers of undenied
+ability? Did <i>Life in London</i>,
+or the exploits of Tom, Jerry, and
+Logic, make the youth of the metropolis
+more staid, or inspire them with
+a wholesome horror of dissipation?
+Did the memoirs of Casanova ever
+reclaim a rake&mdash;the autobiography of
+David Haggart convert an aspiring
+pickpocket&mdash;or the daring feats of
+Jack Sheppard arrest one candidate
+for the gallows? These are
+the major cases; but look at the
+minor ones. What are the favourite
+haunts of the heroes in even
+the most blameless of our serials?
+Pot-houses&mdash;cigariums&mdash;green-rooms
+of theatres&mdash;hells&mdash;spunging-houses&mdash;garrets&mdash;and
+the scullery! Nice
+and improving all this&mdash;isn't it,
+Smith?&mdash;for the young and rising
+generation! No need now for surreptitious
+works, entitled, "A Guide
+to the Larks of London," or so forth,
+which used formerly to issue from the
+virgin press of Holywell Street. Almost
+any serial will give hints enough
+to an acute boy, if he wishes to gain
+an initiative knowledge of subjects
+more especially beneath the cognisance
+of the police. They will at
+least guide him to the door with the
+red lamp burning over it, and only
+one plank betwixt its iniquity and
+the open street. And all this is for a
+moral! Heaven knows, Smith, I am
+no Puritan; but when I think upon
+the men who now call themselves the
+lights of the age, and look back upon
+the past, I am absolutely sick at heart,
+and could almost wish for a return
+of the days of Mrs Radcliffe and the
+Castle of Otranto.</p>
+
+<p>Now, my dear fellow, as I know you
+to be a thoroughly good-hearted man&mdash;not
+overgiven to liquor, although
+your estimate of beer is a just one&mdash;a
+constant husband, and, moreover,
+the father of five or six promising
+olive-branches, I do not for a moment
+suppose that you are likely to
+inweave any such tendencies in your
+tale. You would consider it low to
+make a prominent character of a
+scavenger; and although some dozen
+idiots who call themselves philanthropists
+would brand you as an aristocrat
+for entertaining any such opinion, I
+think you are decidedly in the right.
+But there is another tendency towards
+which I suspect you are more likely
+to incline. You are a bit of a Radical,
+and, like all men of genius, you pique
+yourself on elbowing upwards. So
+far well. The great ladder, or rather
+staircase of ambition, is open to all of
+us, and it is fortunately broader than
+it is high. It is not the least too
+narrow to prevent any one from approaching
+it, and after you have
+taken the first step, there is nothing
+more than stamina and perseverance
+required. But then I do not see that
+it is necessary to be perpetually plucking
+at the coat-tails, or seizing hold
+of the ankles of those who are before.
+Such conduct is quite as indecorous,
+and indeed ungenerous, as it would
+be to kick back, and systematically
+to smite with your heel the unprotected
+foreheads of your followers.
+Nor would I be perpetually pitching
+brickbats upwards, in order to show
+my own independence; or raising a
+howl of injustice, because another fellow
+was considerably elevated above
+me. In the social system, Smith, as
+it stands at present, has always stood,
+and will continue to stand long after
+Astley's is forgotten, it is not necessary
+that every one should commence
+at the lowest round of the staircase.
+Their respective fathers and progenitors
+have secured an advantageous
+start for many. They have achieved,
+as the case may be, either rank or
+fame, or honour, or wealth, or credit&mdash;and
+these possessions they are
+surely entitled to leave as an inheritance
+of their offspring. If we want<span class="pagenum">[596]</span>
+to rise higher in the social scale than
+they did, we must make exertions for
+ourselves; if we are indolent, we
+must be contented to remain where
+we are, though at imminent risk of
+descending. But you, I take it for
+granted, and indeed the most of us
+who owe little to ancestral enterprise
+and are in fact men of the masses, are
+struggling forward towards one or
+other of the good things specified
+above, and no doubt we shall in time
+attain them. In the meanwhile,
+however, is it just&mdash;nay, is it wise&mdash;that
+we should mar our own expectancies,
+and depreciate the value of
+the prizes which we covet, by abusing
+not only the persons but the position
+of those above us? How are they to
+blame? Are they any the worse that
+they stand, whether adventitiously or
+not, at a point which we are endeavouring
+to reach? Am I necessarily
+a miscreant because I am born rich,
+and you a martyr because you are
+poor? I do not quite follow the argument.
+If there is any one to blame,
+you will find their names written on
+the leaves of your own family-tree;
+but I don't see that on that account
+you have any right to execrate me or
+my ancestors.</p>
+
+<p>I am the more anxious to caution
+you against putting any such rubbish
+into your pages, because I fear you
+have contracted some sort of intimacy
+with a knot of utilitarian ninnyhammers.
+The last time I had the pleasure
+of meeting you at the Ducrow's Head,
+there was a seedy-looking, ill-conditioned
+fellow seated on your
+right, who, between his frequent
+draughts of porter, (which you paid
+for,) did nothing but abuse the upper
+classes as tyrants, fools, and systematical
+grinders of the poor. I took
+the liberty, as you may remember, of
+slightly differing from some of his
+wholesale positions; whereupon your
+friend, regarding me with a cadaverous
+sneer, was pleased to mutter something
+about a sycophant, the tenor of
+which I did not precisely comprehend.
+Now, unless I am shrewdly mistaken,
+this was one of the earnest men&mdash;fellows
+who are continually bawling
+on people to go forward&mdash;who set
+themselves up for popular teachers,
+and maunder about "a oneness of
+purpose," "intellectual elevation,"
+"aspirations after reality," and suchlike
+drivel, as though they were absolute
+Solons, not blockheads of the
+muddiest water. And I was sorry to
+observe that you rather seemed to
+agree with the rusty patriot in some
+of his most sweeping strictures, and
+evinced an inclination to adopt his
+theory of the coming Utopia, which,
+judging from the odour that pervaded
+his apostolic person and raiment,
+must bear a strong resemblance to a
+modern gin-shop. Now, Smith, this
+will not do. There may be inequalities
+in this world, and there may also
+be injustice; but it is a very great
+mistake to hold that one-half of the
+population of these islands is living in
+profligate ease upon the compulsory
+labour of the other. I am not going
+to write you a treatise upon political
+economy; but I ask you to reflect for
+a moment, and you will see how ludicrous
+is the charge. This style of
+thinking, or, what is worse, this style
+of writing, is positively the most mischievous
+production of the present
+day. Disguised under the specious
+aspect of philanthropy, it fosters self-conceit
+and discontent, robs honest
+industry of that satisfaction which is
+its best reward, and, instead of removing,
+absolutely creates invidious class-distinctions.
+And I will tell you from
+what this spirit arises&mdash;it is the working
+of the meanest envy.</p>
+
+<p>There never was a time when talent,
+and genius, and ability, had so fair a
+field as now. The power of the press
+is developed to an extent which almost
+renders exaggeration impossible,
+and yet it is still upon the increase.
+A thousand minds are now at work,
+where a few were formerly employed.
+We have become a nation of readers
+and of writers. The rudiments of education,
+whatever may be said of its
+higher branches, are generally distributed
+throughout the masses&mdash;so
+much so, indeed, that without them
+no man can hope to ascend one step in
+the social scale. This is a great,
+though an imperfect gain, and, like all
+such, it has its evils.</p>
+
+<p>Of these not the least is the astounding
+growth of quackery. It assails us
+every where, and on every side; and,
+with consummate impudence, it asserts
+its mission to teach. Look at
+the shoals of itinerant lecturers which<span class="pagenum">[597]</span>
+at this moment are swarming through
+the land. No department of science
+is too deep, no political question too
+abstruse, for their capacity. They
+have their own theories on the subjects
+of philosophy and religion&mdash;of
+which theories I shall merely remark,
+that they differ in many essentials
+from the standards both of church
+and college&mdash;and these they communicate
+to their audience with the least
+possible regard to reservation. Had
+you ever the pleasure, Smith, of meeting
+one of these gentlemen amongst
+the amenities of private life? I have
+upon various occasions enjoyed that
+luxury; and, so far as I am capable
+of judging, the Pericles of the platform
+appeared to me a coarse-minded,
+illiterate, and ignorant Cockney, with
+the manners and effrontery of a bagman.
+Such are the class of men who
+affect to regenerate the people with
+the tongue, and who are listened to
+even with avidity, because impudence,
+like charity, can cover a multitude of
+defects; and thus they stand, like so
+many sons of Telamon, each secure
+behind the shelter of his brazen
+shield. As to the pen-regenerators,
+they are at least equally numerous.
+I do not speak of the established
+press, the respectability and talent of
+which is undeniable; but of the minor
+crew, who earn their bread partly by
+fostering discontent, and partly by
+pandering to the worst of human
+passions. The merest whelp, who
+can write a decent paragraph, considers
+himself, now-a-days, entitled
+to assume the airs of an Aristarchus,
+and will pronounce opinions, <i>ex cathedrâ</i>,
+upon every question, no matter
+of what importance, for he too is
+a teacher of the people!</p>
+
+<p>This is the lowest sort of quackery;
+but there are also higher degrees.
+Our literature, of what ought to be
+the better sort, has by no means
+escaped the infection. In former
+times, men who devoted themselves
+to the active pursuit of letters, brought
+to the task not only high talent, but
+deep and measured thought, and an
+accumulated fund of acquirement.
+They studied long before they wrote,
+and attempted no subject until they
+had thoroughly and comprehensively
+mastered its details. But we live
+under a new system. There is no
+want of talent, though it be of a
+rambling and disjointed kind; but we
+look in vain for marks of the previous
+study. Our authors deny the necessity
+or advantage of an apprenticeship,
+and set up for masters before
+they have learned the rudiments of
+their art, and they dispense altogether
+with reflection. Few men now think
+before they write. The consequence
+is, that a great proportion of our modern
+literature is of the very flimsiest
+description&mdash;vivid, sometimes, and not
+without sparkles of genuine humour;
+but so ill constructed as to preclude
+the possibility of its long existence.
+No one is entitled to reject models,
+unless he has studied them, and detected
+their faults; but this is considered
+by far too tedious a process
+for modern ingenuity. We are thus
+inundated with a host of clever
+writers, each relying upon his peculiar
+and native ability, jesting&mdash;for
+that is the humour of the time&mdash;against
+each other, and all of them
+forsaking nature, and running deplorably
+into caricature.</p>
+
+<p>These are the men who make the
+loudest outcry against the social
+system, and who appear to be imbued
+with an intense hatred of the
+aristocracy, and indeed with every
+one of our time-honoured institutions.
+This I know has been denied; but,
+in proof of my assertion, I appeal to
+their published works. Read any
+one of them through, and I ask you
+if you do not rise from it with a sort
+of conviction, that you must search
+for the cardinal virtues solely in the
+habitations of the poor&mdash;that the rich
+are hard, selfish, griping, and tyrannical&mdash;and
+that the nobility are either
+fools, spendthrifts, or debauchees?
+Is it so, as a general rule, in actual
+life? Far from it. I do not need to
+be told of the virtue and industry
+which grace the poor man's lot; for
+we all feel and know it, and God forbid
+that it should be otherwise. But
+we know also that there is as great,
+if not greater temptation in the hovel
+than in the palace, with fewer counteracting
+effects from education and
+principle to withstand it; and it is an
+insult to our understanding to be told,
+that fortune and station are in effect
+but other words for tyranny, callousness,
+and crime.<span class="pagenum">[598]</span></p>
+
+<p>The fact is, that most of these authors
+know nothing whatever of the society
+which they affect to describe, but
+which in truth they grossly libel.
+Their starting-point is usually not a
+high one; but by dint of some talent&mdash;in
+certain cases naturally great&mdash;and
+a vivacity of style, joined with a good
+deal of drollery and power of bizarre
+description, they at last gain a portion
+of the public favour, and become
+in a manner notables. This is as it
+should be; and such progress is always
+honourable. Having arrived at this
+point, not without a certain degree of
+intoxication consequent upon success,
+our author begins to look about him
+and to consider his own position&mdash;and
+he finds that position to be both new and
+anomalous. On the one hand he has
+become a lion. The newspapers are
+full of his praises; his works are dramatized
+at the minor theatres; he is
+pointed at in the streets, and his publisher
+is clamorous for copy. At small
+literary reunions he is the cynosure of
+all eyes. And so his organ of self-esteem
+continues to expand day by
+day, until he fancies himself entitled
+to a statue near the altar in the Temple
+of Fame&mdash;not very far, perhaps,
+from those of Shakspeare, of Spencer,
+or of Scott. One little drop of gall,
+however, is mingled in the nectar of
+his cup. He does not receive that
+consideration which he thinks himself
+entitled to from the higher classes.
+Peers do not wait upon him with
+pressing invitations to their country-seats;
+nor does he receive any direct
+intimation of the propriety of presenting
+himself at Court. This appears
+to him not only strange but grossly
+unfair. He is one of nature's aristocracy&mdash;at
+least so he thinks; and yet
+he is regarded with indifference by the
+body of the class aristocrats! Why
+is this? He knows they have heard of
+his name; he is convinced that they
+have read his works, and been mightily
+tickled thereby; yet how is it that
+they show no manner of thirst whatever
+for his society? In vain he lays
+in scores of apple-green satin waistcoats,
+florid cravats, and a wilderness
+of mosaic jewellery&mdash;in vain he makes
+himself conspicuous wherever he can&mdash;he
+is looked at, to be sure; but
+the right hand of fellowship is withheld.
+Gradually he becomes savage
+and indignant. No man is better
+aware than he is, that not one scion
+of the existing aristocracy could
+write a serial or a novel at all to be
+compared to his; and yet Lord John
+and Lord Frederick&mdash;both of them
+literary men too&mdash;do not insist upon
+walking with him in the streets, and
+never once offer to introduce him to
+the bosom of their respective families!
+Our friend becomes rapidly
+bilious; is seized with a moral jaundice;
+and vows that, in his next
+work, he will do his uttermost to
+show up that confounded aristocracy.
+And he keeps his vow.</p>
+
+<p>Now, Smith, to say the least of it,
+this is remarkably silly conduct, and
+it argues but little for the intellect
+and the temper of the man. It is
+quite true that the English aristocracy,
+generally speaking, do not consider
+themselves bound to associate with
+every successful candidate for the public
+favour; but they neither despise
+him nor rob him of one tittle of his
+due. The higher classes of society
+are no more exclusive than the
+lower. Each circle is formed upon
+principles peculiar to itself, amongst
+which are undoubtedly similarity of
+interest, of position, and of taste; and
+it is quite right that it should be so.
+You will understand this more clearly
+if I bring the case home to yourself. I
+shall suppose that the success of Silas
+Spavinhitch is something absolutely
+triumphant&mdash;that it sells by tens and
+hundreds of thousands, and that the
+treasury of your publisher is bursting
+with the accumulated silver. You
+find yourself, in short, the great literary
+lion of the day&mdash;the intellectual
+workman who has produced the consummate
+masterpiece of the age. What,
+under such circumstances, would be
+your wisest line of conduct? I should
+decidedly say, to establish an account
+at your banker's, enjoy yourself reasonably
+with your friends, make Mrs
+Smith and your children as happy as
+possible, and tackle to another serial
+without deviating from the tenor of
+your way. I would not, if I were you,
+drop old acquaintances, or insist clamorously
+upon having new ones. I should
+look upon myself, not as a very great
+man, but as a very fortunate one; and I
+would not step an inch from my path
+to exchange compliments with King or<span class="pagenum">[599]</span>
+with Kaisar. Don't you think such
+conduct would be more rational than
+quarrelling with society because you
+are not worshipped as a sort of demi-god?
+Is the Duke of Devonshire
+obliged to ask you to dinner, because
+you are the author of Silas Spavinhitch?
+Take my word for it, Smith,
+you would feel excessively uncomfortable
+if any such invitation came. I
+think I see you at a ducal table, with
+an immense fellow in livery behind
+you, utterly bewildered as to how you
+should behave yourself, and quite
+as much astounded as Abon Hassan
+when hailed by Mesrour, chief of the
+eunuchs, as the true Commander of
+the Faithful! How gladly would you
+not exchange these <i>soufflés</i> and <i>salmis</i>
+for a rump-steak and onions in the
+back-parlour of the Ducrow's Head!
+Far rather would you be imbibing
+porter with Widdicomb than drinking
+hermitage with his Grace&mdash;and O!&mdash;horror
+of horrors! you have capsized
+something with a French name into
+the lap of the dowager next you, and
+your head swims round with a touch
+of temporary apoplexy, as you observe
+the snigger on the countenance of the
+opposite lackey, who, menial as he is,
+considers himself at bottom quite as
+much of a gentleman, and as conspicuous
+a public character as yourself.</p>
+
+<p>And&mdash;mercy on me!&mdash;what would
+you make of yourself at a ball? You
+are a good-looking fellow, Smith, and
+nature has been bountiful to you in
+calf; but I would not advise you to
+sport that plum-coloured coat and
+azure waistcoat of an evening. Believe
+me, that though you may pass
+muster in such a garb most creditably
+on the Surrey side, there are
+people in Grosvenor Square who will
+unhesitatingly pronounce you a tiger.
+And pray, whom are you going to
+dance with? You confess to yourself,
+whilst working on those relentless
+and impracticable kids, that you
+do not know a single soul in the
+saloon except the man who brought
+you there, and he has speedily abandoned
+you. That staid, haughty-looking
+lady with the diamonds, is a
+Countess in her own right, and those
+two fair girls with the auburn ringlets
+are her daughters, the flower of
+the English nobility, and the name
+they bear is conspicuous in history to
+the Conquest. Had you not better
+walk up to the noble matron, announce
+yourself as the author of Silas
+Spavinhitch, and request an introduction
+to Lady Edith or Lady Maude?
+You would just as soon consent to
+swing yourself like Fra Diavolo on
+the slack-rope! And suppose that
+you were actually introduced to Lady
+Maude, how would you contrive to
+amuse her? With anecdotes of the
+back slums, or the green-room, or the
+witticisms of medical students?
+Would you tell her funny stories
+about the loves of the bagmen, or
+recreations with a migratory giantess
+in the interior of a provincial caravan?
+Do you think that, with dulcet
+prattle of this sort, you could manage
+to efface the impression made long
+ago upon her virgin heart by that
+handsome young guardsman, who is
+now regarding you with a glance prophetic
+of a coming flagellation?
+Surely, you misguided creature, you
+are not going to expose yourself by
+dancing? Yes, you are! You once
+danced a polka with little Laura
+Wilkins on the boards at Astley's,
+and ever since that time you have
+been labouring under the delusion
+that you are a consummate Vestris.
+So you claw your shrinking partner
+round the waist, and set off, prancing
+like the pony that performs a pas-seul
+upon its hinder legs; and after bouncing
+against several couples in your
+rash and erratic career, you are arrested
+by the spur of a dragoon,
+which rips up your inexpressibles,
+lacerates your ankle, and stretches you
+on the broad of your back upon the
+floor, to the intense and unextinguishable
+delight of the assembled British
+aristocracy.</p>
+
+<p>Or, by way of a change, what
+would you say to go down with your
+acquaintance, Lord Walter, to Melton?
+You ride well&mdash;that is, upon
+several horses, with one foot upon the
+crupper of the first, and the other upon
+the shoulder of the fourth. But a
+hunting-field is another matter. I
+think I see you attempting to assume
+a light and jaunty air in
+the saddle; your long towsy hair
+flowing gracefully over the collar of
+your spotless pink; and the nattiest
+of conical castors secured by a ribband
+upon the head which imagined<span class="pagenum">[600]</span>
+the tale of Spavinhitch. You have
+not any very distinct idea of what is
+going to take place; but you resolve
+to demean yourself like a man, and
+cover your confusion with a cigar.
+The hounds are thrown into cover.
+There is a yelping and the scouring of
+many brushes among the furze; a red
+hairy creature bolts out close beside
+you, and, with a bray of insane
+triumph, you commence to canter
+after him, utterly regardless of the
+cries of your fellow-sportsmen, entreating
+you to hold hard. In a couple
+of minutes more, you are in the middle
+of the hounds, knocking out the brains
+of one, crushing the spine of another,
+and fracturing the legs of a third. A
+shout of anger rises behind; no matter&mdash;on
+you go. Accidents will happen
+in the best regulated hunting-fields&mdash;and
+what business had these
+stupid brutes to get under your
+horse's legs? Otherwise, you are
+undeniably a-head of the field; and
+won't you show those tip-top fellows
+how a serialist can go the pace? But
+your delusion is drawing to an end.
+There is a clattering of hoofs, and a
+resonant oath behind you&mdash;and smack
+over your devoted shoulders comes
+the avenging whip of the huntsman,
+frantic at the loss of his most favourite
+hounds, and execrating you for a
+clumsy tailor. "Serve him right,
+Jem! Give it him again!" cries the
+Master of the hounds&mdash;a very different
+person from your old friend the Master
+of the Ring&mdash;as the scarlet crowd
+rushes by; and again and again, with
+intensest anguish, you writhe beneath
+the thong wielded by the brawny
+groom&mdash;and, after sufficient chastisement,
+sneak home to anoint your
+aching back, and depart, ere the
+sportsmen return, for your own Paddingtonian
+domicile.</p>
+
+<p>Now, Smith, are you not convinced
+that it would be the height of folly to
+expose yourself to any such unpleasant
+occurrences? To be sure you
+are; and yet there are some dozen of
+men, no better situated than yourself,
+who would barter their ears for the
+chance of being made such laughingstocks
+for life. The innate good
+sense and fine feeling of the upper
+classes, prevents these persons from
+assuming so extremely false and ridiculous
+a position, and yet this consideration
+is rewarded by the most foul
+and malignant abuse. It is high
+time that these gentlemen should be
+brought to their senses, and be taught
+the real value of themselves and of
+their writings. Personally they are
+objectionable and offensive&mdash;relatively
+they are bores&mdash;and, in a literary
+point of view, they have done much
+more to lower than to elevate the
+artistic standard of the age. Their
+affectation of philanthropy and maudlin
+sentiment is too shallow to deceive
+any one who is possessed of the ordinary
+intellect of a man; and in point
+of wit and humour, which is their
+stronghold, the best of them is far
+inferior to Paul de Kock, whose
+works are nearly monopolized for
+perusal by the <i>flaneurs</i> and the <i>grisettes</i>
+of Paris.</p>
+
+<p>Take my advice then, and have
+nothing to say to the earnest and
+oneness-of-purpose men. They are
+not only weak but wicked; and they
+will lead you most lamentably astray.
+Let us now look a little into your
+style, which, after all, is a matter of
+some importance in a serial.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole, I like it. It is nervous,
+terse, and epigrammatic&mdash;a
+little too high-flown at times; but I
+was fully prepared for that. What
+I admire most, however, is your fine
+feeling of humanity&mdash;the instinct, as
+it were, and dumb life which you
+manage to extract from inanimate
+objects as well as from articulately-speaking
+men. Your very furniture
+has a kind of automatonic life; you
+can make an old chest of drawers
+wink waggishly from the corner, and
+a boot-jack in your hands becomes a
+fellow of infinite fancy. This is all
+very pleasant and delightful; though
+I think, upon the whole, you give us
+a little too much of it, for I cannot
+fancy myself quite comfortable in a
+room with every article of the furniture
+maintaining a sort of espionage
+upon my doings. Then as to your
+antiquarianism you are perfect. Your
+description of "the old deserted stable,
+with the old rusty harness hanging
+upon the old decayed nails, so honey-combed,
+as it were, by the tooth of
+time, that you wondered how they
+possibly could support the weight;
+while across the span of an old discoloured
+stirrup, a great spider had<span class="pagenum">[601]</span>
+thrown his web, and now lay waiting
+in the middle of it, a great hairy bag
+of venom, for the approach of some
+unlucky fly, like a usurer on the
+watch for a spendthrift,"&mdash;that description,
+I say, almost brought tears to
+my eyes. The catalogue, also, which
+you give us of the decayed curry-combs
+all clogged with grease, the
+shankless besoms, the worm-eaten
+corn-chest, and all the other paraphernalia
+of the desolate stable, is as
+finely graphic as any thing which I
+ever remember to have read.</p>
+
+<p>But your best scene is the opening
+one, in which you introduce us to the
+aërial dwelling of Estrella di Canterini,
+in Lambeth. I do not wish to
+flatter you, my dear fellow; but I
+hold it to be a perfect piece of composition,
+and I cannot resist the
+temptation of transcribing a very few
+sentences:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It was the kitten that began it,
+and not the cat. It isn't no use saying
+it was the cat, because I was
+there, and I saw it and know it; and
+if I don't know it, how should any
+body else be able to tell about it,
+if you please? So I say again it was
+the kitten that began it, and the way
+it all happened was this.</p>
+
+<p>"There was a little bit, a small
+tiny string of blue worsted&mdash;no! I am
+wrong, for when I think again the
+string was pink&mdash;which was hanging
+down from a little ball that lay on the
+lap of a tall dark girl with large lustrous
+eyes, who was looking into the
+fire as intently as if she expected to
+see a salamander in the middle of it.
+Huggs, the old cat, was lying at her
+feet, coiled up with her tail under her,
+enjoying, to all appearance, a comfortable
+snooze: but she wasn't asleep,
+for all the time that she was pretending
+to shut her eyes, she was watching
+the movements of a smart little
+kitten, just six weeks old, who was
+pouncing upon, and then letting go,
+like an imaginary mouse, a little roll
+of paper, which, between ourselves,
+bore a strong resemblance to two or
+three others which occupied a more
+elevated position, being, in fact, placed
+in a festoon or sort of fancy-garland
+round the head of the dark girl who
+was so steadfastly gazing into the fire.
+But this sort of thing didn't last long;
+for the kitten, after making a violent
+pounce, shook its head and sneezed,
+as if it had been pricked by a pin,
+which was the case, and then cried
+mew, as much as to say, 'You nasty
+thing! if I had known that you were
+going to hurt me, I wouldn't have
+played with you so long; so go away,
+you greasy little rag!' And then the
+kitten put on a look of importance, as
+if its feelings had been injured in the
+nicest points, and then walked up demurely
+to Huggs, and began to pat
+her whiskers, as if it wanted, which it
+probably did, to tell her all about it.
+But Huggs didn't get up, or open her
+great green eyes, but lay still upon the
+rug, purring gently, as though she
+were dreaming that she had got into
+a dairy, and that there was nobody to
+interfere at all between her and the
+bowls of cream. So the smart little
+kitten gave another pat, and a harder
+one than the last, which might have
+roused Huggs, had it not observed at
+that moment the little pink string of
+worsted. Now the end of the little
+pink string reached down to within a
+foot of the floor, so that the smart
+little kitten could easily reach it; so
+the smart little kitten wagged its tail
+and stood up upon its hind-paws, and
+caught hold of the little pink string by
+the end, and gave it such a pull, that
+the worsted ball rolled off the girl's
+knee and fell upon the head of Huggs,
+who made believe to think that it was
+a rat, and got up and jumped after it,
+and the kitten ran too, and gave another
+mew, as much as to say, that
+the worsted was its own finding out,
+and that Huggs shouldn't have it at
+all. All this wasn't done without
+noise; so the tall girl looked round,
+and seeing her worsted ball roll away,
+and Huggs and the kitten after it, she
+said in a slightly foreign accent,</p>
+
+<p>"'Worrit that Huggs!'</p>
+
+<p>"All this while there was sitting
+at the other side of the fire, a young
+girl, a great deal younger than the
+other; in fact, a little, very little child,
+who was sucking a dried damson in
+her mouth, and looked as if she would
+have liked to have swallowed it, but
+didn't do it, for fear of the stone. Now
+Huggs was the particular pet of the
+little girl, who wouldn't have her
+abused on any account, and she said,</p>
+
+<p>"''Twor'n't Huggs, aunt Strelly,
+'twore the kitten!'<span class="pagenum">[602]</span></p>
+
+<p>" 'Eliza Puddifoot!' replied the
+other, in a somewhat raucous and
+melo-dramatic tone&mdash;'Eliza Puddifoot!
+I is perticklarly surprised, I is,
+that you comes for to offer to contradick
+me. I knows better what's what
+than you, and all I says is, that there
+'ere Huggs goes packing out of the
+windor!'</p>
+
+<p>"The child&mdash;she was a very little
+one&mdash;burst into a flood of tears."</p>
+
+<p>Now, that is what I call fine writing,
+and no mistake. There is a
+breadth&mdash;a depth&mdash;a sort of <i>chiaroscuro</i>,
+about the picture which betrays
+the hand of a master, and shows how
+deeply you have studied in a school
+which has no equal in modern, and
+never had a parallel in former times.</p>
+
+<p>Almost equal to this is your sketch
+of the soirée at Mr Grindlejerkin's,
+which is written with a close observance
+of character, and, at the same
+time, an ease and playfulness which
+cannot fail of attracting a large share
+of the popular regard. Your hero,
+Mr Spavinhitch, has distinguished
+himself so much by throwing a somerset
+through a blazing hoop, that at
+last he receives the honour of an invitation
+to the hospitalities of the
+Master of the Ring.</p>
+
+<p>"I can tell you, that an uncommonly
+fine man Mr Grindlejerkin was,
+with a stout Roman nose, only a little
+warty, and black whiskers curling
+under his chin, and a smart little imperial
+that gave quite a cock to his
+countenance, and made him altogether
+look a good deal like a hero. He was
+dressed in bright bottle-green, was
+Mr Grindlejerkin&mdash;that is, in so far as
+regarded his coat, which was garnished
+with large silver buttons and a
+horse's head upon them: but his
+trousers were of a light-blue colour, a
+little faded or so, and creased, as if
+they had been sent out a good deal to
+the washing, and had come home
+without having been pressed carefully
+through the mangle. He had evidently
+been drinking, had Mr Grindlejerkin,
+for he leaned against the
+fireplace in a sort of vibratory manner,
+as if he were not very sure of his
+own equilibrium, and couldn't trust it.
+However, he did his best to welcome
+Silas, which he did with an air of patronising
+affability, as if he wished
+him to understand that he was not to
+be considered as letting himself down
+by inviting a voltigeur to his table.</p>
+
+<p>"'Now, Mr Spavinhitch,' said Mr
+Grindlejerkin, 'glad to see you, sir,
+or any other rising member of the profession.
+May I perish of the string-halt,
+sir, if I do not consider you an
+eminent addition to the Ring! Your
+last vault through the hoops, sir, was
+extraordinary; upon my credentials,
+quite! It reminded me much of my
+late esteemed friend Goggletrumkins.
+Ah, what a man that was! Did you
+know Goggletrumkins, Mr Spavinhitch?'</p>
+
+<p>"Silas modestly repudiated that
+honour.</p>
+
+<p>"'Ah, sir, you should have known
+him!' replied the stately Master of
+the Ring. 'That was indeed a man,
+sir; the gem of the British arena.
+His Life-guardsman Shaw, sir, was
+one of the finest things in nature:
+quite statuesque, sir; it was enough
+to inspire a nation. You are, perhaps,
+not aware, sir, that he used to
+sit as a model for the Wellington
+statues?'</p>
+
+<p>"'Indeed!' said Silas.</p>
+
+<p>"'He did, sir,' continued Mr
+Grindlejerkin solemnly, 'and the boast
+of Astley's now lives in imperishable
+marble. But I forgot: you do not
+know my lady. Mrs Grindlejerkin,
+my cherub&mdash;Mr Spavinhitch, one of
+our most distinguished recruits.'</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs Grindlejerkin was a tall lady,
+with black treacly hair, a good deal
+younger than her lord, to whom she
+had been only recently united. She
+was married off the stage, which she
+had ornamented since she was three
+years old, when she used to appear
+as a little fairy crawling out of paste-board
+tulips, and frighten, by the
+magic of her rod, some older imps in
+green, who used to shoulder their legs
+like muskets, and go through all sorts
+of strange diabolical man&oelig;uvres. Miss
+Clara Tiggs, such was her virgin name,
+then rose to the rank of the angels,
+and might be seen any evening flying
+across the stage with little gauze
+winglets fastened to her back, by aid
+of which it is not likely that she could
+have flown very far, if it had not
+been for the cross-wires and the cord
+attached to her waist. But she looked
+very pretty, did Clara Tiggs, as she
+fluttered from the side-wings like an<span class="pagenum">[603]</span>
+exaggerated butterfly, and rained
+down white paper flowers upon the
+heads of imploring lovers. But she
+soon got too heavy for that business,
+and having no natural genius for
+tragedy, and being rather too splayfooted
+for the ballet, and too stiff-jointed
+for the hippodrome, she became
+one of those young ladies in white,
+who always walk before the queens
+in melodramatic spectacles, and who
+keep in pairs, and look like the most
+loving and affectionate creatures in
+the world, because they always are
+holding one another's hands. And
+it possibly might be this appearance
+of sisterly devotion which induced
+Mr Grindlejerkin to pay his addresses
+to Miss Clara Tiggs; for Miss Clara
+Tiggs never appeared in public except
+linked to Miss Emily Whax, another
+nice young lady, who was always
+dressed in white, and who carried
+around her neck a locket, which was
+supposed to contain the hair of a
+certain officer who always took a
+considerable number of tickets for her
+benefit. Such was Mrs Grindlejerkin,
+who now saluted Mr Spavinhitch with
+a pleasant smile.</p>
+
+<p>"'Clara, my own dear love,' said
+Mr Grindlejerkin after a pause, 'can
+you tell me what we are to have for
+supper?'</p>
+
+<p>"'La! Mr Grindlejerkin,' replied
+the lady, 'how should I know? Sassengers
+and pettitoes, I suppose. It's
+very odd,' continued she, addressing
+Silas&mdash;'it's very odd, but Mr Grindlejerkin
+always <i>does</i> ask me what he is
+to have for supper!'</p>
+
+<p>"Silas didn't think it was odd at
+all, for the same idea had just been
+floating through his mind; but as he
+did not think it would be right to say
+so, he merely smiled, whereupon Mrs
+Grindlejerkin, who was a good-natured
+body in the main, smiled too, and Mr
+Grindlejerkin began to smile, but
+checked himself, and didn't, because
+it might have been thought that he
+was letting down his dignity. So he
+contented himself with ringing the
+bell, and directed the servant-girl who
+answered it, rather ferociously, to
+bring him a tumbler of rum-and-water.</p>
+
+<p>"'Ha! Bingo, my buck, how are
+you?' cried the Master of the Ring to
+the principal clown, who now entered
+the apartment, and who, being a personage
+of much consideration and importance
+in the theatrical circles,
+might be addressed with any kind of
+familiarity without a compromise of
+official reserve. 'How are ye, Bingo?
+Well and herty, eh? Won't you
+take a drop of summat?'</p>
+
+<p>"'I will,' replied the clown in a
+melancholy voice, well corresponding
+to his features, which, when the paint
+was washed off, were haggard and
+malagugrious in the extreme. 'I will;
+but I am not well. Spasms in the
+heart, kidneys, merry-thought, and
+liver. A silent sorrow here. Age
+brings care. I thank you. Stop. I
+like it stiff.'</p>
+
+<p>"'That's my rum 'un!' said Mr
+Grindlejerkin. 'Drown dull care in
+Jamaikey. But here is the Signora
+Estrella. Madame, you are most
+welcome!'</p>
+
+<p>"Silas felt the blood rise to his
+temples. And so at last he could meet
+her, the lady of his heart, the bright
+star of his boyish existence, not in the
+feverish whirl of the arena, beneath
+the glare of gas, surrounded by clouds
+of sawdust and the gazing eyes of
+thousands, but in the calm sanctuary
+of private life, where, at least if he
+could find the courage, he might pour
+forth the incense of his soul, and tell
+her how madly, how desolatingly he
+had begun to love her&mdash;no, not begun,
+for it seemed to him as if he had loved
+her long before he ever saw her: as if
+the love of her were something implanted
+in his bosom before yet he
+knew what it was to undergo the
+agonies of teething; long before, like
+a roasting oyster, he lay in his silken
+cradle, and squared with tiny and
+ineffectual fists at the approaching
+phantoms of time, existence, and futurity.
+It seemed to him as though
+the doll, with which, when a very
+little child, he had played, had just the
+same dark lustrous eyes, with something
+bead-like and mysterious in
+their expression, which lent such an
+inexpressible fascination to the countenance
+of the beautiful Canterini.
+That doll! he had fondled it a thousand
+times in his baby arms: had
+called it his duck, his dolly, his wifikin,
+and numerous other terms of
+childish prattle and endearment: had
+grown jealous of it, because, when his<span class="pagenum">[604]</span>
+little brother kissed it, it did not cry
+out or show any symptoms of anger,
+and so, in a mad moment of rage and
+remorse, he had struck the waxen
+features against a mantelpiece, and
+shivered them into innumerable fragments.
+What would he not have given
+at that moment to have recalled the
+doll! But it could not be. The fragments
+had been long, long ago swept
+into the dust-hole of oblivion, and
+though they might afterwards have
+been carried out and scattered over
+the fresh green fields, where there are
+trees, and cows, and little singing-birds,
+and flowers, they could not be&mdash;oh
+no, never&mdash;reunited! But the lady,
+the Signora! no rude hand had marred
+the wax of that countenance; for
+though very, very pale, there still
+lingered beneath her eyes a touch
+of the enchanting carmine.</p>
+
+<p>"'The Signora,' said Mr Bingo.
+'Fine woman. Grass though. Decidedly
+grass. All flesh is, you know.'
+And with this remark the mimic resumed
+his tumbler.</p>
+
+<p>"The Signora turned her dark lustrous
+eyes upon Silas, and instantly
+encountered his ardent and devoted
+gaze. She did not shrink from it;
+true love never does, for it is always
+bold if not happy; but she grew a
+shade paler as she accepted that involuntary
+homage, and, with a graceful
+wave of her hand, she sunk upon
+a calico sofa.</p>
+
+<p>"'The sassengers is dished!' said
+the pudding-faced servant-maid; and
+the whole party, now increased by
+the addition of Mr Jonas Fitzjunk,
+who did the nautical heroes, and
+Whang Gobretsjee Jeehohupsejee, the
+Brahmin conjurer, who talked English
+with a strong Aberdeen accent,
+besides one or two other notables, adjourned
+to the supper-room.</p>
+
+<p>"'Signora, sassenger?' said Mr
+Grindlejerkin.</p>
+
+<p>"'If you pleases; underdone and
+graveyless,' replied the beautiful
+foreigner.</p>
+
+<p>"'Oh, that I were that sausage,
+that so I might touch those ripe and
+tempting lips!' thought Silas, as he
+reached across the Brahmin for the
+pickles.</p>
+
+<p>"'Can the buddy no tak' a care!'
+cried Jeehohupsejee; 'fat's he gauen
+to dee wi' the wee joug?'</p>
+
+<p>"'Hush, conjurer!' cried Bingo.
+'Eat. Swallow. That's your sort.
+Life is short. Victuals become cold.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Mr Grindlejerkin!' screamed
+the helpmate of that gentleman suddenly
+from the lower end of the table.
+'Mr Grindlejerkin! I wish you would
+come here and stop Mr Fitzjunk from
+winking at me!'</p>
+
+<p>"'Mr Fitzjunk!' thundered the
+Master of the Ring, 'do you know,
+sir, that that lady has the honour to
+be my wife? What do you mean by
+this conduct, sir? How dare you
+wink?'</p>
+
+<p>"'Avast there, messmate!' said
+Fitzjunk, who always spoke as if he
+were in command of a Battersea
+steamer. 'Avast there! None of
+your fresh-water and loblolly-boy
+terms, if you please. Shiver my
+binnacle, if things haven't come to a
+pretty pass, when an old British sailor
+can't throw out a signal of distress to
+one of the prettiest craft that ever
+showed her sky-scrapers where Neptune's
+billows roll!'</p>
+
+<p>"'Oh, Mr Fitzjunk! but you <i>did</i>
+wink at me!' said Mrs Grindlejerkin,
+considerably mollified by the compliment.</p>
+
+<p>"'I knows I did,' replied the
+representative of the British navy.
+'The more by token, as how I ha'n't
+got nothing here to stow away into
+my locker; so I shut up one deadlight
+twice, and burned a blue fire for a
+cargo of pettitoes to heave to.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Was that all, sir?' said Mr
+Grindlejerkin, still rather sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"'Ay, ay, sir!' replied the tar.</p>
+
+<p>"'Then I shall be happy to drown
+all unkindness in a pot of porter, sir.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Good!' said Mr Bingo, 'Right.
+Harmony preserved. Glad to join
+you. Cup of existence. Gall at
+bottom.'</p>
+
+<p>"'I beg your pardink, sir,' said the
+Signora looking full at Silas, who was
+seated exactly opposite&mdash;'I beg your
+pardink, sir, but vos you pleased to
+vish anythink?'</p>
+
+<p>"'No, lady!' replied Silas blushing
+scarlet. 'No, lady, not I&mdash;That is&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p>"'O, very vell!' observed the Signora;
+'it don't much sicknify; only I
+thought you might vant somethink,
+'cos you vos a treadin' on my toes!'"</p>
+
+<p>I shall not, my dear Smith, pursue
+this delightful scene any further. It<span class="pagenum">[605]</span>
+is enough to substantiate your claim&mdash;and
+I am sure the public will coincide
+with me in this opinion&mdash;to a
+very high place amongst the domestic
+and sentimental writers of the age.
+You have, and I think most wisely,
+undertaken to frame a new code of
+grammar and of construction for yourself;
+and the light and airy effect of
+this happy innovation is conspicuous
+not only in every page, but in almost
+every sentence of your work. There
+is no slipslop here&mdash;only a fine, manly
+disregard of syntax, which is infinitely
+attractive; and I cannot doubt that
+you are destined to become the founder
+of a far higher and more enduring
+school of composition, than that which
+was approved of and employed by the
+fathers of our English literature.</p>
+
+<p>You work will be translated, Smith,
+into French and German, and other
+European languages. I am sincerely
+glad of it. It is supposed abroad that
+a popular author must depict both
+broadly and minutely the manners of
+his particular nation&mdash;that his sketches
+of character have reference not only
+to individuals, but to the idiosyncrasy
+of the country in which he
+dwells. Your works, therefore, will
+be received in the saloons of Paris
+and Vienna&mdash;it may be of St Petersburg&mdash;as
+conveying accurate pictures
+of our everyday English life; and I
+need hardly remark how much that
+impression must tend to elevate our
+national character in the eyes of an
+intelligent foreigner. Labouring under
+old and absurd prejudices, he
+perhaps at present believes that we
+are a sober, unmercurial people, given
+to domestic habits, to the accumulation
+of wealth, and to our own internal
+improvements. It is reserved for
+you, Smith, to couch his visionary eye.
+You will convince him that a great
+part of our existence is spent about
+the doors of theatres, in tap-rooms,
+pot-houses, and other haunts, which
+I need not stay to particularize. You
+will prove to him that the British
+constitution rests upon no sure foundation,
+and that it is based upon injustice
+and tyranny. Above all, he
+will learn from you the true tone which
+pervades society, and the altered
+style of conversation and morals
+which is universally current among
+us. In minor things, he will discover,
+what few authors have taken
+pains to show, the excessive fondness
+of our nation for a pure Saxon nomenclature.
+He will learn that such
+names as Seymour, and Howard, and
+Percy&mdash;nay, even our old familiars,
+Jones and Robinson&mdash;are altogether
+proscribed among us, and that a new
+race has sprung up in their stead,
+rejoicing in the euphonious appellations
+of Tox and Wox, Whibble,
+Toozle, Whopper, Sniggleshaw, Guzzlerit,
+Gingerthorpe, Mugswitch,
+Smungle, Yelkins, Fizgig, Parksnap,
+Grubsby, Shoutowker, Hogswash,
+and Quiltirogus. He will also learn
+that our magistrates, unlike the
+starched official dignitaries of France,
+are not ashamed to partake, in the
+public streets, of tripe with a common
+workman&mdash;and a hundred other little
+particulars, which throw a vast light
+into the chinks and crevices of our
+social system.</p>
+
+<p>I therefore, Smith, have the highest
+satisfaction in greeting you, not only
+as an accomplished author, but as a
+great national benefactor. Go on,
+my dear fellow, steadfastly and cheerfully,
+as you have begun. The glories
+of our country were all very well in
+their way, but the subject is a hackneyed
+one, and it is scarcely worth
+while to revive it. Be it yours to
+chronicle the weaknesses and peculiarities
+of that society which you frequent&mdash;no
+man can do it better.
+Draw on for ever with the same felicitous
+pencil. Do not fear to repeat
+yourself over and over again; to indulge
+in the same style of one-sided
+caricature; and to harp upon the same
+string of pathos so long as it will vibrate
+pleasantly to the public ear. What
+we want, after all, is sale, and I am
+sure that you will not be disappointed.
+Use these hints as freely as you please,
+in the composition of that part of
+Silas Spavinhitch which is not yet
+completed; and be assured that I have
+offered them not in an arrogant spirit,
+but, as some of our friends would
+say, with an earnest tendency and a
+serious oneness of purpose. Good-by,
+my dear Smith! It is a positive
+pain to me to break off this letter, but
+I must conclude. Adieu! and pray,
+for all our sakes and your own, take
+care of yourself.<span class="pagenum">[606]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="A_NEW_SENTIMENTAL_JOURNEY" id="A_NEW_SENTIMENTAL_JOURNEY"></a>A NEW SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">On a Stone.</span></p>
+
+<p>I have been toiling up this long
+steep road, under that broiling sun,
+for more than an hour; my cabriolet
+is I know not where. The last time
+I saw it was at the turn of the road,
+full half-a-mile behind me, and the
+lean postilion trying to put something
+comfortable into that lanky carcase
+of his at the auberge. "Içi on loge
+à pied et à cheval;" so said the sign:
+why did not I, who was literally <i>à
+pied</i>, stop and enjoy myself a little?
+whereas I stalked proudly by: and
+now that rogue of the big boots and
+the powdered queue, and the short
+jacket and the noisy whip, is getting
+still more and more slowness out of
+his sorry horses, and is the man <i>à
+cheval</i>, treated by the busy little woman
+of the house as her worthiest
+customer. The Marquis will be at
+least two hours in advance of me: I
+shall not see Madame till night: positively
+I will run down the hill again
+and pull that rascal off his horse.
+Am I not paying for the accommodation
+of posting? have I not a right
+to get on? do I not fee him like a
+prince? I'll try a shout at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Hilloa! hilloa! come along
+there!"&mdash;I might as well shout in the
+middle of the Atlantic; and as for
+running back again, why, I shall have
+to come over the same ground once
+more: the tariff shall be his fate: not
+a liard more: and I'll write him down
+in the post-book; I will crush the
+reptile: I'll annihilate him!</p>
+
+<p>Here, sit thee down, man: art thou
+not come hither to enjoy thyself? why
+this impatience? why this anxiety to
+go over ground in a hurry which, a
+few hours ago, thou wouldst have
+given many a crown to visit at thy
+leisure? Sit thee down and look around
+thee: hurry no man's cattle, and fret
+not thyself out of thy propriety.</p>
+
+<p>And, truly, 'tis a wondrous spot!
+what a wide extent of grassy slopes
+and barren rocky wastes! how white
+and hard and rough the road; how
+smooth the hill-side; how blue the
+distant landscape; how more than
+blue the cloudless sky! Look onwards
+towards the distant east; why,
+you can see almost across France to
+the Jura: what endless ridges of
+mountains, one above the other, like
+the billows of the green sea: what
+boundless plains between! But turn,
+for a moment, to the hills on either
+side of you; look at those wild copses
+of fir and stunted oak making good
+their 'vantage ground wherever the
+scanty vegetation will allow them;
+and above, look at the little round
+clumps of box-trees, dotting the
+mountain-breast with their shadows,
+and relieving the dull uniformity of
+its surface. So dark are they that
+you might take them for black cattle
+at a distance; but that, ever and
+anon, the sun brings out from them
+a bright green tint, and dispels the
+illusion.</p>
+
+<p>Here, then, on this stone, am I resting,
+hundreds of miles away from my
+dull fatherland; where I have left behind
+me nought but pride and ennui,
+and heart-corroding cares, and soul-harrowing
+occupations. I have quitted
+that dense, black, throng of men,
+whose minds, pent up in the narrow
+circle of their insular limits, are intent
+on one thing only&mdash;and that thing,
+money! Thou land of the rich and
+the poor; of the lord and the slave;
+of the noble and the upstart; chosen
+home of labour and never-ending
+care; I have bid thee adieu: my face is
+to the world; my lot is on the waters
+of boundless life; and I am free to
+choose my dwelling wherever the
+clime suits my fancy, and my wishes
+tally with the clime. In this dry and
+barren valley, amidst those lofty hills,
+where once fire and sulphur and
+burning rocks poured forth as the
+only elements, and where the melted
+lava flowed along the face of the
+earth like an unloosed torrent; in
+this lonely spot, where few living
+beings are seen, and yet where the
+vast reproductive energies of the<span class="pagenum">[607]</span>
+world have been so widely developed&mdash;even
+here, let me commune a while
+with nature and with myself.</p>
+
+<p>Thou mysterious power of expansion,
+whatever thou art, whether some
+igneous form existing within the womb
+of Earth, and demonstrating thyself
+ere our tiny planet revolved in its present
+orb&mdash;or whether some product of
+the combination of chemical fluids
+originating flames, and melting this
+prison-house with fervent heat&mdash;say
+when didst thou convulse this fair
+land, and raise up from the circumjacent
+plains these mountain-masses
+that now tower over my head? For
+I see around me the traces not of one,
+but of four separate convulsions; and
+I can pursue in fancy the long lapse
+of ages which have served to modify
+the crude forms of thy products, and
+to change the various classes of animated
+life which have lived and died
+at the feet of these vast steeps. First
+come thy granitic ebullitions, slow,
+lumpy, and amorphous&mdash;partly incandescent,
+yet glowing with heat that
+cooled not for ages;&mdash;and then, when
+these rude ribs of the earth had been
+worn and channeled by atmospheric
+action, through time too vast to be
+reckoned, they split again with a
+mighty rending up of their innermost
+frame, and thy power, fell spirit of
+destruction! thrust forth the great
+chain of the Monts Dor, and the Cantal.
+There thou raisedst them stratum
+above stratum of volcanic rock;
+and scoriæ and boiling mud, and lava,
+and porphyry, and basalt, and light
+pumice, tier above tier, till the seven-thousandth
+foot above Old Ocean's
+level had been reached; and then thou
+restedst from thy labours awhile, rejoicing
+in thy force, and proud of the
+chaos thou hadst occasioned. But not
+to slumber long; for, glad to have
+made a new mineral combination,
+thou didst thrust forth at the northern
+point of thy work the great trachytic
+mass of the Puy de Dôme: there it
+stands with its solid hump of felspathic
+crystals, a vast watch-tower of
+creation&mdash;white and purple within,
+glassy-green without. And then burst
+out the full hubbub of this mischief&mdash;twenty
+vast craters vomiting forth
+molten rocks and cinders and the deep
+lava-stream, and throwing their products
+leagues upon leagues, afar into
+the fair country:&mdash;twenty Etnas
+thundering away at the same time,
+and answered by twenty more in the
+Vivaraix, and the infernal chorus kept
+up by as many in the Cantal:&mdash;all
+the batteries of the Plutonic artillery
+launching forth destruction at once
+from the summits of their primæval
+bastions. Well was it for man that
+he existed not when this Titanic warfare
+was going on, and when these
+hills, like those of ancient Thessaly,
+were heaped, each upon each, up to
+heaven's portal! If Europe then existed,
+it must have been shaken to its
+furthest bounds:&mdash;Hecla must have
+answered to the distant roar; and
+even the old Ural must have heaved
+its unwieldy sides.</p>
+
+<p>And now, what see we? A sea of
+volcanic waves; dark lava-currents&mdash;rough,
+black, and fresh as though
+vomited but yesterday:&mdash;vast chasms,
+red and burnt, and cinders, as though
+the fire which raised them were not
+yet extinguished. Why, from the Puy
+de Parion I could swear that smoke
+must rise at times, and that sulphurous
+vapours must still keep it in perpetual
+desolation. Yes, though winter's
+rains and snows visit this volcanic
+chain full sharply, and though the
+gigantic sawing force of frost disintegrates
+the softer portions of this,
+the Fire-king's Home, yet there they
+stand&mdash;and so they shall stand, till
+nature be again convulsed, the imperishable
+monuments, the stupendous
+demonstrations, of the Creator's illimitable
+energy. Yes, let the Almighty
+but touch these hills again, and they
+shall smoke!</p>
+
+<p>Thou dull, senseless stone, with thy
+numberless crystals variegating and
+glittering on the hard resting-place
+that I have chosen, whence came
+those minerals that combined to form
+thee? Did they exist, pell-mell, beneath,
+in the vast Tartaric depths,
+ready to assimilate themselves on the
+first signal of eruption? or did they
+arise suddenly, instantaneously, on
+the first darting of the electric current
+that summoned their different
+atoms into new forms of existence?
+Whence came this green olivine?&mdash;whence
+this plate of specular iron?&mdash;whence
+this quartz and felspar; and
+all these other minerals I see around
+me? Thou rude product of the great<span class="pagenum">[608]</span>
+infernal Foundery, thy very existence
+is a problem&mdash;much more the formation
+of thy component parts.</p>
+
+<p>Stone! thou art not more varied in
+thy aspect&mdash;not less intelligible in thy
+constitution&mdash;not harder, not more
+unfeeling, than the heart of man! I
+would sooner have thee for my companion
+and my bosom friend, than
+any of that melancholy, solemn-faced
+crowd of hypocrites I have left behind
+me. Refuse me not thy rough
+welcome: thou art, for the time being,
+my couch: thou art even warmed by
+my contact: hast thou, then, some
+sympathy with the wanderer? Thou
+dull, crystallised block, I will think
+of thee, and will remember thy solid
+virtues, when the uncongenial offices
+of man shall plague me no more!</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">The Philosopher.</span></p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur!" said the postilion:
+"Monsieur!" he repeated; and he
+looked round wistfully to see if any
+one was at hand. Now, I hate to be
+interrupted in a reverie; and, indeed,
+I was so absorbed in the wheelings of
+a kite over my head, that I was thinking
+of any thing but of my lazy guide
+and my rolling wheels. A loud clack&mdash;clack&mdash;slap&mdash;tap&mdash;crack&mdash;crack of
+the whip, flourished over his head
+with all the gusto and the <i>savoir-craquer</i>
+of a true postilion, brought
+me to myself. "Monsieur, I have
+been waiting your orders here for half
+an hour."</p>
+
+<p>The coolness with which the fellow
+lied, disarmed me of my wrath in a
+minute: I had else docked him of his
+pigtail, or broken the wooden sides of
+his boots for him. But he had such
+an imperturbable air of self-satisfaction,
+and he thrust his thumb so knowingly
+into his little black pipe, and
+this again he plunged with such nonchalance
+into his pocket, that I saw he
+was a philosopher of the true school&mdash;and
+I profited by his example.</p>
+
+<p>"Fellow," said I, "dost know that
+I have promised myself the pleasure
+of passing half an hour with M. de
+Montlosier on my road to the baths:
+and that at the rate thou takest me
+at, I shall not see Mont Dor till to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be afraid, Monsieur: I
+know the Count's house well: we are
+not more than an hour's drive from
+it: I go there with some one or other
+every week; and as for Mont-Dor-les-bains,
+why&mdash;that depends on Monsieur:
+if you get there by dark it will
+do, I suppose&mdash;the provisions will not
+all be eaten, nor the beds filled!"</p>
+
+<p>Lucky fellow to live in a world
+where no greater stimulus to labour
+exists than here! why should we toil
+and wear ourselves to death as we do
+in England for the mere means of
+living&mdash;and forget the lapse of life
+itself? So, pocketing my dignity, and
+also pocketing sundry specimens of my
+mute companions the stones, I mounted
+into the cabriolet&mdash;and lost myself
+once more in my thoughts till I arrived
+at the Ferme de Randan.</p>
+
+<p>Just where the Puy de Vache circles
+round with two other red hollow craters,
+and at the end of a black sea of
+lava, stood the philosopher's house:
+a plain low building: half farm half
+cottage: with a few trees and enclosures
+shutting it in, and two or three
+acres of garden-ground bringing up the
+rear. There was an air of simplicity
+about the whole exceedingly striking,
+and the more so if one thought of the
+simple-minded man who dwelt within.
+My name was announced: my letters
+of introduction presented: and the
+Comte de Montlosier welcomed me to
+his mountain home.</p>
+
+<p>"You see me here, sir," he said,
+"quite a farmer; I am tired of the
+busy world: who would not be, after
+having lived in it so long, and after
+having seen such events? I can here
+give myself up to my books: I can
+speculate on the wonders of this remarkable
+district, I can attend to my
+little property&mdash;for I have not much
+remaining&mdash;and I can receive my
+friends. You would not believe it,
+but Dr D&mdash;&mdash; of Oxford was with me
+last week: he came to look at our
+volcanoes, and he stayed with me
+several days: a charming little man,
+sir, and very active in climbing over
+hills. You will excuse me, perhaps,
+if I do not offer to accompany you to
+the summit of the Puy de Vache: but
+my servants are at your orders: had<span class="pagenum">[609]</span>
+I as few years over my head as when
+I first visited Arthur's Seat, I would
+be at your side in all your mountain
+rambles; but age and ease are fond
+of keeping company."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Monsieur le Comte, I came to
+make your acquaintance; your hills I
+will see at another time."</p>
+
+<p>"Young man, you are wrong:
+these volcanic mountains are worthy
+of your deepest study; for myself, I
+am nothing but a broken-down old
+man. I have nothing here attractive
+to my friends. The spot is full of
+charms for myself, but not for others.
+I have so many old associations connected
+with it: 'tis my paternal estate:
+I had to fly from it during those terrible
+days, and I never thought to see it
+again: but now that I find myself once
+more restored to it, my unwillingness
+to quit the place increases every
+day. After all, you can learn more
+about Auvergne from your learned
+countryman, Poulett Scrope, than from
+me; my little work, by the way, is
+at your service if you will accept it:
+I am as a lamp going out, you find me
+flickering, and when next you pass this
+way, the light may be extinguished."</p>
+
+<p>"True, sir; and it is from these
+expiring flames that the brightest
+sparks may be sometimes derived: at
+any rate I would know from you
+wherewith to trim my own lamp for
+future days."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas," replied the Count, "the
+present generation are not willing to
+give credit to the last for all they have
+witnessed, for all they have undergone.
+Had you, like me, seen all the
+phases of the Revolution, from the
+time when I was sent as a deputy to
+the States-General from Auvergne, to
+the Reign of Terror, and then the
+time of exile, and if you could have
+felt the joys of returning to your longlost
+home again, you might indeed
+look back on your life with emotion&mdash;let
+me say with gratitude."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you know many members of
+the literary and scientific world previous
+to the Revolution?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, I was acquainted with
+Condorcet, Lavoisier, and many others
+of that stamp. Who shall say that,
+in the deaths of those great men,
+France did not lose more than she
+gained by all her boasted freedom?
+Ah yes, the men of those days were
+giants in intellect! there was a force
+of originality in them, a vividness of
+thought and expression, which we
+shall never witness again: and, allow
+me to say, there was a dignity surrounding
+them, and accompanying
+them, which, with all our pretended
+liberality and respect for science, we
+are far from attributing to their followers
+now. Those of us, the actors
+in some of those tremendous scenes
+who still survive, are but as the
+blasted oaks of the forest after the
+hurricane has swept by. Some few
+remain erect; but withered, scorched,
+and leafless: all the rest are prostrate,
+snapped off at the root&mdash;many in the
+full vigour of vegetation: all now
+rotting on the ground. It was a national
+tempest&mdash;a tornado&mdash;an earthquake;
+it was like an eruption from
+the very volcano in whose bosom we
+are now sitting and talking. The
+world never has seen, and perhaps
+never shall see, any thing half so terrible
+as our Revolution. My young
+friend, excuse me; perhaps you are a
+politician&mdash;and you are newly arrived
+in France: things are tending to
+something ominous even at the present
+day. M. de Polignac has just
+been summoned to office: the king is
+an easy good man&mdash;a perfect gentleman&mdash;and
+an honest one, too; but
+there are people near the throne who
+would be glad to see it tottering, and
+who are ready to take advantage of
+the least false step. Mark my words,
+sir, another year will produce something
+decisive in the history of France."</p>
+
+<p>"But surely, M. le Comte, every
+thing is too much consolidated since
+the Restoration of Louis XVIII. to
+allow of any fresh changes&mdash;the
+French nation have all the liberty
+they can desire."</p>
+
+<p>"Much more, my dear sir, than they
+either understand or can enjoy properly.
+I am ashamed to say it, but my
+fellow countrymen are children in
+constitutional matters: every thing
+depends on the personal character of
+our governors for the time being. And
+again, we are too ambitious; every
+body wants to rise&mdash;by fair means or
+by foul; but rise he must: and every
+body expects to be a gainer by change.
+We are, and I am afraid we always
+shall be, fond of playing at revolutions."<span class="pagenum">[610]</span></p>
+
+<p>"Permit me to think better of the
+French, sir. I am delighted with
+their country, and I wish them all the
+happiness that the possession of so
+fine a territory can cause."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right: it is a fine territory:
+it might be the first agricultural
+country in Europe: there is hardly
+a square league of ground in it
+that is not suitable to some useful
+vegetable production. We have none
+of the cold clays nor barren heathtracts
+of Great Britain; our mountains
+all admit of pasturage to their
+tops, or are productive of wood;
+and our climate is so genial that
+even the bare limestone rocks of
+Provence yield, as you are aware, the
+finest grapes. Here, in the midst of
+the Monts Dor, you will come upon
+those vast primæval forests of the silver-fir
+which have never been disturbed
+from the time of their erection,
+and you will judge for yourself how
+rich even this district really is. Look
+at our rivers: at our boundless plains,
+covered with corn and wine, and oil:
+and yet allowed to stand fallow one
+year in three. My good friends in
+Scotland&mdash;for, believe me, I shall ever
+remember with gratitude my stay in
+Edinburgh&mdash;do not farm their lands
+in our slovenly fashion. France, depend
+upon it, might be made, and I
+believe it will ultimately become, one
+of the richest and most prosperous
+countries of Europe. The wealth of
+England is fleeting: when you come
+to lose India and others of your colonies&mdash;and
+'twill be your fate sooner
+or later, your power will, with your
+trade, fall to the ground: and, like
+your predecessors in a similar career,
+the Portuguese and the Dutch, you
+must infallibly become a second or
+third-rate power. France is solid and
+compact: her wealth lies in her land:
+you cannot break up that: she exists
+now, and is great without any colony
+worthy of mention: and she cannot
+but increase. Even Spain, from
+her mere geographical size and position,
+has a better chance of political
+longevity than England."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet Spain is rather decrepid
+at present, you will admit, M. le
+Comte."</p>
+
+<p>"True; but a century, you know,
+is nothing in the life of a nation:&mdash;England,
+to speak the truth, was only
+a second-rate power until the reign of
+George the Second. She has still her
+social revolution to go through: and
+whatever has been effected for the
+benefit of this country would have
+come without the Revolution: and it
+was paying rather dear to destroy
+the whole framework of society for
+what we should certainly have attained
+by easy and more natural means.
+It is a fearful catastrophe to break up
+all the old ideas and feelings of a
+people, merely to substitute in their
+place something new&mdash;you know not
+what: better or worse&mdash;and most
+probably the latter. Add to this,
+that the results of the Revolution
+have fully borne out what I maintain:
+we are neither better nor happier than
+we should have been had we gone on
+as usual: other countries which have
+not been revolutionised are just as
+happy and prosperous as we are."</p>
+
+<p>"But then the more equal distribution
+of property, M. le Comte; has
+not this effected some good?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Some</i> it may have caused undoubtedly;
+but much less than is imagined:
+the effect of it has been only
+to raise up an aristocracy of money,
+instead of one of birth: and, aristocracy
+for aristocracy, the former is infinitely
+more overbearing and tyrannical
+than the latter. Before the
+Revolution, the country was said to
+be in the hands of the nobles and
+the clergy: what has happened since?
+It has merely been transferred to
+those of the lawyers and the employés.
+Every third man you meet, holds
+some place or other under government:
+and you can hardly transact
+the commonest affairs of life without
+the aid of the notary or the advocate.
+We cannot boast much of our comparative
+improvement in morality: for
+in Paris, the prefect of police can inform
+you, from the registers of births,
+that one in three children now born
+there is always illegitimate."</p>
+
+<p>"Of what good, then, has the Revolution
+been?"</p>
+
+<p>"My young friend, ask not that
+question; it was one of those inscrutable
+arrangements of Providence, the
+aim and extent of which we do not
+yet know. You might as well ask
+what these puys and volcanoes have
+done to benefit the country, which,
+no doubt, they once devastated;<span class="pagenum">[611]</span> they
+may even yet break out into
+activity again, and France may even
+yet have to pass through another
+social trial. Things have not yet
+found their level amongst us.&mdash;But
+we are getting into a long political
+and philosophical discussion that
+makes me forget my duties to my
+guest. I am at least of opinion that
+the volcanoes have done me personally
+some good; for they have formed
+this wonderful country, and they
+attract hither many of my friends,
+whom I might otherwise never have
+seen again. You will appreciate
+them when you arrive at the Baths;
+and, apropos of this, I am coming
+over there myself in a few days to
+consult my friend Dr Bertrand. This
+will give me the opportunity of introducing
+you to several of the visitors
+worth knowing. You will find a gay
+and gallant crowd there; and let me
+advise you, take care of your heart
+and your pockets."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, dinner is served," said
+a domestic, opening the door; so I
+followed the worthy Count into the
+salle-à-manger.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">A Shandrydan.</span></p>
+
+<p>The top of the great plateau of
+Auvergne looked beautiful the evening
+I reached it&mdash;a fine July evening,
+when the sun had yet three hours to
+go down, and I was about a dozen
+miles from the village of the Baths.
+I had been vainly flattering myself
+that something or other might have
+detained M. de Mirepoix's carriage,
+and that I should have the pleasure
+of viewing this splendid scene in company
+with Madame. She had so
+strong a taste for the picturesque,
+that I knew her sympathies would be
+expressed, and I anticipated no small
+pleasure from eliciting her sentiments.
+To see what is magnificent in the
+society of one whose feelings of the
+sublime and beautiful emulate your
+own in intensity, multiplies the charm,
+and elevates the pleasure, by the mutual
+communication of the effects perceived
+and produced. So I looked
+out for their carriage anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing met my eye but the long
+undulating plain stretching like a
+rounded wave or swell of the ocean
+to the feet of the mountains, and the
+distant blue horizon&mdash;to the west
+nearly as far off as the Garonne&mdash;to
+the east as far as the Saone. The
+plateau was covered with fine grass,
+pastured by large herds of small dark-coloured
+cattle, goats, and a few
+sheep; wild-flowers grew here and
+there of fragrant smell, and the tops
+of the vast pine forests peeped up
+from the ends of the deep ravines
+that run far into the bosom of the still
+hills. The sky was without a cloud,
+and the sun seemed to gain double
+glory as he fell towards his western
+bed.</p>
+
+<p>My spirits rose with the scene; I
+was excited and yet happy; the full
+genial warmth of nature was before
+me, and around me, and in me. I
+could have danced and sung for joy.
+I could have stopped there for ever,
+and I wanted somebody to say all this
+to, and who should re-echo the same
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>There stood the postilion&mdash;dull,
+senseless, brutal animal&mdash;he had got
+off his horses, for I was once more
+out of the cabriolet, and was bounding
+over the turf to look over the edge of
+a precipice on my right hand: there
+he stood, he had lighted another pipe,
+and was thinking only of a good chopine
+of wine out of his pour-boire,
+when he should arrive at the village.</p>
+
+<p>"A fine view, mon ami!" said I,
+at last, in pure despair.</p>
+
+<p>He gave a shrug with his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Very high mountains those," I
+went on.</p>
+
+<p>He turned round and looked at
+them; and then tapped his pipe
+against his whip.</p>
+
+<p>"What splendid forests!" I added.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur! voyez-vous! it is the
+most villainous road I know; and
+if we do not push on, we shall not
+get to Mont Dor before dark. I
+would not go over the bridge at the
+bottom there in the dark, no Monsieur,
+not if I had the honour to be
+carrying M. Le Préfet himself. They
+were never found, Monsieur!"</p>
+
+<p>"Who were never found?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir, when Petit-jean was<span class="pagenum">[612]</span>
+driving M. le Commandant, the last
+year but one&mdash;he was going to the
+Baths for the gout, sir&mdash;he did not
+get down to the bridge till near ten
+at night; there was no parapet then,
+the horses did not know the road, and
+over they went, roll, roll, all the way
+into the Dor at the bottom; thirty
+feet, sir, and more, and then the cascade
+to add to that."</p>
+
+<p>"Dreadful! and did no trace remain
+of the unfortunate traveller and
+your poor friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, certainly yes! they got well
+wetted; but they rode the horses into
+the village the same evening."</p>
+
+<p>"Who were lost, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Petit-jean's new boots, and 'twas
+the first time he had put them on."</p>
+
+<p>I jumped into the cabriolet; "drive
+on," said I pettishly, "and go to the &mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hi! hardi! Sacré coquin!" and
+crash went the whip over the off
+horse's flank, enough to cut a steak
+of his lean sides had there been any
+flesh to spare. In a quarter of an
+hour we found ourselves going down
+a steep rough road, such as might
+break the springs of the best carriage,
+chariot, britscha, &amp;c., that ever came
+out of Long-Acre; and the thumps
+that I got against the sides of my
+own vehicle, light as it was, made me
+call out for a little less speed, and
+somewhat more care.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be afraid, Monsieur! Hi!
+hardi! heugh!"</p>
+
+<p>I thought it was all over with me;
+so, holding in my breath, and firmly
+clenching the top of my apron, I
+looked straight a-head, and made up
+my mind for a pitch over the wall at
+the bottom, and down through the
+wood, like the commandant and
+Petit-jean.</p>
+
+<p>Just as we got to the bottom of the
+hill, we turned a sharp corner, that I
+had not before perceived, and charged,
+full gallop, right into an old shandrydan,
+that had pulled up, and, with a
+single horse, was beginning to climb
+the ascent. Our impetus seemed to
+carry us over the poor animal that
+was straining against its load, for he
+fell under our two beasts, and the
+shafts of the cabriolet catching the
+shandrydan under the driver's seat,
+turned it completely topsy-turvy into
+the midst of the road.</p>
+
+<p>Such a shriek, or rather such a
+chorus of confused cries, came forth
+from the dark sides of that small and
+closely-shut vehicle!</p>
+
+<p>"Au secours!" "Jesus-Maria!"
+"Vite, vite!" "Relevez-nous!" "Pour
+l'amour de Dieu!"</p>
+
+<p>They were women's voices:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Ah ça, j'étouffe!" said a deep,
+gruff voice, in the midst of the hubbub.</p>
+
+<p>As neither the postilion nor myself
+were hurt, we were quickly on our
+legs: he trying to get the horses disentangled&mdash;for
+they were kicking each
+other to pieces&mdash;and I to aid a thin,
+meek-looking peasant lad, who had
+been driving the shandrydan, to right
+the crazy vehicle.</p>
+
+<p>'Twas a square, black-looking
+thing, covered at top, with no opening
+whatever but a small window in
+the door behind. It might have been
+built some time in the reign of Louis
+le Bien-aimé, and its cracked leather
+sides and harness seemed as if they
+had been strangers to oil ever since.
+If people were not very corpulent,
+four might have squeezed into it&mdash;not
+that they would have been comfortable,
+but they could have got in,
+and would have sat on the opposite
+seats, without much room to spare.</p>
+
+<p>Some honest old Frenchman,
+thought I to myself, with his wife
+and daughter, and perhaps their
+maid. Poor man! he is coming from
+the Baths, cured of some painful malady,
+and now has had the misfortune
+to run the risk of his life&mdash;if, indeed,
+his bones be not broken&mdash;and all
+through that étourdi of a postilion.
+"If I do not report him to the maître
+de poste!" said I to myself.</p>
+
+<p>"For the love of God, messieurs,"
+said a faint voice, "get us out!"</p>
+
+<p>"The door! the door! open the
+door then!" said at least three other
+voices, one after the other and all
+together.</p>
+
+<p>"Je meurs!" wept the bass-voice
+from the inmost recesses of the vehicle&mdash;or
+it might have been from under
+ground, so deep and sepulchral was
+its tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't disturb yourself, monsieur,"
+grumbled the postilion, who had now
+got one of his horses on its legs; "'tis
+nothing! Come along, you varmint!"
+said he to the poor young peasant,<span class="pagenum">[613]</span>
+who stood wringing his hands and
+looking distractedly at his whip&mdash;'twas
+broken clean in half&mdash;"Arrive,
+te dis-je!&mdash;pousse bien là!&mdash;là bien!
+encore! hardi! houp!"</p>
+
+<p>The door of the shandrydan burst
+open, and there emerged, in sadly
+rumpled state, a pitiable confusion of
+rustled petticoats and tumbled headgear,
+red as the roses on a summer's
+morn, and dewy as the grass on an
+autumn eve&mdash;<i>six s&oelig;urs-de-charité</i>, all
+white and black like sea-fowl thrown
+from the shooter's bag&mdash;and after
+them, slowly toiling forth and writhing
+through the door in unwieldy
+porpoise-guise&mdash;M. le Curé!</p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="HONOUR_TO_THE_PLOUGH" id="HONOUR_TO_THE_PLOUGH"></a>HONOUR TO THE PLOUGH.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+
+<span class="i4">Though clouds o'ercast our native sky,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">And seem to dim the sun,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">We will not down in languor lie,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Or deem the day is done:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">The rural arts we loved before<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">No less we'll cherish now;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And crown the banquet, as of yore,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">With Honour to the Plough.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">In these fair fields, whose peaceful spoil<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">To faith and hope are given,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">We'll seek the prize with honest toil,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">And leave the rest to Heaven.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">We'll gird us to our work like men<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Who own a holy vow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And if in joy we meet again,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Give Honour to the Plough.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">Let Art, array'd in magic power,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">With Labour hand in hand,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Go forth, and now in peril's hour<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Sustain a sinking land.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Let never Sloth unnerve the arm,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Or Fear the spirit cow;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">These words alone should work a charm&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">All Honour to the Plough.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">The heath redress, the meadow drain,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">The latent swamp explore,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And o'er the long-expecting plain<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Diffuse the quickening store:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Then fearless urge the furrow deep<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Up to the mountain's brow,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And when the rich results you reap,<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Give Honour to the plough.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">So still shall Health by pastures green<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">And nodding harvests roam,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And still behind her rustic screen<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Shall Virtue find a home:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And while their bower the muses build<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">Beneath the neighbouring bough,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Shall many a grateful verse be fill'd<br /></span>
+<span class="i5">With Honour to the Plough.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[614]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="LUIGIA_DE_MEDICI" id="LUIGIA_DE_MEDICI"></a>LUIGIA DE' MEDICI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The study of literary history offers
+an extraordinary charm, when it tends
+to raise the veil, frequently thrown
+by inattention and forgetfulness, over
+noble and graceful forms, which deserved
+to excite the interest, or even
+to receive the active thanks of posterity.
+At such moments, we find the
+mysterious sources of inspiration admired,
+through a long period, for their
+fulness and sincerity: we go back to
+the forgotten or falsely interpreted
+causes of celebrated actions, of classic
+writings, of resolutions, whose renown
+rang through many ages; the vagueness
+of poetic pictures gives place to
+positive forms; and that which appeared
+but a brilliant phantom is
+sometimes transformed into a living
+reality.</p>
+
+<p>Among the glorious titles which
+have borne the name of Michel Angelo
+Buonarotti to so high a pitch of celebrity,
+the least popular is that derived
+from the composition of his poetical
+works. The best judges, however,
+regard these productions not only
+with profound esteem, but yet more
+often with an ardent admiration.
+Michel Angelo lived during the <i>golden
+age</i> of the Lingua Toscana. Among
+the poets who filled the interval between
+the publication of the <i>Orlando</i>
+and that of the <i>Aminta</i>&mdash;first, in order
+of date, of the <i>chefs-d'o[eu]vres</i> of Torquato&mdash;not
+one has raised himself
+above, nor, perhaps, to the level, of
+Buonarotti. In the study of his writings,
+we recognise all the essential
+characteristics of his genius, as revealed
+to the world in his marbles,
+frescos, and the edifices erected by
+his hand. It is a copious poetry&mdash;masculine
+and vigorous&mdash;fed with
+high thoughts&mdash;serious and severe in
+the expression. Berni wrote truly
+of it to Fra Sebastiano&mdash;"Ei dice
+cose: voi dite parole!" The poet
+exists always in entire possession
+of himself: enthusiasm elevates,
+carries him away, but seduces him
+never. We admire in his mind
+a constitution firm, healthful, and
+fertile&mdash;a constant equilibrium of
+passion, will, and conception&mdash;often
+of fervency&mdash;nowhere of delirium.
+The qualities necessary to the artist
+do no harm to those which make
+the thinker and good citizen&mdash;every
+where, as in the literary laws of ancient
+Greece, consonance, <i>sophrosyne</i>,
+moderation. Michel Angelo, amid
+the passions and illusions of his time,
+knew how to hold the helm of "that
+precious bark, which singing sailed."<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a>
+Sincere and humble Christian, with a
+leaning to the austere, he succeeded
+in keeping himself free from all
+superstition; declared republican, he
+avoided all popular fanaticism, and
+bore, even during the siege of Florence,
+the <i>honourable</i> hostility of the Arrabiati;
+admirer of Savonarola, he combated
+the sickly exaggerations of the
+<i>esprit piagnone</i>, and remained faithful
+to the worship of art; and last, guest
+of Leo X., favourite sculptor of Julius
+II., he never suffered himself to be
+seduced by the Pagan intoxication of
+the Renaissance; from his early youth,
+the frame, in which he was destined
+to form so many sublime conceptions,
+was irrevocably determined.</p>
+
+<p>But, in the poetical works of Michel
+Angelo, as in his works of sculpture
+and design, there is a side of grace
+and delicacy; the fire of a masculine
+and profound tenderness circulates, so
+to speak, in all the members of this
+marvellous body. Angelo's regularity
+of morals was never altered by doubts;
+it acquired, even at an early period,
+the externals of a rigid austerity.
+But had he, in his youthful years,
+experienced the power of a real love?
+We have nothing to reply to those
+who, after an attentive perusal of his
+writings, see in them nothing more
+than a <i>jeu-d'esprit</i> produced by a vain
+fantasy. But to those who think,
+with us, that truth and force of expression
+suppose reality and depth of
+sentiment&mdash;to those who discover the
+burning traces of a passion which has
+conquered the heart, and imprinted a
+new direction on the thoughts of the
+<span class="pagenum">[615]</span>writer, in the precious metal of this
+classical versification, we propose to
+follow us for a few moments. We
+shall seek whatever historical vestiges
+have been left of the object of
+this affection, as durable as sincere:
+we shall afterwards examine the
+manner in which Michel Angelo has
+expressed it in his rhyme; what order
+of philosophical and religious ideas
+developed themselves in his mind, in
+intimate connexion with the ardour
+that penetrated his heart; whatever
+influences, in short, which a love,
+whose object quitted this life so early,
+appears to have exercised upon the
+whole duration of a career prolonged,
+with so great <i>eclat</i>, for more than
+sixty years afterwards.<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a></p>
+
+<p>The smallest acquaintance with the
+character of Michel Angelo would
+lead to the belief that, according to
+the expression of his epoch, he could
+"have fixed his heart nowhere but
+in a lofty sphere. The conjectures
+which have been formed bore reference
+to the house of the first citizen of
+Florence and of Italy, at the period of
+Angelo's entrance on his career, to
+the family of the grandson of Cosmo
+Pater Patriæ," of the man to whom the
+disinterested voice of foreigners and
+of posterity has confirmed all that
+his contemporaries attributed to him,
+in the great work of the Italian Renaissance&mdash;scientific,
+literary, artistic
+even&mdash;namely, the chief and most
+brilliant honour.</p>
+
+<p>Lorenzo the Magnificent, born in
+1450, married Clarice Orsini in 1468.
+There were born from this alliance,
+besides the children who died in the
+cradle, three sons and four daughters.
+In 1492, Pietro succeeded to the offices
+and dignity of his father, and lost
+them in 1494; Giovanni mounted the
+Pontifical throne, and became the
+illustrious Leo X.; Giuliano died
+Duke of Nemours and "<i>prince du
+gouvernement</i>" of Florence. Of the
+four daughters, Maddalena became
+the wife of Francesco Cybo, Count
+dell Anguillara, Lucrezia married
+Giacopo Salviati; and Contessina,
+Piero Ridolfi. Luigia was the
+youngest, according to certain authorities;
+Count Pompeo Litta, however,
+in his <i>Illustri Famiglie Italiane</i>,
+places her in order of birth immediately
+after Maddalena. Whichever
+it may be, Clarice Orsini dying in
+1488, Lorenzo contracted no other
+alliance, and, at the end of four years,
+followed his wife to the tomb. We
+have no means of determining the
+age Luigia had reached at the time
+of this melancholy event; but, as
+her marriage was then talked of, we
+cannot give her less than from fifteen
+to sixteen years. Michel Angelo,
+born the 6th March 1475,<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> wanted a
+month of his seventeenth year when
+he lost the generous protector of his
+early youth.</p>
+
+<p>It was in 1490 that Angelo first went
+to live in the house of the Magnificent
+Lorenzo. Apprenticed, the 1st April
+1488, to the "master of painting,"
+Domenico di Tommasso del Ghirlandajo,
+he astonished the grave and
+learned artist by his rapid progress
+and fire of imagination. Ghirlandajo,
+finding his disposition more decided for
+sculpture than for the pencil, hastened
+to recommend him to Lorenzo, who,
+in his gardens, situated near the convent
+of Saint Mark, was exerting himself
+to create a school capable of restoring
+to Florence the glorious days
+of the Ghiberti and the Donatello.
+It was no easy task for the prince of
+the Florentine government to buy the
+child of genius from the timorous
+avarice of his father, Lodovico Buonarotti.<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a>
+At length, an office in the
+financial administration of the state,
+conferred upon the father, and a provision
+of five ducats monthly settled
+on the son, but of which it was agreed
+that Lodovico should derive the profit,
+conquered the scruples of the old
+citizen; and Michel Angelo, adopted
+as it were, among the children of
+Lorenzo, was enabled, at his own
+pleasure, to divide his hours between
+the practice of his favourite art, and
+the lessons that Pietro, Giovanni, and
+Giuliano received at "the Platonic
+<span class="pagenum">[616]</span>Academy," of which the illustrious
+Politiano was director.</p>
+
+<p>This society, of which Lorenzo was
+the soul as well as the founder,<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> reckoned
+among its members certain individuals,
+whose names are still held
+in respect by posterity; and many
+others who, less distinguished or less
+fortunate, exercised, nevertheless, a
+useful influence on the regeneration of
+good studies, and the diffusion of the
+knowledge that may be derived from
+the works of antiquity. Among the
+former, the first rank was unanimously
+given to Politiano, Pico della Mirandola,
+Leon-Battista Alberti, and
+Marsilio Ficino. Lorenzo required
+that his sons should be present at the
+learned discourses of the academy.
+Michel Angelo listened to them in
+company with Pietro, and Cardinal
+Giovanni, and received most flattering
+consideration from Politiano. The
+subtilties of Grecian metaphysics, and
+the technical language of logic, discouraged
+Buonarotti's clear and free
+understanding; but the sublimity of
+conception, and majesty of expression
+of the Attic Bee, met with marvellous
+affinities in the disposition of the
+young Florentine. These studies developed
+in Michel Angelo, the poetical
+genius of which he has left admirable
+proofs in his marbles, his cartoons,
+and his writings.</p>
+
+<p>It was not only the affectionate
+interest of Lorenzo, the intimacy with
+his sons, and the generous cares of
+Politiano, in the house of the Medici,
+which aided the progress, and inflamed
+the energy of Michel Angelo. At
+this same time, more profound lessons
+were repeated in an austere pulpit,
+not far from the delicious gardens of
+Valfondo. Girolamo Savonarola, the
+celebrated dominican of Saint Mark,
+was at the zenith of his reputation;
+and his influence over the people of
+Florence, without directly thwarting
+that of Lorenzo, began, nevertheless,
+to counterbalance it. Michel Angelo,
+says the most exact of his biographers,
+(Vasari, <i>Vite dei Pittori</i>,) read "with
+great veneration" the works written
+by the enthusiastic and eloquent monk.
+From him he learned to seek in the
+Holy Scriptures for the pure and direct
+source of the highest inspiration; and,
+during his whole life, Buonarotti had
+constantly in his hand the sacred
+volume, and the <i>Divina Comedia</i> of
+Dante, which he regarded as a commentary
+at once philosophical, theological,
+and, above all, poetical upon
+the former. An ardent love of art
+confined within due bounds the effect
+which Savonarola's exhortations produced
+upon the true and serious soul
+of the young sculptor; he neither followed
+the Dominican in his fanatical
+hostility to the artistic and literary
+Renaissance, then displaying all the
+riches of its spring, nor in the political
+aberrations which Savonarola, after
+the death of Lorenzo, had the misfortune
+to display in the public squares
+of Florence, and even in the heart of
+her councils.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of a life so full and
+already fruitful, which the approach
+of a glory almost unequalled illuminated
+by a few precursive rays, Michel
+Angelo appears to have opened
+his heart to the sentiment of a love as
+true and elevated as the other emotions
+which swayed his soul, and directed
+his faculties: Luigia de' Medici
+seems to have been its object. It is,
+as already remarked, in the poetical
+compositions, forming the first part of
+Angelo's collection, that we must
+endeavour to find the imperishable
+memorials of this tenderness, to which
+the illusions even of early youth appear
+to have never lent, for a single
+moment, any hope of the union with
+which it might have been crowned.
+Michel Angelo's timid pride combined
+with his respect and gratitude
+to interdict to him all designation,
+even indirect, of the woman to whom
+his affections were bound by a chain
+whose embrace death alone could
+have relaxed. We shall see in the
+poetry of Buonarotti none of the artifice
+made use of by Petrarch to render
+the name of <i>Laura</i> intelligible,
+which Camoëns afterwards employed
+to celebrate Donna <i>Caterina</i>, and from
+which, still later, the unhappy Torquato
+regretted, with much bitterness,
+to have wandered, when, in the
+intoxication of his illusions, he traced
+the fatal name of <i>Eleonora</i>.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[617]</span></p>
+<blockquote><p>
+"Quando sara che d'<i>Eleonora mia</i><br />
+Potro goder in libertade amore."<br />
+(<i>Verse stolen from Tasso and given to the Duke of Ferrara.</i>)<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>It is but rarely, and with a light touch,
+that Angelo makes allusion to the extreme
+youth of her whom he loves,&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&mdash;&mdash;"il corpo umano</span><br />
+Mal segue poi ... d'un <i>angelletta</i><br /> il volo."&mdash;(<i>Sonnetto</i> 15.)<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Once only he speaks of light hair:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Sovra quel <i>biondo crin</i>" ...<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+(<i>Sonnetto ultimo.</i>)<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Never does he write a word that can
+be referred to the difference of rank
+existing between them, to the splendour
+which had surrounded the cradle
+even of the daughter of the great
+citizen whom all Italy seems to have
+made the arbiter of her political combinations.
+Michel Angelo speaks
+only of the touching beauty of her
+who has subjugated him by "that
+serene grace, certain mark of the nobility
+and purity of a soul in perfect
+harmony with its Creator;" (<i>Sonnetto
+3, et passim</i> in the first part.) Never
+does he give us to understand that his
+love received the least encouragement.
+It has been thought, however, that
+Luigia had detected the attachment
+of the youth whose genius had as yet
+been attested by no great work, and
+that she rewarded it by the tenderest
+friendship. It is certain that, in a
+transport of gratitude, Angelo wrote
+the beautiful verse&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Unico spirto, e da me solo inteso!"<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+(<i>Sonnetto</i> 16.)<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>and that, in another <i>morceau</i>, he
+thanks "those beautiful eyes which
+lend him their sweet light, the genius
+that raises his own to heaven, the
+support that steadies his tottering
+steps,"</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Veggio co'bei vostri occhi un dolce<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; lume." ...
+
+&mdash;(<i>Sonnetto</i> 12.)<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>But, checking himself immediately in
+these half-revelations, the poet, on
+the contrary, multiplies the complaints
+torn from him by the coldness
+and apparent indifference of her
+whose beauty he celebrates, whom
+he can render immortal. See more
+particularly Sonnet 21&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Perchè d'ogni mia speme il verde è spento."<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>He exclaims even that he has rarely
+enjoyed the presence on which his
+happiness depends:&mdash;"You know
+neither custom nor opportunity have
+served my affection: it is very rarely
+that my eyes kindle themselves at the
+fire which burns in yours, guarded by
+a reserve to which desire scarcely
+dares to approach&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">&mdash;&mdash;'gli occhi vostri</span><br />
+Circonscritti ov' appena il desir vola.'<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>A single look has made my destiny,
+and I have seen you, to say truly, but
+once."&mdash;(<i>Madrigale</i> 5.)</p>
+
+<p>It has been said that the "divine
+hand" of Michel Angelo painted the
+portrait of Luigia de' Medici. This is
+the name given, in reality, during the
+last century, to the head of a young
+female, "handsome rather than really
+beautiful," writes father Della Valle&mdash;a
+work in which Buonarotti's drawing
+was said to be recognised, with a
+softer and more lively colouring than
+obtains in the other pictures from his
+easel. Angelo's repugnance to paint
+portraits is one of the best established
+traits of his character. But he sculptured
+several&mdash;among those positively
+known are that of Julius II., lost in
+the chateau of Ferrara, and another of
+Gabriel Faërne, preserved in the Museum
+Capitolinum. We know, besides,
+that he consented to paint the
+portrait of the noble and witty Messer
+Tomasso de' Cavalieri, (see <i>Vasari</i>,)
+of the natural size; but that was a
+rare favour. "For," said he, "I abhor
+the obligation to copy that which,
+in nature, is not of infinite beauty."
+In another place, sonnet nineteen, addressing
+the object of his tenderness,
+Michel Angelo reminds her, that
+works of art are endowed, so to say,
+with eternal life and youth. "Perhaps,"
+he adds, (<i>Sonnetto</i> 19 ,) "I
+shall be able to prolong thy life and
+mine beyond the tomb, by employing,
+if thou wilt, colour, or marble,
+if thou preferest, to fix the lines of
+our features and the resemblance of
+our affection!"</p>
+
+<p>Again he writes&mdash;"While I paint
+her features, why cannot I convey to
+her face the pallor which disfigures
+mine, and which comes from her
+cruelty to me?"&mdash;(<i>Madrigale</i> 24.)
+But in some others of Angelo's
+poems, mention is made of a statue,
+or more probably of a bust, on
+which the young artist worked with<span class="pagenum">[618]</span>
+an impassioned mixture of zeal and
+faint-heartedness.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear," he says, "to draw from
+the marble, instead of her image, that
+of my features worn, and void of
+grace."&mdash;(<i>Madrigale 22.</i> ) And when
+he drew near the term of his labour&mdash;"Behold,"
+he exclaims, "an animated
+stone, which, a thousand years
+hence, will seem to breathe! What,
+then, ought heaven to do for her, its
+own work, while the portrait only is
+mine; for her whom the whole world,
+and not myself alone, regard as a
+goddess rather than a mortal? Nevertheless
+the stone remains, while she
+is about to depart."&mdash;(<i>Madrigale 39.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>It was probably on this occasion
+that Michel Angelo wrote those
+charming, and mysterious verses,
+whose sense it is otherwise difficult
+to determine:-</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Qui risi e piansi, e con doglia infinita,<br />
+Da questo sasso vidi far partita<br />
+Colei ch 'a me mi tolse, e non mi volse."<br />
+(<i>Sonnetto 29.</i>)<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The bust of Luigia de' Medici, if it
+really came from the hands of Angelo,
+has shared the fate of many other
+<i>chefs-d'&oelig;uvres</i>, of which his contemporaries
+appear to have spoken with
+such great enthusiasm, only to increase
+our regret; while the most diligent
+researches have led to no recovery
+since their disappearance, caused by
+the disasters that visited Florence, and
+by the culpable negligence which,
+throughout the whole of Italy, followed
+the period of which Buonarotti
+was the principal ornament.</p>
+
+<p>If it be to the affection of Luigia de'
+Medici that Angelo's nineteenth sonnet<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a>
+really refers, we are led to the
+belief that this lofty soul, temperate
+in its own hopes, yet imbued with a
+generous ambition, had suffered itself,
+for a moment, to be carried away by
+the illusion of a permanent happiness;
+but a blow, as terrible as unforeseen,
+scattered these thoughts. The "Magnificent"
+Lorenzo, scarcely in his
+forty-second year, sunk at his seat of Careggi,
+under a short illness, but of
+which he foresaw the inevitable term
+with great resignation from the earliest
+moment. With Lorenzo de' Medici
+descended to the tomb all that
+was yet bright in the glory of his
+family&mdash;all that was real in the prosperity
+of Florence&mdash;all that was assured
+in the fortune, or attractive in
+the labours of the young Buonarotti,
+then only seventeen years of age.</p>
+
+<p>Of the three sons left by Lorenzo,
+not one was capable of replacing him.
+The Cardinal Giovanni had a cultivated
+mind, engaging manners, and
+vast ambition; but, overwhelmed already,
+in spite of his youth,<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> with the
+weight of his benefices and ecclesiastical
+dignities, he pursued, at the Papal
+Court, the high fortune of which he
+then foresaw the accomplishment.
+Giuliano, born in 1478, was as yet
+little more than a child, in whom appeared
+the germ of amiable and even
+generous qualities, spoiled by pride,
+the hereditary vice of his house. With
+regard to Pietro, the new prince of
+the government&mdash;for he succeeded
+without opposition to the ill-defined
+and conventional, rather than regularly
+constituted authority which
+his ancestors and his father had left
+in his possession&mdash;he evinced only
+incapacity, presumption, improvidence,
+and foolish vanity. Aged
+twenty-one, he had already espoused
+Alfonsina Orsini, and drew a false
+security from an alliance in which he
+hoped for the support of one of the
+most warlike and powerful families of
+southern Italy. Michel Angelo felt
+the necessity of quitting the abode of
+the Medici, where Pietro, of too vulgar
+a mind to appreciate the artist's
+character, displayed a soul mean
+enough to make him feel the bitterness
+of protection. He returned to
+the paternal home; and although he
+continued to show a marked attachment
+for the legitimate interests of
+<span class="pagenum">[619]</span>the Medici, and was even again sometimes
+employed&mdash;but not in important
+matters&mdash;by the younger members
+of the family, the separation was
+final, and the republican convictions of
+the young artist developed themselves,
+after that time, at full liberty. Angelo's
+poetical collection proves to us
+how cruelly his removal, from the
+house where Lorenzo had entertained
+him with the most agreeable hospitality,
+affected his heart. In future it
+must become a stranger, at least in
+looks and conversation, to her whom
+he loved with an inquiet fervour.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"How, separated from you, shall I
+ever have the power to guide my life,
+if I can not, at parting, implore your
+assistance?</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Lest absence condemn my loyal devotion
+to forgetfulness, in remembrance
+of my long affliction, take, Signora, take
+in pledge a heart which hereafter belongs
+no more to me."&mdash;(<i>Madrigale 11.</i> )</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>And in another place:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"He who departs from you has no more
+hope of light: where you are not, there
+is no more heaven."&mdash;(<i>Madrigale 9.</i> )</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The hour approached, however,
+when, according to the usage of the
+country, and the relations of her
+family, Luigia's lot should be decided.
+Various projects of alliance
+were discussed. The choice hesitated
+between two brothers, descended
+from Giovanni de' Medici, a branch
+from the dominant house, and of that
+which took the name of its individual
+ancestor, Lorenzo. The latter, brother
+of Cosmo, Pater Patriæ, had, by
+Ginevra Cavalcanti Piero Francesco,
+to whom his wife, Landomia Acciajuoli,
+brought two sons, Lorenzo and
+Giovanni. Both had arrived at the
+age of maturity, and were reckoned
+among the most considerable citizens
+of Florence. The marriage, however,
+did not take place. It is said that Luigia
+herself prevented its conclusion, until
+a misunderstanding, caused by some
+opposition of interests, had definitely
+separated Pietro from the two brothers,
+more especially from Giovanni,
+upon whom the reigning prince appears
+principally to have reckoned.
+Others, however, have supposed that
+the obstacles to the proposed union
+arose only on the part of Giovanni
+and his brother, who, in fact, followed
+the principal citizens in the opposition,
+then planned, against Pietro's
+unskilful administration. And last,
+it has been asserted, that Luigia was
+betrothed to Giovanni, but died before
+the time fixed for the marriage. Among
+these opinions, Litta appears to incline
+to the second; Roscoe adopts
+the last. However it may be, it is
+only certain that, alone of all Lorenzo's
+daughters, Luigia left the paternal
+house but to exchange it for the
+repose of the tomb.</p>
+
+<p>According to the historians, she
+died a few days before the catastrophe
+which overturned Pietro's government,
+and condemned all the descendants of
+Cosmo l'Antico to an exile of sixteen
+years. It was consequently late in the
+autumn of 1494 that Luigia departed
+this life. Amid the passionate prejudices
+which prepared, and the convulsions
+which followed, the Florentine
+revolution, the extinction of the beauteous
+light excited no sensation.</p>
+
+<p>Michel Angelo was not at that moment
+in Florence. Politiano's death
+seems to have broken the last ties that
+attached him to the obligations contracted
+in his early youth. His penetrating
+intelligence warned him of the
+coming fall of the Medici. He neither
+wished to renounce his ancient attachments,
+nor to give them the predominance
+over the duties of a citizen, to a
+free state, which it was of the highest
+importance to wean from a blind and
+dangerous course. In this painful alternative,
+Michel Angelo determined to
+withdraw for a time. He went first to
+Venice, and afterwards to Bologna,
+where the warm reception of the Aldrovandi
+kept him during an entire
+year, and even longer.</p>
+
+<p>According to all appearance, on
+quitting Florence, Buonarotti was
+aware of Luigia's declining health;
+and his poetry shows us the courageous
+artist sinking under the burden of
+his melancholy presentiments:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Be sure, O eyes, that the time is
+past, that the hour approaches which
+will close the passage to your regards,
+even to your tears. Remain, in pity to me,
+remain open while this divine maiden
+deigns yet to dwell on this earth. But
+when the heaven shall open to receive
+these unique and pure beauties ...,
+when she shall ascend to the abode of
+glorified and happy souls, then close; I
+bid you farewell."&mdash;(<i>Madrigale 40.</i> )</p></blockquote><p><span class="pagenum">[620]</span></p>
+
+<p>It was while at Venice, at least so
+it is believed, that Michel Angelo
+learned the death of Luigia de' Medici.
+An expression of profound sadness
+and manly resignation pervades the
+poems which escaped from his oppressed
+soul, already familiarized with
+grief: he knew "that death and love
+are the two wings which bear man
+from earth to heaven."</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+... "chi ama, qual chi muore,<br />
+Non ha da gire al ciel dal mondo altr'ale."<br />
+
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">(Sonnetto: <i>Dall' aspra piaga.</i>)</span><br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>There are, in Angelo's collection,
+four compositions which may be regarded
+as dedicated to the memory of
+Luigia de Medici; first, the sonnet.&mdash;"Spirto
+ben nato," ...
+in which the poet deplores "the cruel
+law which has not spared tenderness,
+compassion, mercy&mdash;treasures so rare,
+united to so much of beauty and fidelity;
+then the Sonnets 27, 28, and 30,
+where Michel Angelo, as though emboldened
+by the irreparable calamity
+which had befallen him, raises the
+veil under which the circumstances
+and the illusions of his love had hitherto
+been shrouded, for every one, and
+almost for himself. Now he exclaims:&mdash;"Oh,
+fallacious hopes! where shall
+I now seek thee&mdash;liberated soul?
+Earth has received thy beauteous
+form, and Heaven thy holy thoughts!&mdash;(<i>Sonnetto
+27.</i>).... This <i>first love</i>,
+which fixed my wandering affections,
+now overwhelms my exhausted soul
+with an insupportable weight.&mdash;(<i>Sonnetto
+28.</i>) ... Yes, the brightness
+of the flame, which nourished while
+consuming my heart, is taken from me
+by heaven; but one teeming spark
+remains to me, and I would wish to
+be reduced to ashes only after shining
+in my turn." The sense of the latter
+triplet is very enigmatical; it is here
+interpreted in accordance with the
+known character of the poet, and the
+direction which he delayed not to give
+to his faculties. From this moment
+Angelo, devoted to the threefold worship
+of God, art, and his country, constantly
+refused to think of other ties.
+He had, he remarked, "espoused the
+affectionate fantasy which makes of
+Art a monarch, an idol; "my children,"
+he added, "will be the works
+that I shall leave behind me." More
+than thirty years were to elapse, ere
+in this heart, yet youthful at the approach
+of age, another woman, and
+she the first of her era, (Vittoria Colonna,)
+occupied in part the place left
+vacant by Luigia de' Medici.</p>
+
+<p>It is to these few imperfect indications,
+conjectures, and fugitive glimpses,
+to which the most perspicacious
+care has not always succeeded in
+giving a positive consistency, that all
+our knowledge is reduced of one of
+the purest and most amiable forms
+presented by the historical and poetical
+gallery of Florence, during what
+is named her <i>golden age</i>. But what
+destiny was more worthy than that of
+Luigia de' Medici to excite a generous
+envy? Orphan from her birth,
+her life experienced that alone which
+elevates and purifies: hope, grief, and
+love. No vulgar cares abased her
+thoughts; no bitter experience withered
+her heart; death, in compassion,
+spared her the spectacle of the reverses
+of her family, and participation
+in the guilty successes which followed
+those disasters. Delicate and stainless
+flower, she closed on the eve of
+the storm that would have bathed her
+in tears and blood! The only evidence
+remaining to us of her is poetry of a
+fame almost divine&mdash;of a purity almost
+religious; and this young maiden, of
+whom no mention has come down to
+us, in addressing herself to our imagination,
+borrows the accents of the
+most extraordinary genius possessed
+by a generation hitherto unequalled
+in achievements of the mind. The
+place of sepulture of Luigia de' Medici
+is unknown; her remains were most
+probably deposited, without monumental
+inscription, in the vaults of
+San Lorenzo, the <i>gentilizia</i> church of
+her house. Among the epitaphs composed
+by Angelo, without attempting
+to indicate for whom, there is one
+whose application to Luigia de' Medici
+would be apt and touching. It may
+be thus translated:&mdash;"To earth the
+dust, to heaven the soul, have been
+returned by death. To him who yet
+loves me, dead, I have bequeathed
+the thought of my beauty and my
+glory, that he may perpetuate in
+marble the beautiful mask which I
+have left."</p>
+
+<p>The editors of Michel Angelo have
+assumed that this admirable composition,
+as well as those which accom<span class="pagenum">[621]</span>pany
+it under the same title, were
+written for a certain Francesco Bracci.
+The expression "chi <i>morta</i> ancor m'
+ama" is sufficient to refute this singular
+supposition.</p>
+
+<p>We shall now attempt to give some
+idea of the poetical compositions from
+which we have not yet quoted, and
+which we conjecture to have been similarly
+inspired in Michel Angelo by his
+love for Luigia de' Medici. We incline
+to consider as belonging to the earliest
+poetic age of the great artist, to the
+epoch of the first and only real love
+experienced by him, all the pieces
+forming the first part of his work,
+commencing with the celebrated sonnet&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Non ha l'ottimo artista," *&nbsp;  * &nbsp; *<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>and ending with the thirtieth&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Qual meraviglia è se vicino al fuoco."<br />
+* &nbsp; *&nbsp;  *<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>in addition, the sonnet, three <i>madrigali</i>,
+(pieces without division of
+stanzas or couplets,) and one <i>canzone</i>,
+which the editors have placed at the
+head of the collection, entitled by
+them&mdash;"Componimenti men gravi e
+giocosi." The commencement of a
+new era in Angelo's thoughts and
+poetic style appears to us marked by
+the composition of the two admirable
+pieces which he dedicated to the memory
+of Dante Alighieri:&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Dal mondo scese ai ciechi abissi;"<br />
+* &nbsp; *&nbsp;  *<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>and</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"Quanto dime si dee non si può dire."<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Michel Angelo <i>petitioned</i> but once:
+this was that Leo X. would grant the
+ashes of Dante to Florence, where the
+artist "offered to give a becoming
+burial to the divine poet, in an honourable
+place in the city."&mdash;(Condivi,
+<i>Vita di Michel Angelo</i>.)</p>
+
+<p>Previously a stranger to the sentiments
+of love, the young artist at
+first wonders and fears at their violence:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Who, then, has lifted me by main
+force above myself? How can it be
+that I am no longer my own? And
+what is the unknown power which,
+nearer then myself, influences me; which
+has more control over me; passes into
+my soul by the eyes; increases there
+without limit, and overflows my whole
+being?"&mdash;<i>Madrigali</i>, 3, 4.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Soon, however, he no longer doubts
+upon the character of this intoxication;
+he feels that he loves; he traces
+in sport the most graceful and animated
+picture of her who has captivated
+his heart! But this pure and
+ardent soul speedily becomes alarmed
+at the profound agitation in which it
+sees itself plunged; desires to go back
+to the cause, to recognise its origin,
+and measure its danger. Michel Angelo
+recognises, in conjunction with
+the danger, a sublime reward reserved
+for him who shall know how to merit
+it.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"The evil which I ought to shun,
+and the good to which I aspire, are
+united and hidden in thee, noble and
+divine beauty!  *  *  *  Love, beauty,
+fortune, or rigour of destiny, it is not
+you that I can reproach for my sufferings;
+for in her heart she bears at once
+compassion and death! Woe to me if
+my feeble genius succeed only, while
+consuming itself, in obtaining death from
+it!"<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Yes, dangerous and often fatal is
+that passion which seems to choose
+its favourite victims among hearts the
+most generous&mdash;intelligence the most
+ample:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Very few are the men who raise
+themselves to the heaven; to him who
+lives in the fire of love, and drinks of
+its poison, (for to love is one of life's
+fatal conditions,) if grace transport him
+not towards supreme and incorruptible
+beauties&mdash;if all his desires learn not to
+direct themselves thither&mdash;Ah! what
+miseries overwhelm the condition of
+lover!"&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i> 10.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>But this declaration has not been
+applied to all passionate and deep
+affections:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"No, it is not always a mortal and
+impious fault to burn with an immense
+love for a perfect beauty, if this love
+afterwards leave the heart so softened
+that the arrows of divine beauty may
+penetrate it."</p>
+
+<p>"Love wakens the soul, and lends it</p></blockquote>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[622]</span></p>
+<blockquote><p>wings for its sublime flight: often its
+ardour is the first step by which, discontented
+with earth, the soul remounts
+towards her Creator."&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i> 8.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Transported with this thought, in
+which he feels the passion to which
+he has yielded at once transforming
+and tranquillising itself, Michel Angelo
+gives to it in his verses the most eloquent
+and most ingenious developments.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"No, it is not a mortal thing which
+my eyes perceived, when in them was
+reflected, for the first time, the light of
+thine; but in thy look, my soul, inquiet,
+because it mounts towards its object
+without repose, has conceived the hope
+of finding her peace."</p>
+
+<p>"She ascends, stretching her wings
+towards the abode from whence she descended!
+The beauty which charms
+the eyes calls to her on her flight; but,
+finding her weak and fugitive, she passes
+onwards to the universal form, the divine
+archetype."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>This expression, and many others
+dispersed throughout the collection,
+show that he had profited more than
+he cared to acknowledge by the discourses
+of the Platonic Academy.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Yes, I perceive it; that which must
+die can offer no repose to the wise man.
+*  *  * That which kills the soul is
+not love; it is the unbridled disorder of
+the senses. Love can render our souls
+perfect here below, and yet more in
+heaven!"&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i> 2.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>And fruther on:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"From the stars most near to the
+empyrean, descends sometimes a brightness
+which attracts our desires towards
+them: it is that which is called love!"&mdash;(<i>Mad.</i>
+8.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>But this celestial route demands
+extraordinary efforts on the part of
+him who aspires to travel it:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"How rash and how unworthy are
+the understandings, which bring down
+to the level of the senses this beauty
+whose approaches aid the true intelligence
+to remount to the skies. But
+feeble eyes cannot go from the mortal
+to the divine;<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> never will they raise
+themselves to that throne, where, without
+the grace from on high, it is a vain
+thought to think of rising."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Michel Angelo believed that he recognised
+these characteristics, as rare
+as sublime, in the love which pervaded
+his own heart.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"The life of my love is not the all
+in my heart. *  * This affection
+turns to that point where no earthly
+weakness, no guilty thought, could
+exist."</p>
+
+<p>"Love, when my soul left the presence
+of her Creator, made of her a
+pure eye, of thee a splendour, and my
+ardent desire finds it every hour in that
+which must, alas! one day die of thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Like as heat and fire, so is the
+Beautiful inseparable from the Eternal.
+*  *  *  I see Paradise in thy eyes,
+and so return there where I loved thee
+before this life,<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> I recur every hour to
+consume myself under thy looks."&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i>
+6.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>He writes elsewhere, with a singular
+mixture of affectionate ardour
+and metaphysical boldness,&mdash;</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I know not if this is, in thee, the prolific
+light from its Supreme Author which
+my soul feels, or if from the mysterious
+treasures of her memory some other
+beauty, earlier perceived, shines with
+thy aspect in my heart."<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a></p>
+
+<p>"Or if the brilliant ray of <i>thy former
+existence</i> is reflected in my soul,
+leaving behind this kind of painful joy,
+which perhaps, at this moment, is the
+cause of the tears I shed;"</p>
+
+<p>"But after all, that which I feel, and
+see, which guides me, is not with me, is
+not in me, *  * sometimes I imagine
+that thou aidest me to distinguish it."
+*   *   *   * (<i>Sonnet</i> 7.)</p></blockquote>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[623]</span></p>
+<p>It is easy to conjecture the danger
+of this inclination to metaphysical
+speculation for an ardent and subtile
+genius, which, even in its works of
+art, has left the proof of a constant
+disposition towards an obscure mysticism
+or a sombre austerity. Michel
+Angelo was enabled to avoid these
+two dangers, on one or the other of
+which he would have seen his genius
+wrecked, by the noble confidence
+which he ever maintained in "the
+two beacons of his navigation," tenderness
+of heart, and pure worship of
+beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, we shall see with what outpouring
+he proclaims the necessity,
+for the human soul, to attach itself
+strongly to some generous love:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"The memory of the eyes, and this
+hope which suffices to my life, and more
+to my happiness,  *   *   *   reason
+and passion, love and nature, constrain
+me to fix my regard upon thee during the
+whole time given me.   *   *   *  Eyes serene
+and sparkling; he who lives not in
+you is not yet born!"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>And again:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"It is to thee that it belongs to bring
+out from the coarse and rude bark
+within which my soul is imprisoned,
+that which has brought and linked
+together in my intelligence, reason
+strength, and love of the good."
+(<i>Mad.</i> 10.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Then was renewed that sweet and
+pregnant security in which the soul,
+"under the armour of a conscience
+which feels its purity," may gain
+new energy and journey towards her
+repose:<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Yes, sometimes, with my ardent
+desire, my hope may also ascend; it
+will not deceive me, for if all our affections
+are displeasing to heaven, to
+what end would this world have been
+created by God?</p>
+
+<p>"And what cause more just of the
+love with which I burn for thee, than
+the duty of rendering glory to that
+eternal peace, whence springs the divine
+charm which emanates from thee,
+which makes every heart, worthy to
+comprehend thee, chaste and pious?</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"Firm is the hope founded on a noble
+heart, the changes of the mortal bark
+strip no leaves from its crown; never
+does it languish, and even here it receives
+an assurance of heaven."&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i> 9.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Now it is with accents of triumph
+and anon with the serener emotion of
+an immortal gratitude, that the poet
+exhibits the luminous ladder which
+his love assists him to mount, the
+support he finds in it when he descends
+again to the earth:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"The power of a beautiful countenance,
+the only joy I know on earth,
+urges me to the heaven, I rise, yet
+living, to the abode of elect souls&mdash;favour
+granted rarely to our mortal state!</p>
+
+<p>"So perfect is the agreement of this
+divine work with its Creator, that I ascend
+to Him on the wings of this celestial
+fervour; and there I form all my
+thoughts, and purify all my words.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"In her beautiful eyes, from which
+mine cannot divert themselves, I behold
+the light, guide upon the way which
+leads to God;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"Thus, in my noble fire, calmly
+shines the felicity which smiles, eternal,
+in the heavens!&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i> 3.)</p>
+
+<p>"With <i>your</i> beautiful eyes I see the
+mild light which my darkened eyes
+could not discern. Your support enables
+me to bear a burden which my
+weary steps could not endure to the
+end."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"My thoughts are shaped in your
+heart; my words are born in your
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>"With regard to you, I am like the
+orb of night in its career; our eyes can
+only perceive the portion on which the
+sun sheds his rays."&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i> 12.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The admirable picture of indissoluble
+union in a settled tenderness,
+one of the most perfect pieces which
+has come from Angelo's pen, was
+sketched, doubtless, in one of those
+moments of severe and entire felicity:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"A refined love, a supreme affection,
+an equal fortune between two hearts, to
+whom joys and sorrows are in common,</p></blockquote>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[624]</span></p>
+<blockquote><p>because one single mind actuates them
+both;</p>
+
+<p>"One soul in two bodies, raising both
+to heaven, and upon equal wings;</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"To love the other always, and one's
+self never, to desire of Love no other
+prize than himself; to anticipate every
+hour the wishes with which the reciprocal
+empire regulates two existences:</p>
+
+<p>"Such are the certain signs of an
+inviolable faith; shall disdain or anger
+dissolve such a tie?"&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i> 20.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The last verse makes allusion to some
+incident of which we have been unable
+to find any historical explanation:</p>
+
+<p>"Or potra <i>sdegno</i> tanto nodo sciorre?"</p>
+
+<p>But these ill-founded fears soon
+gave way to the presentiment of the
+cruel, the imminent trial, for which
+the poet's affection was reserved.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Spirit born under happy auspices,
+to show us, in the chaste beauty of thy
+terrestrial envelope, all the gifts which
+nature and heaven can bestow on their
+favourite creation!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"What inexorable law denies to this
+faithless world, to this mournful and
+fallacious life, the long possession of
+such a treasure? Why cannot death
+pardon so beautiful a work?"&mdash;(<i>Sonnet</i>
+25.)</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The poet, however, already knew
+that such is the law, severe in appearance,
+but merciful in reality, which
+governs all things on this earth,
+"where nothing endures but tears."<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a>
+It was then that Michel Angelo discovered
+in his heart that treasure of
+energy destined to sustain him in the
+multiplied trials of a life, of which he
+measured the probable length with a
+melancholy resignation.<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Why," he exclaims, "grant to my
+wounded soul the vain solace of tears
+and groaning words, since heaven,
+which clothed a heart with bitterness,
+takes it away but late, and perhaps
+only in the tomb?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Another</i> must die. Why this haste
+to follow her? Will not the remembrance
+of her look soothe my last hours?
+And what other blessing would be worth
+so much as one of my sorrows?"<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></p></blockquote>
+
+<p>In fine, armed with "the faith that
+raises souls<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> to God, and sweetens
+their death," Michel Angelo, when
+the fatal blow fell, was enabled to
+impart to his regrets an expression of
+thankfulness to the Supreme Dispenser
+of our destinies; and giving a voice
+from the tomb to her whom he had
+so deeply loved, he puts these sublime
+words into her mouth:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I was a mortal, now I am an
+angel. The world knew me for a
+little space, and I possess heaven for
+ever. I rejoice at the glorious exchange,
+and exult over the death
+which struck, to lead me to eternal
+life!"&mdash;<i>Epitaffio</i>, v.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[625]</span></p>
+
+
+<h2><a name="THINGS_IN_GENERAL" id="THINGS_IN_GENERAL"></a>THINGS IN GENERAL.</h2>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">A Gossiping Letter from the Seaside to Christopher North, Esq.<br />
+By an Old Contributor.</span></p>
+
+<p style="text-align: right;">
+------&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
+Near &mdash;&mdash;, England,<br />
+<i>October 1846.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">My Dear Christopher</span>,&mdash;Where
+am I? What am I doing? Why have
+I forgotten you and Maga? Bless us!
+what a pother!&mdash;Give a man time,
+my revered friend, to answer: I have
+<i>not</i> forgotten either you or Maga; I
+am at the seaside; and I am doing,
+as well as I can, <i>nothing</i>. There are
+your testy questions answered: and
+as to divers objurgatory observations
+of your's, I shall not attempt to reply
+to them&mdash;regarding them as the results
+of some gout-twinges which have,
+I fear, a little quickened and heated
+the temper of that "old man eloquent,"
+who, when in good health,
+plays but one part&mdash;that of a caressing
+father towards his children; for
+as such Christopher North has ever
+(as far as I know) regarded his contributors.
+"Why don't you <i>review</i>
+something or other? There's &mdash;&mdash;,
+an impudent knave!&mdash;has just sent
+me his &mdash;&mdash;: you will find it pleasant
+to flagellate him, or &mdash;&mdash;, a Cockney
+coxcomb! And if you be not in that
+humour, there are several excellent,
+and one or two admirable works,
+which have appeared within the last
+eighteen months, and which really
+have as strong a claim on Maga as
+she has on her truant sons,&mdash;and
+you, among the rest, have repeatedly
+promised to take one, at least, in
+hand. If you be not in the critical
+vein&mdash;do, for heaven's sake, turn
+your hand to something else&mdash;you
+have lain fallow long enough!&mdash;With
+one of the many articles which you
+have so often told me that you were
+'seriously thinking of' on &mdash;&mdash;, or
+----, or &mdash;&mdash;, &amp;c., &amp;c., &amp;c.; and if
+<i>that</i> won't do&mdash;why, rather than do
+<i>nothing</i>, set to work for an hour or
+two on a couple of mornings, and
+write me a gossiping sort of letter&mdash;such
+as I can print&mdash;such as you have
+once before done, and I printed,&mdash;on
+Things in General. Surely the last few
+months have witnessed events which
+must have set you, and all observant
+men, thinking, and thinking very
+earnestly. Set to work, be it only in
+a simple, natural, easy way&mdash;care not
+you, as I care not, how discursively&mdash;a
+little touch of modest egotism, even,
+I will forgive on this occasion, if you
+find that&mdash;" Here, dear Christopher,
+I recalcitrate, and decline printing
+the rest of the sentence; but as to
+"<i>Things in General</i>"&mdash;I am somewhat
+smitten with the suggestion.
+'Tis a taking title&mdash;a roomy subject,
+in which one can flit about from gay
+to grave, from lively to severe, according
+to the humour of the moment;
+and since you really do not
+dislike the idea of an old contributor's
+gossip on men and things, given you in
+his own way, I shall forthwith begin
+to pour out my little thoughts as unreservedly
+as if you and I were sitting
+together alone here. <i>Here</i>; but
+where? As I said before, at the seaside;
+at my favourite resort&mdash;where
+(eschewing "Watering-places" with
+lively disgust) I have spent many
+a happy autumn. When I first found
+it out, I thought that the <i>lines</i> had indeed
+<i>fallen</i> to me in <i>pleasant places</i>,
+and I still think so; but were I to
+tell the public, through your pages,
+of this green spot, I suspect that
+by this time next year the sweet
+solitude and primitive simplicity of
+the scene around me would have
+vanished: greedy speculating builders,
+tempting the proprietors of the
+soil, would run up in all directions
+vile, pert, vulgar, brick-built, slate-roofed,
+Quakerish-looking abominations,
+exactly as a once lovely nook
+in the Isle of Wight&mdash;Ventnor to wit&mdash;has
+become a mere assemblage of
+eyesores, a mass of <i>un</i>favourable eruptions,
+so to speak&mdash;Bah! I once used<span class="pagenum">[626]</span>
+to look forward to the Isle of Wight
+with springy satisfaction. Why, the
+infatuated inhabitants were lately
+talking of having a railroad in the
+island!!</p>
+
+<p>I quitted Babylon, now nearly
+eleven weeks ago, for this said
+sweet mysterious solitude. London
+I dearly, dearly love&mdash;except during
+the months of August, September,
+and October, when it goes to sleep,
+and lies utterly torpid. When I
+quitted it very early in August, London
+life was, as it were, at dead-low
+water-mark. I was myself somewhat
+jaded with a year's severe exertion in
+my lawful calling, (what that may be,
+it concerns none of your readers to
+know,) and my family also were in
+want of change of air and scene; so
+that, when the day of departure had
+arrived, we were in the highest possible
+spirits. <i>Our</i> house would&mdash;we
+reflected&mdash;within a few hours put on
+the dismal, dismantled appearance
+which almost every other house in
+the street had presented for several
+weeks, and we, whirling away to
+----; but first of all it occurred to me
+to lay in a stock of our good friend
+Lee's port and sherry, (for where
+were we to get drinkable wine at
+----?)&mdash;ditto, in respect of six
+pounds of real tea&mdash;not <i>quasi</i> tea,
+<i>i.e.</i>, raisin-stalks and sloe-leaves&mdash;three
+bottles of whisky; four of Anchovy
+sauce; and four of Reading
+or Harvey's sauce; two pounds of
+mustard, and some cayenne and
+curry-powder: having an eye, in
+respect of this last, to&mdash;hot crab! a
+delicious affair! Arrangements these
+which we are resolved always to
+make hereafter, having repeatedly
+experienced the inconvenience of not
+doing so. Having packed up every
+thing, and given special orders for
+the <i>Times</i> to be provided daily, and
+the <i>Spectator</i> weekly, away we go&mdash;myself,
+wife, three hostages to fortune,
+and three other persons, and&mdash;bless
+him!&mdash;Tickler; Timothy Tickler&mdash;that
+sagacious, quaint, affectionate,
+ugly-beautiful Skye terrier, which
+found its way to me from you, my
+revered friend&mdash;and is now lying
+gracefully near me, pretending&mdash;the
+little rogue&mdash;to be asleep; but really
+watching the wasps buzzing round
+him, and every now and then snapping
+at them furiously, unconscious
+of the probable consequences of his
+success,&mdash;that,</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+"If 'twere <i>done</i>, when 'tis done,<br />
+<i>Then</i>&mdash;'twere well it were done quickly!"<br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>By what railway we went, I care not
+to say&mdash;beyond this, that it belongs
+to one of that exceedingly select class,
+the well-conducted railways; and we
+were brought to the end of that portion
+of our journey&mdash;whether one hundred,
+two hundred, or two hundred and
+fifty, or three hundred miles, signifies
+nothing&mdash;safely and punctually arriving
+two minutes earlier than our appointed
+time. Then, by means of
+steam-boats, cars, and otherwise,
+<i>taliter processum est</i>, that about eight
+o'clock in the evening we reached
+this place, which, in the brilliant
+moonlight, looked even more beautiful
+than I had ever seen it. Near us
+on our left&mdash;that is, within a few
+hundred feet&mdash;was the placid silvery
+sea, "its moist lips kissing the shore,"
+as Thomas Campbell expressed it; and
+while supper was preparing, we went
+to the shore to enjoy its loveliness.
+Not a breath of wind was stirring&mdash;scarce
+a cloud interfered with the
+moon's serene effulgence. Lofty cliffs
+stretched on either side of us as we
+faced the sea, casting a kindly gloom
+over part of the shore; and on turning
+towards the land, we beheld
+nothing but solemn groves of trees,
+and one sweet cottage peeping modestly
+from among them, as it were a
+pearl glistening half-hid between the
+folds of green velvet, about half-way
+up the fissure in the cliffs by which
+we had descended. Two or three
+fishing-boats were moored under the
+cliff, and against one of them was
+leaning the fisherman, not far from
+his snugly-sheltered hut, pleasantly
+puffing at his pipe. Near him lay
+extended on the shingle, grisly even
+in death, a monster&mdash;viz. a shark, the
+victim of the patience, pluck, and
+tact, which had been exhibited that
+afternoon by the fisherman and his
+son, who had captured the marine
+fiend in the bay, at less than two
+miles' distance from the shore. 'Twas
+nine feet in length, wanting one inch;&mdash;and
+<i>its</i> teeth made your teeth chatter<span class="pagenum">[627]</span>
+to look at them. Tickler inspected
+him narrowly, having first cautiously
+ascertained by his nose that all was
+right, and then exclaimed, "Bow,
+wow, wow!"&mdash;thus showing that
+even as a live ass is better than a
+dead lion, so a live terrier was better
+than a dead shark. [As I find that
+several of these hideous creatures
+have been lately captured here, <i>quære</i>
+the propriety of bathing, as I had
+intended, from a boat, a little way
+of from the land? Hem!] The only
+visible occupants of those solitary
+sands at that moment were myself,
+my wife and children, the fisherman,
+Tickler, and the dead shark. I remained
+standing alone for a few moments
+after my companions had turned
+their steps towards our cottage, eager
+for supper, and gazed upon the sequestered
+loveliness around me with
+a sense of luxury. What a contrast
+this to the scene of exciting London
+life in which I had happened to bear
+a part on the preceding evening!
+The following verses of Lord Rosscommon
+happened to occur to me,
+and chimed in completely with the
+tone of my feelings:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+
+<span class="i0">"Hail, sacred Solitude! from this calm bay<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">I view the world's tempestuous sea;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And with wise pride despise<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">All those senseless vanities:<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With pity moved for others, cast away,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">On rocks of hopes and fears I see them toss'd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">On rocks of folly and of vice I see them lost:<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Since the prevailing malice of the great<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Unhappy men, or adverse fate<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Sunk deep into the gulfs of an afflicted state:<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But more, far more, a numberless prodigious train,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Whilst virtue counts them, but, alas, in vain.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Fly from her kind embracing arms,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Deaf to her fondest call, blind to her greatest charms,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And sunk in pleasures and in brutish ease,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">They in their shipwreck'd state themselves obdurate please.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Here may I always, on this downy grass,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Unknown, unseen, my easy moments pass,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Till, with a gentle force, victorious Death<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">My solitude invade,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And stopping for a while my breath,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With ease convey me to a better shade!"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+</div></div>
+
+<p>But a sharpened appetite for supper
+called me away, and I quickly followed
+my companions, casting a last
+glance around, and suppressing a faint
+sigh, fraught with the reflection, "All
+this&mdash;<i>Deo volente</i>&mdash;will be ours for
+nearly three months." Why <i>does</i> one
+so often sigh on such an occasion?</p>
+
+<p>You may conceive how we enjoyed
+our supper to the utmost,
+and then all of us retired to our
+respective apartments, which were
+so brilliantly lit by the moon, as to
+make our candles pale their ineffectual
+fires. I stood for a long time
+gazing at the beautiful scenery visible
+from my little dressing-room window,
+and then retired to rest, grateful to
+the Almighty for our being allowed
+the prospect of another of these periodical
+intervals of relaxation and enjoyment.
+To me they get more precious
+every year; <i>they do</i>, decidedly.
+But why? Let me, however, return
+to this question by-and-by: 'tis one
+which, with kindred subjects, has
+much occupied my thoughts this autumn,
+in many a long, solitary stroll
+over the hills, and along the seashore.</p>
+
+<p>I wish I could do justice to my
+cottage and its lovely locality. Yet
+why should I try to set your's and
+your readers' teeth on edge? You
+have some lovely nooks on your Scottish
+coast; but you cannot beat this.
+We are about three hundred yards
+from the sea, of which our windows,
+on one side, command a full view;
+while from all the others are visible
+dark, high, steep downs, at so short a
+distance, that methinks, at this moment,
+I can hear the faint&mdash;the
+very faint&mdash;tinkle of a sheep-bell,<span class="pagenum">[628]</span>
+proceeding from some of the little
+white tufts moving upon them. I
+am now writing to you towards the
+middle of this stormy October. Its
+winds have so much thinned the leaves
+of the huge elms which stand towards
+the south-eastern parts of our house,
+that I can now, from my study-window,
+distinctly see the church&mdash;very
+small, and very ancient&mdash;which, when
+first we came, the thick foliage rendered
+totally invisible from this point.
+My window looks directly upon the
+aforesaid downs, which at present
+appear somewhat gloomy and desolate.
+Yet have they a certain air of
+the wild picturesque, the effect of
+which is heightened by the howling
+winds, which are sweeping down over
+them to us, moaning and groaning
+through the trees, and round the gables
+of our house, (the aspect of the sky
+being, at the same time, bleak and
+threatening.) How it enhances my
+sense of snugness in the small antique,
+thoroughly wind-and-weather tight
+room in which I am writing! A little
+to my left is a vast natural hollow in
+the downs, from which springs a sort
+of little hanging wood or copse, the
+mottled variegated hues of which have
+a beautiful effect. Between me and
+the downs are small clumps of trees&mdash;abrupt
+little declivities, thickly lined
+with shrubs, all touched with the
+bronze tinting of the far-advanced
+autumn&mdash;two or three intensely-green
+fields, in the nearest of which are
+browsing the two cows belonging to
+the parsonage&mdash;which is, by the way,
+quite invisible from any part of my
+house, though at only a hundred
+yards' or two distance. Oh! 'tis a
+model&mdash;a love of a parsonage!&mdash;buried
+among lofty trees, richly adorned with
+myrtles, laurel, and clematis&mdash;the
+well-trimmed greensward immediately
+surrounding the long, low,
+thatched house, which combines rural
+elegance, simplicity, and comfort
+in its disposition&mdash;is bordered
+by spreading hydrangeas, dahlias,
+fuschias, mignionette, and roses&mdash;ay,
+roses, even yet in full bloom! Its
+occupant is my friend, a dignitary of
+the church, a scholar, a gentleman,
+and "given to hospitality;" but I
+will say nothing more on this head,
+lest, peradventure, I should offend
+his modesty, and disclose my locality.
+My own house is more than sufficient
+for my family; 'tis a small gentleman's
+cottage, delightfully situate,
+and containing every convenience,
+(especially for a <i>symposium</i>,) and surrounded
+by a luxuriant garden. Along
+one side of the house, and commanding
+an extensive and varied sea and
+land view, runs a little terrace of
+"soft, smooth-shaven green," made
+for a meditative man to pace up and
+down, as I have done some thousand
+times&mdash;by noonday sunlight, by midnight
+moonshine&mdash;buried in reverie,
+or charmed by contemplating the
+scenery around, disturbed by no sound
+save the caw! caw! caw! from
+the parsonage rookery, the <i>sough</i> of
+the wind among the trees, and, latterly,
+the sullen echoes of the sea
+thundering on the shore. Ah! what
+an inexpressibly beautiful aspect is
+just given to the scene by that transient
+gleam of saddening sunlight!</p>
+
+<p>I can really give no account of my
+time for the last eleven weeks, which
+have slipped away almost unperceivedly&mdash;one
+day so like another,
+that scarce any thing can be recorded
+of one which would not be applicable
+to every other. Breakfast over, (crabs,
+lobster, or prawns, and honey indigenous,
+the constant racy accessaries,)
+all the intermediate time between
+that hour and dinner, (for I am
+no lunch-eater,) six <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, is spent in
+sauntering along the shore, poking
+among the rocks, strolling over the
+clefts, and clambering up and wandering
+about the downs; and occasionally
+in pilgrimages to distant and
+pretty little farm-houses, (in quest of
+their products for our table,) generally
+accompanied by Tickler, always
+by a book, sometimes with my wife
+and children; but most frequently
+<i>alone</i>, chewing the cud of sweet and
+bitter fancies, and always avoiding,
+of set purpose, any other company
+(even were it here to be had) in my
+rambles, than as is aforesaid. 'Tis
+ecstacy to me to sit alone on a rock
+in a sequestered part of the shore,
+especially when the tide is high, and
+equally whether it be rough or smooth,
+or calm or stormy weather: for as to
+this last, I have discovered a friendly
+nook in the rocks, big enough to hold
+me only, and deep enough to give me
+shelter from the wind and rain, ex<span class="pagenum">[629]</span>cept
+when they beat right in upon me.
+You may laugh, perhaps, but in this
+retreat I have spent many an entire
+day&mdash;<i>i.e.</i> from ten <span class="smcap">A.M.</span> to six <span class="smcap">P.M.</span>,
+sometimes pacing to and fro on the
+sands, near my hole, generally bathing
+about mid-day, taking with me
+always the <i>Times</i> newspaper, (which
+I generally got from the old postman,
+whom I met on my way down to the
+sands,) the current number of <i>Maga</i>,
+or some favourite volume, being also
+frequent companions. I must acknowledge,
+however, that the first
+was my special luxury, to which I
+daily addressed myself with all the
+eager relish of a dog with a fresh
+bone in an unfrequented place&mdash;and
+whom I conceive to be, so circumstanced,
+in a state paradisiacal;&mdash;for,
+indeed, to such a pass are matters
+come, that no man whom I know of
+can miss his newspaper without a
+restless, uncomfortable feeling of having
+slipped a day behind the world.
+Surely I may here, in passing, say a
+word or two about <span class="smcap">NEWSPAPERS</span>?</p>
+
+<p>And coming from one who, as you
+know, never had any thing to do with
+newspapers, except as having been
+an eager and regular reader of them
+for more than twenty years, I hope
+my testimony is worth having, when
+I express my opinion that our newspaper
+press is a very great honour
+to Great Britain, as well negatively
+in its abstinence from myriads of
+tempting but objectionable topics, as
+well as positively in the varied ability,
+the energy, accuracy, and amazing
+promptitude displayed in dealing with
+the ever-changing and often-perplexing
+affairs of the world. Inestimably
+precious is the unshackled freedom of
+these wondrous organs of public opinion:
+infringe, though never so slightly,
+and but for a moment, upon that
+independence, and you wound our
+<span class="smcap">LIBERTY</span> in the very apple of the eye.</p>
+
+<p>Let any government unjustifiably or
+oppressively attack one of our newspapers&mdash;whatever
+may be its politics&mdash;how
+indifferent even soever its character&mdash;with
+an evident intention to
+impair its independence&mdash;and there
+is not a man in the country who
+would not suddenly feel a stifling sensation,
+as if some attempt had been
+made upon his immediate personal
+rights. The nation may be (though
+fancifully) compared to a huge monster,
+with myriads of <i>tentacles</i>&mdash;or
+whatever else you may call them&mdash;as
+its organ of existence and action,
+every single one of which is so sensitive,
+that, if touched, the whole <i>creature</i>
+is instantly roused and in motion, as if
+you had touched them <i>all</i>, and stimulated
+<i>all</i> into simultaneous and frightful
+action. The public is this vast
+creature&mdash;the press are these tentacles.
+Fancy our Prime Minister pouncing
+oppressively and illegally upon the
+very obscurest provincial paper going&mdash;say
+the "Land's End Farthing Illuminator!"
+Why, the whole artillery
+of the press of the United Kingdom
+would instantly open upon him; in
+doing so, being the true exponent of the
+universal fury of the country&mdash;and in
+a twinkling where would be my Lord
+John, or would have been Sir Robert,
+with the strongest government that
+ever was organised? Extinguished,
+annihilated. Let some young and
+unreflecting Englishman compare this
+state of things with that which is at
+this moment in existence in Spain!&mdash;in
+which every newspaper daring to
+express itself independently, though
+moderately, on a stirring political
+event of the day, is instantly pounced
+upon by an infamous&mdash;a truly execrable
+government, and silenced and
+suppressed; and its conductors fined
+and imprisoned. We in this country
+cannot write or read the few words
+conveying the existence of such a
+state of facts, without our blood
+boiling. And is there no <i>other</i> country
+where the press is overawed&mdash;submits,
+however sullenly, to be dictated
+to by government, to become the despicable
+organ of falsehood and deceit&mdash;and
+is accessible to bribery and corruption?
+And what are we to say
+of the press of the United States of
+America, pandering (with some bright
+exceptions) to the vilest passions, the
+most depraved tastes of the most
+abandoned among the people, and
+mercenary and merciless libellers?
+With scarcely more than a single foul
+exception&mdash;and that, one regrets to
+say, in our Metropolis, in which are
+published nearly forty newspapers&mdash;can
+any person point out a newspaper,
+in town or country, indulging in, ribald
+or obscene language or allusions, or&mdash;with
+two or three exceptions&mdash;professed
+impiety, or slanderous attacks
+upon public or private character.<span class="pagenum">[630]</span>
+Some year or two ago there was manifested,
+in a certain portion of the
+metropolitan press, a tendency downwards
+of this sort; and how long was
+it before popular indignation rose, and&mdash;to
+use a legal phrase&mdash;abated the
+nuisance? Can the chief perpetrator
+of the enormities referred to, even
+now, after having undergone repeated
+legal punishment, show himself any
+where in public without encountering
+groans and hisses, and the risk even
+of personal violence? And did not
+the occasion in question rouse the
+legislature itself into action, the result
+of which was a law effectually protecting
+the public against wicked
+newspapers, and, on the other hand,
+justly affording increased protection
+to the freedom and independence of
+the virtuous part of the press? I
+repeat the question&mdash;Who can point
+out more than one or two of our
+newspapers which are morally discreditable
+to the country? No censor
+of the press want we: the British
+public is its own censor. What a
+vast amount of humbug, of fraud, of
+meanness, of corruption, of oppression,
+of cruelty, and wickedness, as well
+in private as in public life&mdash;as well in
+low as in high places&mdash;is not kept in
+check, and averted from us, by the
+sleepless vigilance, the fearless interference,
+the ceaseless denunciations of
+our public press! 'Tis a potent preventive
+to check evil&mdash;or rather may
+be regarded as a tremendous tribunal,
+to which the haughtiest and fiercest
+among us is amenable, before which,
+though he may outwardly bluster,
+he inwardly quails, whose decrees
+have toppled down headlong the
+most exalted, into obscurity and insignificance,
+and left them exposed to
+blighting ridicule and universal derision.
+It is true that this power may
+be, and has been, abused: that good
+institutions and their officials have
+been unjustly denounced. But this is
+rare: the vast power above spoken
+of exists not, except where the press
+is unanimous, or pretty nearly so: and
+as the British people are a just and
+truth-loving people, (with all their
+weaknesses and faults,) the various
+organs of their various sections and
+parties rarely come to approach unanimity,
+except in behalf of a good
+and just cause. Let the most potent
+journal in the empire run counter to
+the feeling and opinion of the country,
+if we could imagine a journal so obstinate
+and shortsighted, and its voice
+is utterly ineffectual&mdash;the objects of
+its deadliest animosity remain unscathed,
+though, it may be, for a brief
+space exposed to the irritating and
+annoying consequences of publicity.
+Let this country embark, for instance,
+in a just war&mdash;within a day or two
+our press would have roused the enthusiasm
+of this country, even as that
+of one man. Let it be an unjust war&mdash;and
+the government proposing it,
+or appearing likely to precipitate it,
+bombarded by the artillery of the
+press, will quickly be shattered to
+pieces. All our institutions profit
+prodigiously by the wholesome scrutiny
+of the press. The Church, the
+Army, the Navy, the Law, every department
+of the executive&mdash;down to
+our police-offices, our prisons, our
+workhouses&mdash;in any and every of
+them, tyranny, peculation, misconduct
+of every sort, is quickly detected, and
+as quickly stopped and redressed.
+While conferring these immense social
+benefits, how few are the evils, how
+rare&mdash;as I have already observed&mdash;the
+misconduct to be set off! How
+very, very rare are prosecutions for
+libel or sedition, or actions for libel,
+against the press; and even when they
+do occur, how rare is the success of
+such proceedings! I happen, by the
+way, to be able to give two instances
+of the generous and gentlemanlike
+conduct of the conductors of two
+leading metropolitan newspapers of
+opposite politics; one was of very
+recent occurrence:&mdash;A hot-headed political
+friend of mine, contrary to my
+advice, forwarded to <i>The &mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</i> a
+<i>fact</i>, duly authenticated, concerning a
+person in high station, which, if it had
+been published, would have exquisitely
+annoyed the party in question,
+whose politics were diametrically opposed
+to those of the newspaper referred
+to, and would also have afforded
+matter for party sarcasm and piquant
+gossip in society. The only notice
+taken of my crestfallen friend's communication
+was the following, in the
+next morning's "Notices to Correspondents:"&mdash;"To [Greek: S].&mdash;The
+occurrence referred
+to is hardly a fair topic for [or
+'within the province of'] newspaper
+discussion." The other case was one
+which occurred two or three years ago;<span class="pagenum">[631]</span>
+and the editor of the paper in question
+did not deign to take the least notice
+whatever of the communication&mdash;not
+even acknowledging the receipt of it.
+There is one feature of our leading
+London newspapers which always appears
+to me interesting and remarkable:
+it is their leading article on a
+debate, or on newly-arrived foreign
+intelligence. Let an important ministerial
+speech be delivered in either
+House of Parliament on a very difficult
+subject, and at a very late hour,
+or say at an early hour in the morning;
+and on our breakfast-tables, the
+same morning, is lying the speech and
+the editor's interesting and masterly
+commentary on it&mdash;evincing, first, a
+thorough familiarity with the speech
+itself, and with the difficult and often
+obscure and complicated topics which it
+deals with; and, secondly, a skilful
+confutation or corroboration, wherein
+it is difficult which most to admire,
+the logical acuteness, dexterity, and
+strength of the writer, the vigour and
+vivacity of his style, or the accuracy
+and extent of his political knowledge;
+and this, too, after making large allowance
+for occasional crudity, perversion,
+inconsistency, or flippancy. The same
+observation applies to their articles,
+often equally interesting and masterly,
+on newly-arrived foreign intelligence.
+Conceive the extent to which such
+a writer, such a journal must influence
+public opinion, and gradually
+and unconsciously bias the minds
+of even able and thinking readers.
+Engaged actively in their own concerns
+all day long, they have too
+often neither the inclination nor opportunity
+for sifting the sophistries,
+skilfully intermingled with just and
+brilliant reasoning, and disguised under
+splendid sarcasm and powerful
+invective. How, again, can they test
+the accuracy of historical and political
+references and assertions, if happening
+to lie beyond their own particular
+acquisitions and recollections? The
+other side of the question, such a one
+is aware, will probably be found in the
+<i>Chronicle</i> or <i>Standard</i>, the <i>Times</i> or
+<i>Globe</i>, <i>Sun</i> or <i>Herald</i> respectively,
+whose business it is to be continually
+on the watch for each other's lapses, to
+detect and expose them. To what does
+all this lead but the formation of an indolent
+habit of acquiescence in other
+men's opinions&mdash;a hasty, superficial
+acquaintance with <i>pros</i> and <i>cons</i>, upon
+even the gravest question propounded
+by other men&mdash;a heedless, universal
+<i>taking upon trust</i>, instead of that salutary
+jealousy, vigilance, and independence,
+which insists in every thing,
+upon weighing matters in the balances
+of one's own understanding? Many a
+man is reading these sentence who
+knows that they are telling the truth;
+and doubtless he will be for the future
+upon his guard, resolved not to surrender
+his independence of judgement,
+or suffer his faculties to decay through
+inaction.&mdash;But, bless me! this glorious
+morning is slipping away. I hear
+Tickler scratching at the door. I
+shut up my writing-case, don my
+coat, hat, and walking-stick, and
+away to the shore. Scarcely have I
+got upon the sands, when behold,
+floating majestically past me, at little
+more than a mile's distance, the magnificent
+<i>St Vincent</i> (one hundred and
+twenty guns.) There's a line-of-battle
+ship for you! I take off my hat involuntarily
+in the presence of our Naval
+Majesty. I gaze after her with those
+feelings and thoughts of fond pride
+and exultation which gush over the
+heart of an Englishman looking at
+one of <span class="smcap">HIS MEN-OF-WAR</span>! Well&mdash;superb
+St Vincent, you have now
+rounded the corner, and are out of
+sight; but I remain riveted to the
+spot with folded arms, and ask of our
+naval rulers, with a certain stern
+anxiety, a question, which I shall
+throw into the striking language of
+Mr Canning&mdash;"Are <i>you</i>, my Lords
+and Gentlemen, <i>silently concentrating
+the force to be put forth on an adequate
+occasion</i>?" Who can tell how soon
+that adequate occasion will present
+itself? Is the peace of Europe at this
+moment so profound, is our own position
+so satisfactory and impregnable,
+that we may wisely and safely dismiss
+all anxiety from our minds?
+Why, has not, within these few days
+past, an event occurred which is calculated
+to give rise to very serious
+anxiety in the minds of those feeling
+an interest in public affairs? I allude
+to the Duc de Montpensier's marriage
+with the Infanta Donna Luisa, which
+I have just learned, was actually carried
+into effect at Madrid on the 10th
+instant, in the teeth of the stern and<span class="pagenum">[632]</span>
+repeated protest of Great Britain. I
+do not take every thing for gospel
+which appears on this subject in the
+newspapers, from which alone we
+have hitherto derived all our knowledge
+of this affair; and, with a liberal
+allowance in respect of their excusable
+anxiety to make the most of what
+they regard as a godsend at this
+vapid period of the year, I would suspend
+my judgment till the country
+shall have had full and authentic information
+concerning the real state of
+the case. I hope it will prove that I
+for one have altogether mistaken the
+aspect and bearings of the affair. Discarding
+what may possibly turn out
+to be greatly exaggerated or wholly
+unfounded, I take it nevertheless for
+granted, that, (1st,) the youngest son
+of the reigning King of the French
+was, on the 10th instant, married to
+Donna Luisa, the sister of the reigning
+Queen of Spain, and heiress-presumptive
+to her crown; (2dly,)
+That this was done after and in spite
+of the distinct emphatic protest of the
+British government, conveyed to those
+of both Spain and France; (3dly,)
+That the British government and the
+British ambassadors at Madrid and
+Paris had been kept in profound
+ignorance of the whole affair up
+to the moment of the annunciation
+to the world at large of the fact, that
+the marriage had been finally&mdash;irrevocably
+determined upon. I think it,
+moreover, highly probable, that (1st,)
+this marriage is regarded by the
+people of Spain with sullen dislike and
+distrust; (2dly,) that there has been
+cruel coercion upon the two royal
+girls&mdash;for such they are&mdash;the result
+of an intrigue between their Mother,
+the notorious Christina, and Louis
+Philippe; (3dly,) that an express or
+implied promise was personally given,
+during the last year, at the Chateau
+d'Eu, by the French king and his
+minister, to our queen and her minister,
+that this event should <i>not</i> take
+place;&mdash;and all this done while England
+was reposing in confident and
+gratified security, upon the supposed
+"<i>cordial understanding</i>" between herself
+and France; in contemptuous
+disregard of England's title to be consulted
+in such an affair, founded upon
+her stupendous sacrifices and exertions
+on behalf of the peace and
+liberty of Spain, and in deliberate
+defiance&mdash;as it appears to me&mdash;of the
+treaty of Utrecht! What is Louis
+Philippe about? On what principles
+are we to account for his conduct?
+Has he counted the cost of obtaining
+his immediate object? Has he calculated
+the consequences with respect
+to France and to Europe generally?
+Is he prepared, at the proper time,
+to demonstrate, that the step which
+he has taken is consistent with his
+character for sincerity and straight-forwardness&mdash;with
+his personal honour
+and welfare&mdash;with the honour
+and welfare of his family and of
+France? That he has not violated
+any pledge, or infringed any treaty?
+That England is not warranted in
+considering herself aggrieved, slighted,
+insulted? That he could have had
+no sinister object in view, and that
+his conduct has been consistent with
+his loud professions of friendship and
+respect for this country and its sovereign?
+Let him ask himself the
+startling question, whether he can afford
+to lose our friendship and support
+towards himself or his family and
+dynasty, in his rapidly declining
+years&mdash;or further, provoke our settled
+anger and hostility? England is
+frank and generous, but somewhat
+stern and sensitive in matters of honour
+and fidelity; and none is abler
+than Louis Philippe to appreciate the
+consequences of her resentment. Is
+he aware of the altered feeling towards
+him which his recent conduct
+has generated in this country? That
+his name, when coupled with that
+conduct, is mentioned only with the
+contempt and disgust due to gross
+insincerity, selfishness, and treachery;
+and that, too, in a country which, up
+to within a few months ago, gave him
+such unequivocal and gratefully-recognised
+tokens of respect and affection?
+Whenever he escaped from
+the hand of the assassin, where was
+the event hailed with such profound
+sympathy as here? <i>Now</i>, his name
+suggests to us only that of his execrable
+father, and reminds us that the
+blood running in his veins is that of
+Philip Egalité. Surely the equipoise
+of European interests has been seriously
+disturbed, either through the
+insane recklessness of an avaricious
+monarch, bent on enriching every<span class="pagenum">[633]</span>
+member of his family, at all hazards,
+or in furtherance of a deep and long-considered
+scheme, having for its exclusive
+and sinister object the aggrandisement
+of his family and nation.
+Had he come to a secret understanding
+beforehand with America, or any
+European power, to support him
+throughout the consequences which
+might ensue? Was it his object to
+crush English influence in the Peninsula,
+and render it at no distant period
+a mere French province, and
+give him a right or pretext for interference?
+What will the Spanish nation
+say to what he has done? Has
+he rightly estimated the Spanish character,
+and foreseen the consequences
+of what he has done, in perpetrating
+an <i>abduction</i> of their Infanta? What
+prospects has he opened for Spain?
+Has he considered what a line of
+policy is now open to Great Britain,
+with reference to Spain? Whether
+the northern powers of Europe will
+<i>announce</i> dissatisfaction at this proceeding
+remains to be seen. They
+cannot <i>feel</i> satisfaction, unless their
+relations and policy towards this
+country and France are assuming a
+new character. I should like to know
+what M. Guizot really thinks on all
+these subjects, and am curious to hear
+what he will say&mdash;or rather suffer his
+royal master to coerce him into saying&mdash;when
+the time shall have arrived
+for public explanation. I trust
+that it will speedily appear that our
+representatives in Spain and France
+have acted, as became them, with
+promptitude, prudence, and spirit,
+and that neither our late nor present
+foreign Secretary has been guilty of
+neglect or bungling diplomacy, so
+as to place us now in a position of
+serious embarrassment, or ridiculous
+inability for action. If the contrary
+be the case&mdash;that is, if no such compromise
+of our national interests have
+occurred, and we are now free to say
+and do what we may consider consistent
+with our rights and character,
+it is to be hoped that our government,
+by whomsoever carried on, will
+act on the one hand with dignified
+and uncompromising determination,
+and on the other with the utmost
+possible circumspection. They have
+to deal with a very subtle and dangerous
+intriguer in Louis Philippe,
+who seems to have chosen a moment
+for the development of his plans most
+convenient for himself&mdash;viz., when
+our Parliament was newly prorogued,
+not to meet again till he should have
+had the benefit of the chapter of accidents.
+All will, however, assuredly
+come out; and if the main features
+of the case prove to have been already
+shadowed forth truly, I do not think
+that there will be found two opinions
+in this country upon the subject of
+Louis Philippe and his Montpensier
+marriage. It is represented by, <i>one</i>
+of our journals as an event, the hubbub
+about which "will soon blow over;"
+but I do not think so&mdash;it appears, on
+the contrary, pregnant with very serious
+and far-stretching consequences&mdash;the
+first of which is the undoubted
+conversion of the "cordial understanding"
+between England and
+France, into a very "cordial <i>mis</i>understanding,"&mdash;with
+all its embarrassing
+and threatening incidents.
+Our diplomatic relations are now
+chilled and disordered; and the worst
+of it is, not by a temporary, but
+<i>permanent</i> cause&mdash;one which, the more
+we contemplate it, the more distinctly
+we perceive the consequences which
+it was <i>meant</i> should follow from it.
+The bearing of England towards
+France has become one of stern and
+guarded caution. In all human probability,
+Louis Philippe will never
+look again upon the face of our
+Queen Victoria, or partake of her
+hospitalities, or be permitted to pour
+his dulcet deceit into her ears. He
+may affect to regard with satisfaction
+and exultation the fact of his
+having become the father-in-law of
+the heiress-presumptive to the throne
+of Spain: but I do not think that he
+can really regard what he has just
+accomplished otherwise than with
+rapidly-increasing misgiving. "A
+few months," to adopt the language of
+one of our most powerful journalists,
+"will now probably show us how far
+Louis Philippe has succeeded in a feat
+which foiled the undying ambition of
+Louis le Grand, and the unexampled
+might of Napoleon; and what is the
+real value of the spoil for which he has
+not hesitated to imperil a thirty years'
+peace, and convulse the relations of<span class="pagenum">[634]</span>
+Europe?" Let me return, however, to
+the topic which led me into this subject,
+and express again my deep anxiety for
+the efficient management of our navy:
+adding a significant fact disclosed
+by the last number of <i>La Presse</i>&mdash;which
+announces that the Minister of
+Marine has just concluded contracts
+for ship-timber to be supplied to the
+ports of Toulon, Cherbourg, Brest,
+L'Orient, and Rochefort, to the extent
+of upwards of 25,000,000 francs, (<i>i.e.</i>
+upwards of a million sterling.) Does
+Louis Philippe meditate leaving to
+France the destructive legacy of a war
+with England, as a hoped-for prevention
+of the civil war which he may
+expect to ensue upon his death?</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p>If I were to write a diary here, it
+would be after the following sort:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><i>Monday.</i>&mdash;Another shark! Mercy
+on us! What a brute! But not so big
+as the other.</p>
+
+<p><i>Tuesday.</i>&mdash;We had capital honey
+this morning to breakfast; eightpence
+per lb.&mdash;freshly expressed from the
+wax, and got from Granny Jolter's
+farm.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wednesday.</i>&mdash;My <i>Times</i> did not
+come by to-day's post, and I feel I
+don't know how.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thursday.</i>&mdash;The "hot crab" which
+we had at the parsonage, where we
+dined to-day, was exquisite. The
+way it is done is&mdash;the whole of the
+inside, and the claws, having been
+mixed together with a little rich gravy,
+(sometimes cream is used;) curry-<i>paste</i>,
+not curry-powder, and very
+fine fried crumbs of bread, is put into
+the shell of the crab and then <i>salamandered</i>.
+If <i>my</i> cook can do it on
+my return to town, I will give her
+half-a-crown.</p>
+
+<p><i>Friday.</i>&mdash;Nothing whatever happened;
+but it looked a little like rain,
+over the downs, about four o'clock in
+the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p><i>Saturday.</i>&mdash;A day of incidents.
+Ten o'clock <span class="smcap">A.M.</span>&mdash;The coast-guard
+man told me, that about five o'clock
+this morning, as he was coming along
+---- cliff, a young fox popped out of a
+thicket close at his feet, looked "quite
+steady-like at him for about five seconds,"
+and then ran back into the
+furze.</p>
+
+<p>Eleven o'clock.&mdash;Saw a Cockney
+"gent" on a walking tour, the first of
+the sort that I have seen in these parts,
+and he looked frightened at the solitariness
+of the scene. Every thing
+that he had on seemed new: a dandified
+shining hat; a kind of white
+pea-jacket; white trowsers; fawn-coloured,
+gloves; little cloth boots
+tipped with shining French polished
+leather; a very slight umbrella covered
+with oil-skin; and a little telescope
+in a leathern case, slung round his
+waist. He fancied, as he passed me,
+that he had occasion to use a gossamer
+white pocket-handkerchief, with
+a fine border to it; for he took it out of
+an outside breast-pocket, and unfolded
+it deliberately and jauntily. Whence
+came he, I wonder? He cannot walk
+four miles further, poor fellow! for
+evidently walking does not agree with
+him: yet he must, or sit down and
+cry in this out-of-the-way place.</p>
+
+<p>Two o'clock.&mdash;Tickler caught a little
+crab among the rocks. It got hold of
+his nose, and bothered him.</p>
+
+<p>Four o'clock.&mdash;As I was sitting on
+a tumble-down sort of gate, talking
+earnestly with my little boy, I heard
+some vehicle approaching&mdash;looked up
+as it turned the corner of the road,
+and behold&mdash;Her Gracious Majesty
+Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and one
+or two other persons, without outriders
+or any sort of state whatever! She
+was dressed exceedingly plain, and
+was laughing heartily at something
+said to her by a well-known nobleman
+who walked beside the carriage. I
+never saw her Majesty looking to so
+much advantage: in high spirits, with
+a fine fresh colour, and her hair a <i>little</i>
+deranged by the wind. She and her
+little party seemed surprised at seeing
+any one in such an out-of-the-way
+place, and her Majesty and the Prince
+returned our obeisances with particular
+courtesy.</p>
+
+<p>Half-past Five.&mdash;Nick Irons met me
+with a large viper which he had just
+killed, after it had flown at his dog.
+Is there any difference between vipers
+and adders?</p>
+
+<p>A quarter past Six.&mdash;On arriving
+at home, found a hot crab, which had
+been sent in to us, as an addition to
+our dinner, from the parsonage. I
+lick my lips while thinking of it. I
+prefer the cream to the gravy.<span class="pagenum">[635]</span></p>
+
+<p>Half-past six.&mdash;Find I have got
+only three bottles of port and two of
+sherry left!</p>
+
+<p>Nine o'clock.&mdash;My four gallon cask
+of elderberry wine, made for me&mdash;and
+capitally made, too&mdash;by one of
+the villagers, came home. We are
+to put a quart of brandy in it, and
+"take care it don't <i>forment</i>." I fancy
+I see ourselves and the children regaling
+ourselves with it on the winter's
+evenings, in town. Altogether
+it has cost me twelve shillings and
+sixpence!</p>
+
+<p>Quarter past Nine.&mdash;Children go
+to bed; I had the candles brought in,
+resolved to read the new number of the
+----; but fell asleep directly, and
+never woke till half-past twelve
+o'clock, when I knew not where I
+was; being in darkness&mdash;and alone.
+Really a journal of this sort is, upon
+consideration, so instructive and entertaining,
+that I wish to know whether
+you would like me to keep one
+during my next sojourn at the seaside
+and publish it in <i>Maga</i>? I would
+undertake not to exceed three numbers
+of <i>Maga</i>, each Part to contain
+only twenty pages.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Miss Strickland</span> <i>v.</i> <span class="smcap">Lord Campbell</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Will his lordship favour the world
+with some reply to this clever and
+laborious lady's accusation contained
+in her letter to the <i>Times</i>? That letter
+is exceedingly specific and pointed
+in the charge of literary larceny, and
+committed under circumstances which
+every consideration of candour, gallantry,
+and literary character, concurs
+in rendering Lord Campbell's complete
+exculpation a matter of serious
+consequence to his reputation. Has he,
+or has he not, designedly appropriated
+to his own use, as the fruits of his
+own original research, the results of a
+literary fellow-labourer's meritorious
+and pains-taking original investigation&mdash;that
+fellow-labourer, too, being
+a lady? I sincerely hope that Lord
+Campbell's first literary attempt will
+prove not to be thus discreditably
+signalized. His book <i>is yet</i> unnoticed
+in <i>Maga</i>.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p>According to that good old intelligible
+English saying, it is this morning
+<i>raining cats and dogs</i>. There's an
+end, Tickler, to our intended eighteen-mile
+walk (thither and back) to the
+lighthouse, the machinery of which
+I was very anxious to explain to you.
+<i>Bow, wow, wow, wow!</i> indeed! I
+know what you mean, you little sinner!
+You want to be after the rabbits
+in yonder thickets, and you mean to
+intimate that you can go perfectly
+well by yourself, don't mind the rain,
+and will come safely home when you
+have finished your sport. Don't look
+so earnestly at me, and whine so
+piteously. By the way, do you call
+yourself a vermin dog? and yet every
+hair of your shaggy coat stood on end
+the other day, when I turned out for
+you the two pennyworth of mice&mdash;<i>mice!</i>&mdash;which
+I had bought for you
+from Nick Irons? What would you
+have done if a <span class="smcap">RAT</span> were to meet you?
+Bah, you little wretch! Where's
+your spirit? Refined, and refined
+away by breeding, eh? What would
+you have done if you were to be allowed
+to go off now, and were to rout
+out accidentally a hedgehog, as <i>Hermit</i>
+did yesterday? You may well
+whine! He's five times your size,
+eh? But I've seen a terrier that
+would tackle a hedgehog, and bring
+him home, too&mdash;your own second cousin,
+Tory, poor dear dog&mdash;peace to his
+little ashes. Besides, to return to the
+rabbits&mdash;in spite of all your snuffing
+and smelling, and scampering, and
+routing about, you never turned up a
+rabbit yet! And even our kitten has
+only to rise and curve her little back,
+and you slink away, like an arrant
+coward as you are&mdash;Well!&mdash;come
+along, doggy! you're a good little
+creature, with all your faults&mdash;these
+black eyes of yours, with your little
+erect ears, look as if you had really
+understood all that I have been saying
+to you&mdash;so I really think&mdash;and
+yet&mdash;pour! pour! pour!&mdash;[Enter
+Emily.]</p>
+
+<p><i>Emily.</i>&mdash;Papa, Miss &mdash;&mdash; says that
+we have said <i>all</i> our lessons, and <i>will</i>
+you let us have Tickler to play with?</p>
+
+<p><i>Tickler.</i>&mdash;Bow&mdash;wow&mdash;wow!&mdash;Bow,
+wow!&mdash;Bow! bow! bow!&mdash;[Running
+up and scampering towards
+her, and they go away together.]</p>
+
+<p><i>Servant.</i>&mdash;Brown has called with
+some lobsters, sir&mdash;(shows them)&mdash;two
+very nice ones, and a small crab&mdash;only
+fifteenpence the lot.<span class="pagenum">[636]</span></p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;Very well&mdash;buy 'em.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;(Entering)&mdash;Lobsters and
+crabs again! Really one would think
+that you had had a surfeit of them long
+ago.</p>
+
+<p><i>Servant.</i>&mdash;Brown says, sir, he
+mayn't be able to get any more for
+some time, the wind's so high.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;Oh, buy them, of course!
+Every thing is bought that comes
+here! That's eleven crabs this week!</p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;What have you got there,
+my Xantippe?</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;I wish you would drop that
+odious name.</p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;What have you there, my
+Angel?</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;No, <i>that</i> won't do either.</p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;Well, Fanny, then&mdash;what
+have you got there?</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;Why, 'tis the new work of
+Mr Dickens&mdash;<i>Dombey &amp; Son.</i> What
+an odd name for a tale!</p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;Why, how did you get it?</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;Mrs &mdash;&mdash; (at the parsonage)
+has just got a packet of books
+from town, and has lent us this, as it
+is a wet day, till the evening, and
+they have got lots to read at present.</p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;I am very much obliged to
+them.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;So am I, for I want to read
+it first; manners, if you please.</p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;Come, come, Fanny, I really
+want it; I've a good deal of curiosity.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;So have I, too!</p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;Well, at any rate, let me
+look at the plates.</p>
+
+<p><i>Wife.</i>&mdash;Certainly; and suppose, by
+the way, as I've no letter to write&mdash;suppose
+I sit down with you, and read
+it to you! 'Twill save your eyes, and
+I'm all alone in the other room.</p>
+
+<p><i>Self.</i>&mdash;Very well. [Madame shuts
+the door; seats herself on the miniature
+sofa; I poke the fire; and she
+begins.] Being called away soon
+afterwards on some domestic exigency,
+she leaves me&mdash;and I read
+for myself. You said that you
+should like to know my opinion of
+Mr Dickens' new story, and I read it
+with interest, and some care. 'Tis
+exactly what I had expected; containing
+clear evidence of original genius,
+disfigured by many most serious,
+and now plainly incurable, blemishes.
+The first thing striking me, on perusing
+this new performance, is, that
+its author writes, as it were, from
+amidst a thick theatrical mist. Cursed
+be the hour&mdash;should say a sincere admirer
+of Mr Dickens' genius&mdash;that he
+ever set foot within a theatre, or became
+intimate with theatrical people.
+You fancy that every scene, incident,
+and character, is conceived with a
+view to its <i>telling</i>&mdash;from the stage.
+This suggestion seems to me to afford
+a key to most of the prominent faults
+and deficiencies of Mr Dickens as an
+imaginative writer; the lamentable
+absence of that simplicity and sobriety
+which invest the writings, for instance,
+of Goldsmith with immortal
+freshness and beauty. With what
+truthful tenderness does <i>such</i> a writer
+depict nature!&mdash;how different is his
+treatment from the spasmodic, straining,
+extravagant, vulgarizing efforts
+of the play-wright! The one is delicate
+and exquisite limning; the other,
+gross daubing:&mdash;the one faithfully represents;
+the other monstrously caricatures.
+This is the case with Mr
+Dickens; and it is intolerably provoking
+that it should be so; for he
+has the penetrating eye and accurate
+pencil, which&mdash;properly disciplined
+and trained&mdash;might have produced
+pictures worthy to stand beside those
+of the greatest masters. As it is, you
+might imagine his sketches to be the
+result of the combined simultaneous
+efforts of two artists&mdash;one the delicate
+limner, the other the vulgar dauber
+and scene-painter above spoken of.
+He has invention and skill enough to
+produce an interesting character; and
+place him in a situation favourable
+for developing his eccentricities, his
+failings, his excellences&mdash;in a word,
+his peculiarities. Well; he prepares
+his reader's mind&mdash;sets before you an
+interesting, a moving, a mirth-stirring
+occasion, when&mdash;bah!&mdash;all is
+ruined; the spasmodic straining after
+effect becomes instantly and painfully
+visible; and the personage before you
+is made to talk to the level of a theatrical
+audience, especially pit and gallery&mdash;and
+in unison with "gingerbeer,
+apples, oranges, and sodawater"
+associations and recollections.
+Let me give two striking instances,
+occurring at the very opening of
+"<i>Dombey and Son</i>." The first is the
+colloquy at pp. 3, 4; the other at
+p. 9. The former presents you Dr
+Parker Peps, a fashionable accou<span class="pagenum">[637]</span>cheur,
+and the humble admiring family
+medical man&mdash;the occasion being
+a momentary absence of both from
+the clamber of a lady dying in childbed,
+Mrs Dombey; and can any one
+of correct taste or feeling bear in
+mind that occasion, and fail of
+being revolted by the drivel put
+into the mouth of the consulting
+accoucheur?&mdash;who, when telling Mr
+Dombey of the mortal peril in which
+his wife overhead is lying&mdash;apologises
+to him for speaking of her as
+"<i>Her Grace the Duchess!</i>" "<i>Lady
+Cankaby</i>," "<i>The Countess of Dombey</i>:"
+his obsequious companion accounting
+for such lapses on the score
+of his "West End practice." Is this
+nature? Is it actual life? Any thing
+approaching to either? If not, what
+is it meant for? Why, to tickle a
+Christmas audience at one of the
+minor playhouses! The other (these
+are only two out of many) is the
+character of Mr Chick, an old fool, who
+has a habit of whistling and humming
+droll tunes on the most solemn occasions,
+interrupting and interlarding
+conversation with "<i>Right tol loor-rul</i>,"
+"<i>A cobbler there was</i>," "<i>Rumpti-iddity
+bow, wow, wow!</i>" is it not certain that
+Mr Dickens here had his eye on Tilbury
+or Bedford enacting the part?
+And for no other purpose whatever is
+this precious character introduced than
+to hit off this very original peculiarity!
+From the same theatrical habit of
+mind, it happens that Mr Dickens cannot
+carry on his stories in an even,
+straightforward course, but presents
+us with a series of "scenes!"&mdash;utterly
+marring the effect and annihilating
+the truthfulness and reality of the
+whole; <i>e. g.</i> the jarring interruption of
+this story at a touching and interesting
+moment&mdash;at the moment of the
+two doctors and Mr Dombey's return to
+poor Mrs Dombey's death-bed, when
+the reader <i>feels</i> that they are almost
+instantly to witness her death, by the
+introduction of two tiresome twaddlers,
+reproductions of old stock characters
+of the author, Mrs Chick and Miss
+Tox, whose descriptions and utterly
+irrelevant conversation detain us for
+nearly three pages. At length these
+motley "stagers"&mdash;if I may be allowed
+the word&mdash;are grouped round the poor
+lady's death-bed; and let me here
+say, that in my opinion the character
+and situation of poor Mrs Dombey are
+both exquisitely conceived, and appeal
+to the deepest sympathies of the
+heart; but, alas! the perverse, provoking,
+incorrigible writer will not
+let us enjoy "the luxury of grief;"
+but while we are bending over her
+death-bed, our attention is called off
+to a remarkably interesting and appropriate
+circumstance&mdash;two watches
+of two of the doctors "seem in the
+silence to be <i>running a race</i>!" * *
+"they seem to be racing faster!!" * *
+"The race, in the ensuing pause, was
+fierce and furious. The watches
+seemed to jostle, and to trip each
+other up!!!" and a moment or two
+afterwards the lady expires, under
+very moving circumstances, touched
+with perfect delicacy and truthfulness.
+Would the intrusion of a sow into a
+lovely flower-garden be more shocking
+or disgusting to the beholder? Again,
+in the first page, we are presented
+to Mr Dombey, gazing with unutterable
+feelings at his newly-born son, "forty-eight
+minutes of age;" and Mr Dickens
+tastefully suggests the comparison of
+the little creature, which is "somewhat
+<i>crushed and spotty</i> in his general effect!!"
+whose mother is at that moment
+in dying agonies in that very
+room, to "a <i>muffin</i>, which it was essential
+to toast brown while it was
+very new!!" And a few lines forward,
+the posture of the innocent unconscious
+little being suggests the
+brutal idea of a <i>prize-fighter</i>&mdash;his
+"little fists, curled up and clenched,
+seemed, in his feeble way, to be
+<span class="smcap">SQUARING AT EXISTENCE</span> for having
+come upon him so unexpectedly!!!"
+Was ever any thing more monstrous?
+To find a gentleman of Mr Dickens'
+great genius, and experience in literary
+composition, sinning in this way,
+is provoking beyond all measure. The
+above abominations to be perpetrated
+by him, who at page seventeen can
+present us with so exquisite a touch
+as the following:&mdash;He is describing
+the blank appearance of the dismantled
+house, immediately after the
+funeral of the poor, neglected, and
+heart-broken lady. "The dead and
+buried lady was awful, in a picture
+frame of ghastly bandages. Every
+gust of wind that rose, brought eddying
+round the corner, from the neighbouring
+mews, some fragments of the<span class="pagenum">[638]</span>
+straw that had been strewn before the
+house when she was ill; mildewed
+remains of which were still cleaving
+to the neighbourhood, and these being
+always drawn by some invisible attraction
+to the threshold of the dirty
+house to let opposite, addressed a
+dismal eloquence to Mr Dombey's
+window." The thirty-two pages of
+this first number contain very many
+provocatives to unfavourable criticism.
+They bristle all over with mannerisms&mdash;abound
+with grotesque, unseemly,
+extravagant comparisons and
+personation, (one of Mr Dickens'
+chiefly besetting sins)&mdash;many of the
+scenes contain truth and humour,
+smothered and lost by prolixity, incident
+and character diluted by a tedious
+and excessive minuteness of
+description; and it is to be feared
+that several of the characters will bear
+a painfully strong resemblance to some
+of their predecessors in Mr Dickens'
+other stories. Mr Dickens may feel
+angry at my plainness; and, in return,
+I must express my fears that he is
+not aware of the extent of injury
+which has been inflicted upon him by
+<i>clique-homage</i>&mdash;the flattery of fluent,
+incompetent admirers&mdash;the misconstrued
+silence of critics of experienced
+taste and refinement. Does Mr Dickens
+really consider the light in which
+his writings, containing such faults as
+those above adverted to, must be
+viewed by the upper and thinking
+classes of society&mdash;persons of cultivated
+taste, of refinement, of piercing
+critical capacity, who disdain to
+enter the little, babbling, vulgar, narrow-minded
+circles miscalled "literary?"</p>
+
+<p>But I have done. Mr Dickens has
+been magnificently patronised by the
+public, who&mdash;I being one of them&mdash;have
+a right to speak plainly to, and of
+a gentleman whose writings have so
+large a circulation at home and
+abroad; who has no excuse, that I
+am aware of, for negligence or inattention;
+who is bound to consider the
+effect of example on the minds of tens
+of thousands of young and inexperienced
+readers who may take all for
+gospel that he chooses to tell them&mdash;and
+to be very very guarded as to moral
+object or effect&mdash;if moral object or effect
+his writings have, and be not intended
+solely to provoke, by their amusing
+and farcical absurdity and extravagance,
+an idle and forgotten laugh.
+I have no personal acquaintance with
+Mr Dickens, and have written in an
+impartial spirit, paying homage to his
+undoubted genius, denouncing his
+literary faults&mdash;for his own good, and
+the advantage of his readers, and of
+the literary character of the country.</p>
+
+<p>Speaking of the literary character
+of the country, puts me in mind of the
+intention which I had formed some
+months ago, of writing an article upon
+the prevalent style of literary composition.
+May I take <i>this</i> opportunity
+of making a few observations upon
+that subject? And yet I must first
+admit, that my own style in writing
+this letter is far more loose, and inexact,
+and slovenly, than ought to be
+tolerated in even such a letter as this.
+Herein, however, I only imitate Dr
+Whately, who, on arriving at that
+part of his "rhetoric" which deals
+with public speaking, starts with an
+admission that he himself does not
+possess the qualifications, the acquisition
+of which he proceeds to enforce
+upon others.</p>
+
+<p>The writing of the present day has
+many distinguishing excellences and
+faults. The most conspicuous of the
+latter is, perhaps, a want of simplicity
+and steadiness of style. Force&mdash;startling
+energy&mdash;are too uniformly aimed
+at by some; others affect continual
+sarcasm and irony, whatever may be
+the nature of the occasion. One class
+of writers are so priggishly curt and
+epigrammatic as to throw over their
+lucubrations an uniform air of small
+impertinence: it would be easy to
+point out, I think, an incessant illustration
+of this "school," if one may
+use the word. Others uniformly affect
+the trenchant and tremendous, with
+very big words, and awful accumulations
+of them. Some seem to aim at
+a picturesque ruggedness of style&mdash;defying
+rule, and challenging imitation.
+Very many writers of all classes
+are so parenthetical and involved in
+their sentences, that by the time that
+they have got to the end of a sentence,
+both they and their readers have forgotten
+where they set out from, and
+how the plague they got where they
+are: looking back breathless and dismayed
+at a confused series of hyphens
+entangled among all sorts of excep<span class="pagenum">[639]</span>tions,
+reservations, and qualifications.
+This fault, and a grievous one it is,
+is daily illustrated, and by writers,
+who, by their carelessness in this matter,
+do themselves incalculable injustice,
+rendering apparently turbid the
+clearest possible stream of reasoning,
+marring the effect of the most beautiful
+and apposite illustration, and irritating
+and confusing the reader. In
+my opinion, this fault of our public
+writers is to be traced to the influence
+of Lord Brougham's style. He has,
+and always had, a prodigious command
+of nervous and apposite language,
+always writing or speaking with a
+violent <i>impetus</i> upon him; and yet,
+while crashing along, his versatile and
+suggestive faculties hurried him incessantly
+from one side to the other,
+hither and thither&mdash;anticipating <i>this</i>,
+qualifying that, guarding against <i>this</i>,
+reserving that&mdash;extruding undesirable
+implications and inferences, with a
+sort of wild rapidity and energy&mdash;adopting
+ever-varying fanciful equivalent
+expressions&mdash;crowding, in fact,
+a dozen considerable sentences into
+one turbid monster. Yet it must be
+owned, that in all this he seldom
+misses his way; his original <i>impetus</i>
+carries him headlong on to the point
+at which he had aimed. Not so with
+his imitators. They start with an
+imaginary equality of force, of fulness,
+and variety; but forthwith rush
+into a strange higgle-piggledy, helter-skelter
+sort of imposing wordiness,
+equally bewildering and stupifying to
+their readers and themselves. No
+man can fall into this sort of fault
+who is habituated to leisurely distinctness
+of thought: he will conceive beforehand
+with deliberate purpose, and
+that, <i>cæteris paribus</i>, will induce a clear,
+close, and energetic expression of his
+thoughts, preventing misapprehension,
+and convincing even a strongly prejudiced
+opponent. Shorten your sentences,
+gentlemen; take one thing
+at a time; put every thing in its
+proper place; attempt not to <i>put a
+quart into a pint pot</i>; do not write in
+such a desperate hurry, nor attempt
+to hit half-a-dozen birds with one
+stone. Another prevalent vice is a
+sickening redundancy of classical quotation
+and allusion. Many of our
+newspaper writers, and among them
+some of the very cleverest, cannot
+contemplate any topic which they
+propose to discuss, without its suggesting,
+as if by a sudden, secret sort
+of elective affinity, previous events and
+occurrences of past ages. Out tumble
+scraps from Virgil, Horace, Ovid,
+Terence, Plautus, Lucretius, with their
+prose companions; and this, too, be
+it observed, almost always <i>Roman</i>;&mdash;it
+requires a certain hardihood to adopt
+the Greek language in modern composition.
+In short, one really thinks
+himself entitled to infer, from this extravagant
+amount of quotation and
+allusion, as well ancient as modern,
+that its perpetrators are very young:
+red-hot from their classical studies,
+panting to exhibit the extent of their
+acquisitions, the scholarly ease and
+precision with which they can apply
+the most recondite passages and allusions
+to the fresh occurrences of the
+moment. One is apt to suspect that
+one great motive for acquiring, extending,
+and retaining knowledge, is
+the simple desire to exhibit the possession
+of it. But all this is very vain
+and foolish. It looks stupidly ridiculous
+to persons of experienced judgment.
+An occasional and very sparing
+use of this sort of accessory is always
+desirable, often marvellously graceful
+and happy; an excess of it decisively
+indicates pedantic puerility, ostentation,
+and a grievous deficiency of
+strength and originality. It is likely,
+moreover, to have a very unpleasant
+and irritating effect, when apparent
+in popular compositions&mdash;in leading or
+other articles in newspapers, for instance&mdash;viz.
+on occasions where the
+persons addressed, or at least very
+many of them, do not comprehend or
+appreciate the allusion or quotation.
+A really classical turn of mind is
+usually accompanied by too fine and
+correct a taste to admit of these eccentricities
+and vagaries. The English
+language is a very fine language, my
+friends; and a very, <i>very</i> fine and rare
+thing it is to be able to use it with
+freedom, and purity, and power.
+Another very censurable kindred
+habit of many of our public writers is,
+the interlarding their compositions with
+abominable scraps of French, and even
+of Italian. Faugh!&mdash;is not this adding
+insult to injury, in dealing with the
+noble language of our country?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[640]</span></p><hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p>A week has elapsed since I penned
+the foregoing sentences, and during
+that week only two things have
+occurred to me worthy of noticing.
+First, a couple (apparently newly
+married) put up for a few hours at
+the little inn in the village. They
+were both of a certain age. <i>He</i> wore
+a ponderous watch-chain and seals;
+she also was sufficiently bedizened
+after the same fashion. Twice I encountered
+them. First, on the seashore,
+where they took their seat very
+coolly on the rock next adjoining
+<i>my</i> old perch, which I was then occupying.
+After some considerable
+swagger, my gentleman produced a
+newspaper from his pocket, and distinctly
+said to his fair companion&mdash;"What
+an uncommon good thing the
+Illus<i>trious London News</i> is for the
+lower classes!" Second, the worthy
+couple were walking together, at a
+subsequent period of the day, laden
+with provender for an open-air lunch&mdash;with
+sandwiches and a black bottle,
+and with a matter-of-fact air, turned
+into a beautifully disposed rustic walk,
+having palpable <i>indicia</i> of privacy&mdash;it
+belonging, in fact, to the residence of
+a nobleman. My lord's gentleman,
+or gentleman's gentleman, happening
+to meet them, (I passing at the time,)
+asked them, with great courtesy of manner,
+if they were aware "that that was
+private property?" "Well," replied
+our male friend angrily, "and what if
+it is? I thought an Englishman might
+go any where he pleased in his own
+country, <i>provided he didn't do any mischief</i>.
+But come along, my dear,"
+giving his arm to his flustered companion,
+"times are come to a pretty pass,
+aren't they?" With this, the offended
+dignities retraced their steps, but prodigiously
+slowly, and I saw no more
+of them.&mdash;The other occurrence was
+a dream, as odd, as obstinate in adherence
+to my memory. Methought
+I went one day to church to hear a
+revered elderly relative of mine preach.
+The church was crammed with an
+attentive and solemnly-disposed audience,
+whom the preacher was addressing
+very calmly but seriously, without
+gown or bands, but wearing two
+neckerchiefs, one resting upon the
+topmost edge of the other, and being
+of blue silk, with white spots! Though
+aware of this slight departure from
+clerical costume, it occasioned me no
+surprise, but I listened with serious
+attention. 'Twas only when I had
+awoke that the fantastic absurdity
+of the thing became apparent.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p>The "British Association" has just
+been making, at Southampton, as I
+see by the papers, one of its annual
+exhibitions of childish inanity. This
+sort of thing appears to me to be
+humiliating to the country, in respect
+of so many men of real scientific
+eminence, like Sir John Herschel
+and Dr Faraday, and one or two
+others, permitting themselves to be
+trotted out on such occasions for the
+amusement of the vulgar, and, in
+doing so, countenancing the herd of
+twaddling ninnies who figure on these
+occasions as spouters, or patronising
+listeners to the fluent confident sciolists
+of the various "sections." I can
+fancy one of these personages carefully
+bottling up against the day of display,
+some such precious discovery as
+that of "a peculiar appearance in the
+flame of a candle!"&mdash;which actually
+formed the subject of a paper at the
+last meeting; or, "on certain magnetic
+phenomena attending corns on
+the human foot,"&mdash;which latter, after
+a stiff debate as to the propriety of publishing
+it, is not, it seems, at present,
+to edify the world at large. The whole
+thing is resolvable into a paltry love
+of lionising, and being lionised&mdash;of
+enacting the part of prodigies before
+pretty admiring women, and simpering
+simpletons of the other sex. 'Tis an
+efflorescence of that vicious system
+which of late years continually manifests
+itself in the shape of flaunting <i>reunions</i>,
+<i>soirées</i>, <i>conversazioni</i>, &amp;c. &amp;c.,
+where is to be heard little else than
+senile garrulity, the gabble of ignorant
+eulogy, or virulent envious depreciation
+and detraction. 'Tis true that
+distinguished scientific foreigners now
+and then make their appearance at
+the meetings of the Association; but
+there can be little doubt that they
+come over in utter ignorance of the
+really trifling character of those
+meetings, misled by the eager exaggerations
+of their friends and
+correspondents in this country. Can
+you conceive any thing more preposterous
+in its way, than the chartering
+of the steam-boat by the Association,<span class="pagenum">[641]</span>
+to convey its members from Southampton
+to the Isle of Wight on a
+geological expedition? Methinks I
+see the crowd of "venerable boys"&mdash;to
+adopt the bitterly-humorous language
+of the <i>Times</i>&mdash;landing at Black
+Gang Chine, each with his bag slung
+round him, and hammer in hand, dispersing
+about, rap! rap! rap!&mdash;chick!
+chick! chick!&mdash;and fondly fancying
+that they are effectually learning, or
+teaching, geology, in the hour or two
+thus idled away! <i>Can</i> any thing be
+more exquisitely absurd? Bah! all
+this might be harmless and pleasant
+enough, in the way of a holiday recreation
+for school-boys or girls; but
+for grave, grown-up men&mdash;peers,
+baronets, knights, doctors, F.R.S.,
+F.A.S.'s, &amp;c. &amp;c.,&mdash;the thing really
+does not bear dwelling upon.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p>"I can have no hesitation, to whatever
+amount of obloquy, or of forfeited
+friendship, the avowal may expose
+me, in stating the conclusion, which
+anxious and repeated consideration
+of the state of Ireland has at length
+forced upon me, (<i>Cheers.</i>) It is, that
+the time has arrived for reconsidering
+the state of our relations with Ireland,
+with a view to a repeal of the Legislative
+Union between the two countries,
+(<i>Hear, hear.</i>) I see no other
+adequate remedy for the ills which
+desolate that unhappy country, and
+think that such a step would also
+happily free England from a burden
+long felt to be intolerable, (<i>Hear.</i>) I
+am fortified in arriving at this result,
+by a review of the favourable effects
+produced on Ireland by the measures
+which, during the last few years, I
+have had the honour to bring forward
+in this house, and see carried into effect
+by the legislature, (<i>Cheers.</i>) I
+am aware that this avowal may
+startle some of the more timid (<i>hear,
+hear</i>) of those gentlemen who have
+usually done me the honour to act
+with me; but an imperious sense of
+duty compels me to be prompt and
+explicit upon this vital question,
+which I am fixedly resolved to settle
+in the way I propose; and I will, for
+that purpose, avail myself of every
+means which the constitution places
+at the disposal of her Majesty's responsible
+advisers, (<i>Cheers.</i>) * * *
+I claim no credit for proposing this
+great measure of justice and mercy,
+nor wish to detract from the merit due
+to those whose minds the light of
+truth and reason reached earlier than
+mine. Whatever credit is due, I have
+no hesitation in ascribing to&mdash;<i>Daniel
+O'Connell</i>," (<i>Cheers.</i>) * * * *
+Is there a man in the empire who would
+be seriously surprised if he were to
+hear Sir Robert Peel make the above
+statement in the next session of
+Parliament, if he met the house
+once more as Prime Minister? And
+so, in the session after, might we
+expect a similar announcement with
+reference to the Protestant succession
+to the throne; and then&mdash;but by no
+means to stop even there&mdash;the conversion
+of our form of government
+from a limited monarchy into a republic.
+What, in short, may not be
+predicted of such a statesman as Sir
+Robert Peel? Who can conceive of
+him taking his stand <i>any where</i>? Assisting
+<i>any body</i> or <i>any thing</i>? It pains
+me to ask, whether the history of this
+country ever saw a man who had
+done so many things, the impropriety
+and danger of which he had
+himself uniformly beforehand <i>demonstrated</i>?
+Sir Robert Peel has been
+converted into a sort of political pillar
+of salt&mdash;a melancholy instructive memento
+of the evils of unprincipled
+statesmanship&mdash;the former word being
+used, not in a vulgar offensive sense,
+but as signifying, simply and solely,
+<i>the absence of any fixed principles of
+political action</i>; or the habit of action
+irrespective of principle. I will not,
+however, pursue this painful and humiliating
+topic further, than to express
+the deep concern and perplexity occasioned
+to me, amongst hundreds of
+thousands of others, by the recent
+movements of Sir Robert Peel. I
+have never thought or spoken of him,
+up even to the present moment, otherwise
+than with sincere respect for his
+spotless personal character, and the
+highest admiration of his intellectual
+and administrative qualities. I would
+scout the very faintest insinuation
+against the purity of his motives, at
+the same time loudly expressing my
+concern and amazement at witnessing
+such conduct as his, in <i>such</i> a man!</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i3">"Who would not weep if such a man there be&mdash;<br /><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Who would not weep if Atticus were he?"<br /><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[642]</span></p>
+
+<p>I said just now, that Sir Robert
+Peel's signal characteristic was the
+doing things, the impropriety and
+danger of doing which he had himself
+beforehand demonstrated; and that
+was the reflection with which I yesterday
+concluded the perusal of a memorable
+little document which I took
+care to preserve at the time&mdash;I mean
+his national manifesto at the general
+election of 1841, in the shape of his
+address to the electors of Tamworth.
+Apply it now like a plummet to the
+edifice of Sir Robert Peel's political
+character; how conclusively it shows
+the extent to which it has diverged or
+swelled from the perpendicular line of
+right&mdash;how much he has departed from
+the standard which he had himself set
+up! What must be his feelings on recurring
+to such a declaration as this?</p>
+
+<p>"That party," [the Conservative,]
+"gentlemen, has been pleased to intrust
+your representative with its confidence&mdash;(<i>cheers</i>;)
+and, notwithstanding
+all the remarks that have been
+made at various times, respecting
+differences of opinion and jealousy
+among them, you may depend upon
+it that they are altogether without
+foundation; and that that party which
+has paid me the compliment of taking
+my advice, and following my counsel,
+<i>are a united and compact party, among
+which there does not exist the slightest
+difference of opinion in respect to the
+principles they support, and the course
+they may desire to pursue. (Cheers.)
+Gentlemen, I hope I have not abused
+the confidence of that great party."<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a>
+(Loud cheers.)!!!</i> I give the eloquent
+and eminent speaker credit for
+feeling a sort of twinge, a pang, a
+spasm, on reading the above. One
+more extract I will give relative to
+the recent conduct of Sir R. Peel on
+the sugar-duties:&mdash;"The question
+now is, gentlemen, whether, after the
+sacrifices which this country has made
+for the suppression of the slave-trade,
+and the abolition of slavery, and the
+glorious results that have ensued, and
+are likely to ensue from these sacrifices,
+we shall run the risk of losing
+the benefit of these sacrifices, and
+<i>tarnishing for ever that glory</i>, by admitting
+to the British markets sugar,
+the produce of foreign slavery? Gentlemen,
+the character of this country,
+in respect to slavery, is thus spoken
+of by one of the most eloquent writers
+and statesmen of another country, Dr
+Channing, of the United States:&mdash;'Great
+Britain, loaded with an unprecedented
+debt, and with a grinding
+taxation, contracted a new debt of a
+hundred millions of dollars, to give
+freedom, not to Englishmen, but to
+the degraded African. I know not
+that history records an act so disinterested,
+so sublime. In the progress
+of ages, England's naval triumphs will
+sink into a more and more narrow
+space on the records of our race. This
+moral triumph will fill a broader,
+brighter page.' <i>Gentlemen</i>," proceeded
+Sir Robert Peel, "<i>let us take care
+that this 'brighter page' be not sullied
+by the admission of slave sugar into the
+consumption of this country, by our
+unnecessary encouragement of slavery
+and the slave-trade.</i>"<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a></p>
+
+<p>Is it not humiliating and distressing
+to compare these sentences, and
+the lofty spirit which pervades them,
+with the speech, and the <i>animus</i> pervading
+it, delivered by Sir Robert Peel in
+the House of Commons, on Lord John
+Russell's bringing in his bill for "sullying
+this bright page" of English glory?
+Did Sir Robert Peel, true to principle,
+solemnly and peremptorily announce
+the refusal of his assent to that
+cruel, and foolish, and wicked measure?
+I forbear to press this topic,
+also quitting it, with the expression of
+my opinion, that that speech alone
+was calculated to do him fearful and
+irreparable injury in public estimation.
+It is impossible for the most
+zealous and skilful advocacy to frame
+a plausible vindication of this part of
+Sir Robert Peel's conduct. I sincerely
+acquit him of having any sinister or
+impure motive; the fact was, simply,
+that he found that he had placed himself
+in a dire perplexity and dilemma.</p>
+
+<p>I think it next to impossible that
+Sir Robert Peel can ever again be in a
+position, even if he desired it, to sway
+the destinies of this country, either as
+a prime minister, or by the force of his
+personal influence and opinion. Has
+he or has he not done rightly by the
+<span class="pagenum">[643]</span>greatest party that ever gave its noble
+and ennobling support to a minister?
+Can he himself, in 1846, express the
+"hope" of 1841, that "he has not
+abused the confidence of that great
+party?" If he again take part in the
+debates of Parliament, he will always
+be listened to, whoever may be in
+power, with the interest and attention
+justly due to his masterly acquaintance
+with the conduct of the public business,
+most especially on matters of
+finance. But with what involuntary
+shrinking and distrust is his advocacy
+or defence of any of our great institutions
+likely to be received hereafter
+by their consistent and devoted
+friends? Will they not be prepared
+to find the splendid vindication of the
+preceding evening, but the prelude to
+the next evening's abandonment and
+denunciation? Is not, in short, the
+national confidence thoroughly shaken?
+His support and advocacy of
+any great interest are too likely to
+be received with guarded satisfaction&mdash;as
+far as they go, <i>as long as they
+continue</i>&mdash;not with the enthusiastic
+confidence due to surpassing and
+consistent statesmanship.</p>
+
+<p>It has sometimes occurred to me,
+in scrutinising his later movements,
+that one of his set purposes was
+finally to break up the Conservative
+party, and scatter among it the seeds
+of future dissension and difficulty;
+possibly thinking, conscientiously, that
+in the state of things which he had
+brought about, the continued existence
+of a Conservative party with
+definite points of cohesion, with visible
+acknowledged rallying-points,
+could no longer be beneficial to the
+country. He may have in his eye
+the formation of another party, willing
+to accept of his leadership, after
+another general election; of which
+said new party his present few adherents
+are to form the nucleus. But
+I do not see how this is to be done.
+Confounding, for a time, to all party
+connexions and combinations as
+have been the occurrences of the last
+session, of perhaps the last two sessions,
+of Parliament, a steady watchful
+eye may already see the two great
+parties of the state&mdash;Liberal and
+Conservatives&mdash;readjusting themselves
+in conformity with their respective
+<i>general</i> views and principles.
+The Conservative party has at the
+moment a prodigious strength of hold
+upon the country&mdash;not noisy or ostentatious,
+but real, and calculated to
+have its strength rapidly, though
+secretly, increased by alarmed seceders
+from the Liberal ranks, on seeing
+the spirit of change become more bold
+and active, and directing its steps towards
+the regions of revolution and
+democracy. Sir Robert Peel's speech,
+on resigning office, presented several
+features of an alarming character.
+Several of his sentences, especially
+with reference to Ireland,</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>
+&mdash;"made the boldest hold their breath<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">For a time."</span><br />
+</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Candid persons did not see in what
+he was doing, the paltry desire to outbid
+his perplexed successors, but suspected
+that he was designedly&mdash;advisedly&mdash;laying
+down visible lines of
+eternal separation between him and
+his former supporters, rendering it
+impossible for him to return to them,
+or for them to go over to him; and
+so at once putting an extinguisher
+upon all future doubts and speculation.
+To me it appeared that the speech in
+question evidenced an astounding revolution&mdash;astounding
+in its suddenness
+and violence&mdash;of the speaker's
+political system; announcing <i>results</i>,
+while other men were only
+just beginning to see the process.
+Will Sir Robert Peel join Lord John
+Russell? What, serve under him,
+and become a fellow-subordinate of
+Lord Palmerston's? I think not.
+What post would be offered to him?
+What post would <i>he</i>, the late prime
+minister, consent to fill under his victorious
+rival? Will, then, Lord John
+Russell act under Sir Robert Peel?
+Most certainly&mdash;at least in my opinion&mdash;not.
+What then is to be done,
+in the event of Sir Robert Peel's being
+willing to resume official life? <i>Over</i>
+whom, <i>under</i> whom, <i>with</i> whom, is he
+to act? The Conservative party have
+already elected his successor, Lord
+Stanley, who cannot, who will not be
+deposed in favour of <i>any</i> one; a man
+of very splendid talents, of long official
+experience, of lofty personal character,
+of paramount hereditary claims to the
+support of the aristocracy, who has
+never sacrificed consistency, but rather
+sacrificed every thing for consistency.<span class="pagenum">[644]</span>
+Ever since he accepted the leadership
+of the great Conservative party, he
+has evinced a profound sense of its
+responsibilities and requirements, and
+the possession of these qualifications
+in respect of prudence and moderation,
+which some had formerly doubted.
+Lord Stanley, then, will continue the
+Conservative leader, and Lord John
+Russell the Liberal leader; and I
+doubt whether any decisive move will
+be made till after the ensuing general
+election. What will be the result of
+it? What will be the rallying-cries of
+party? What will Sir Robert Peel
+say to the Tamworth electors?</p>
+
+<p>However these questions may be
+answered, I would, had I the power,
+speak trumpet-tongued to our Conservative
+friends in every county and
+borough in the kingdom, and say, "up,
+and be doing." Spare no expense or
+exertion, but do it prudently. Use
+every instrument of legitimate influence&mdash;for
+the stake played for is tremendous;
+the national interests evidently
+marked out for assault, are
+vital; and they will stand or fall,
+and we enjoy peace, or be condemned
+to agitation and alarm, according to
+the result of the next General Election,
+which will assuredly palsy the
+hands of either the friends or enemies
+of the best interests of the country.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p>And now, dear Christopher, I draw
+towards the close of this long letter,
+without having been able even to
+touch upon several other "<i>Things</i>"
+which I had noted down for observation
+and comment. As my letter
+draws to a close, so also draws rapidly
+to a close my seaside sojourn. My
+hours of relaxation are numbered. I
+must return to the busy scenes of the
+metropolis, and resume my interrupted
+duties. And you, too, have returned
+to the scene of your renown,
+the sphere of your honourable and
+responsible duties. May your shadow
+never grow less! <i>Floreat Maga!</i> I
+have done. The old postman, wet
+through in coming over the hills, is
+waiting for my letter, and, having
+finished his beer, is fidgeting to be
+off. "What! can't you spare me one
+five minutes more?" "No, sir&mdash;impossible&mdash;I
+ought to have been at&mdash;&mdash;an
+hour ago"</p>
+
+<p style="text-align: right;">
+Farewell then, dear Christopher,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
+Your faithful friend,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
+<span class="smcap">An Old Contributor</span>.<br />
+</p>
+<p>FOOTNOTES:</p>
+
+<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> "La Madeleine comme le Pantheon avait été commencée la même année en
+1764, par les ordres de Louis XV., le roi des grand monumens, et dont le
+regne a été travesti par la petite histoire."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Capefigue</span>, <i>Histoire de Louis
+Philippe</i>, viii. 281.</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> Marlborough to the Earl of Sunderland, 8th Nov. 1709.
+<i>Disp.</i> iv. 647. Coxe, iv. 167.</p></div>
+
+<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> Coxe, iv. 169. Lamberti, vi. 37, 49.</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> Note to Petcum, August 10, 1710. <i>Marlborough Papers</i>;
+and Coxe, iv. 173.</p></div>
+
+<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> "I am very sorry to tell you that the behaviour of the French looks as if
+they had no other desire than that of carrying on the war. I hope God will bless
+this campaign, for I see nothing else that can <i>give us peace either at home or abroad</i>.
+I am so discouraged by every thing I see, that I have never, during this war, gone
+into the field with so heavy a heart as at this time. I own to you, that the present
+humour in England gives me a good deal of trouble; for I cannot see how it is possible
+they should mend till every thing is yet worse." <i>Marlborough to Duchess
+Marlborough</i>, Hague, 14th April 1710. Coxe, iv. 179.</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> Marlborough to Godolphin, 20th April, iv. 182.</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 my last, I had but just time to tell you we had passed the lines. I hope
+this happy beginning will produce such success this campaign as must put an end
+to the war. I bless God for putting it into their heads not to defend their lines;
+for at Pont-a-Vendin, when I passed, the Marshal D'Artagnan was with twenty
+thousand men, which, if he had staid, must have rendered the event very doubtful.
+But, God be praised, we are come without the loss of any men. The excuse the
+French make is, that we came four days before they expected us."&mdash;<i>Marlborough
+to the Duchess</i>, 21st April 1710. Coxe, ix. 184.</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> "I hope God will so bless our efforts, that if the Queen should not be so
+happy as to have a prospect of peace before the opening of the next session of
+parliament, she and all her subjects may be convinced we do our best here in the
+army to put a speedy and good period to this bloody war." <i>Marlborough to the
+Duchess</i>, May 12, 1710.
+</p><p>
+"I hear of so many disagreeable things, that make it very reasonable, both for
+myself and you, to take no steps but what may lead to a quiet life. This being
+the case, am I not to be pitied that am every day in danger of exposing my life
+for the good of those who are seeking my ruin? God's will be done. If I can be
+so blessed as to end this campaign with success, things must very much alter to
+persuade me to come again at the head of the army." <i>Marlborough to the Duchess</i>,
+19th May 1710. Coxe, iv. 191, 192.</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> Marlborough to Godolphin, 26th May and 2d June 1710.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> Marlborough to the Duchess, 12th June 1710. Coxe, iv. 197.</p></div>
+
+<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> Marlborough to Godolphin, 26th June 1710. <i>Disp.</i> iv. 696.</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> <i>Considerat. sur la Camp. de 1710, par M. le Marshal Villars</i>; and Coxe, iv. 192.</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> Marlborough to Godolphin, 29th August 1710. <i>Disp.</i> iv. 581. Coxe, iv. 294.</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> Coxe, iv. 343, 344.</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> "I am of opinion that, after the siege of Aire, I shall have it in my power to
+attack Calais. This is a conquest which would very much prejudice France, and
+ought to have a good effect for the Queen's service in England; but I see so much
+malice levelled at me, that I am afraid it is not safe for me to make any proposition,
+lest, if it should not succeed, my enemies should turn it to my disadvantage."
+<i>Marlborough to Godolphin</i>, 11th August 1710. Coxe, iv. 343.</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> "Till within these few days, during these <i>nine years</i> I have never had occasion
+to send ill news. Our powder and other stores, for the carrying on these two
+sieges, left Ghent last Thursday, under the convoy of twelve hundred foot and
+four hundred and fifty horse. They were attacked by the enemy and beaten, so
+that they blew up the powder, and sunk the store-boats." <i>Marlborough to the
+Duchess</i>, 22d September 1710. Coxe, iv. 365.</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> "Take it we must, for we cannot draw the guns from the batteries. But
+God knows when we shall have it: night and day our poor men are up to the
+knees in mud and water." <i>Marlborough to Godolphin</i>, 27th October 1710.</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> Marlborough to Godolphin, 13th November 1710. <i>Disp.</i> iv. 685, 689. Coxe,
+iv. 366, 367.</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> Cunningham, ii. 305.</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> Marlborough to the Duchess, 26th July 1710. Coxe, iv. 299.</p></div>
+
+<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> Marlborough to the Duchess, 25th October and 24th November 1710. Coxe,
+iv. 351, 352.</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> Bolingbroke's <i>Corresp.</i>, i. 41; Mr Secretary St John to Mr Drummond,
+20th Dec. 1710.</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> "I beg you to lose no time in sending me, to the Hague, the opinion of our
+friend mentioned in my letter; for I would be governed by the Whigs, from
+whose principle and interest I will never depart. Whilst they had a majority in
+the House of Commons, they might suspect it might be my interest; but now they
+must do me the justice to see that it is my inclination and principle which makes
+me act." <i>Marlborough to the Duchess</i>, Nov. 9, 1710. Coxe, iv. 360.</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> Coxe, iv. 405.</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> "Though I never thought of troubling your Majesty again in this manner,
+yet the circumstances I see my Lord Marlborough in, and the apprehension I
+have that he cannot live six months, if there is not some end put to his sufferings
+on my account, make it impossible for me to resist doing every thing in my power
+to ease him." <i>Duchess of Marlborough to Queen Anne</i>, 17th Jan. 1711. Coxe,
+iv. 410.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> Smollett, c. x. § 20.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Marlborough to the Duchess, 24th May 1711. Coxe, v. 417-431.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> Eugene to Marlborough, 23d April 1710; Marlborough to St John, 29th
+April 1710. Coxe, vi. 16. <i>Disp.</i> v. 319.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> Lidiard, ii. 426. Coxe, vi. 21. 22.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> "I see my Lord Rochester has gone where we all must follow. I believe my
+journey will be hastened by the many vexations I meet with. I am sure I wish
+well to my country, and if I could do good, I should think no pains too great;
+but I find myself decay so very fast, that from my heart and soul I wish the Queen
+and my country a peace by which I might have the advantage of enjoying a little
+quiet, which is my greatest ambition." <i>Marlborough to the Duchess</i>, 25th May,
+1711. Coxe, vi. 28.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> Marlborough to St John, 14th June 1711. <i>Disp</i>. v. 428. Coxe, vi. 29, 30.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> <i>Villars' Mem.</i> tom. ii. ann. 1711.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> <i>Bolingbroke's Corresp.</i> i. 172.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> "The Duke of Marlborough has no communication from home on this affair;
+I suppose he will have none from the Hague." <i>Mr Secretary St John to
+Lord Raby</i>, 27th April 1711. <i>Bolingbroke's Corresp.</i> i. 175.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> Coxe, vi. 52-54.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Kane's <i>Memoirs</i>, p. 89. Coxe, vi. 53, 55; <i>Disp.</i> v. 421, 428.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> Kane's <i>Memoirs</i>, p. 92. Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 6th August,
+1711. <i>Disp.</i> v. 428.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 6th August 1711. <i>Disp.</i> v. 428. Coxe,
+vi. 60-65. <i>Kane's Mil. Mem.</i> 96-99.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> "No person takes a greater interest in your concerns than myself; your
+highness has penetrated into the <i>ne plus ultra</i>. I hope the siege of Bouchain
+will not last long." <i>Eugene to Marlborough</i>, 17th August 1711. Coxe, vi. 66.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> "My Lord Stair opened to us the general steps which your grace intended
+to take, in order to pass the lines in one part or another. It was, however, hard to
+imagine, and too much to hope, that a plan, which consisted of so many parts,
+wherein so many different corps were to co-operate personally together, should
+entirely succeed, and no one article fail of what your grace had projected. I
+most heartily congratulate your grace on this great event, of which I think no
+more needs be said, than that you have obtained, without losing a man, such an
+advantage, as we should have been glad to have purchased with the loss of several
+thousand lives." <i>Mr Secretary St John to Marlborough</i>, 31st July 1711. <i>Disp.</i>
+v. 429.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 10th August 1711. <i>Disp.</i> v. 437.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> Coxe, vi. 71-80; Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 14th, 17th, and 20th
+August 1711; <i>Disp.</i> v. 445, 450, 453.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 14th Sept. 1711. <i>Disp.</i> v. 490.
+<i>Coxe</i>, vi. 78-88.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> <i>Victoires de Marlborough</i>, iii. 22. Coxe, vi. 87.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> There were special reasons for the mutual hatred of these two brothers.
+One of the Amir's wives was a lady of the royal family of Sadozai, who, when the
+decline of that dynasty commenced, had attracted the attention of Sultan Mohammed
+Khan, and a correspondence took place between them. She prepared to
+leave Kabul to be married to him, when the Amir, who was also smitten with her
+charms, forcibly seized her and compelled her to become his wife. This at once
+created, and has ever since maintained, a fatal animosity between the brothers;
+and Sultan Mohammed Khan has often been heard to say, that nothing would
+afford him greater pleasure, even at breathing his last, than to drink the blood of
+the Amir. Such is the nature of the brotherly feeling now existing between them.&mdash;See
+<i>Life of Dost Mohammed Khan</i>, vol. i. p. 222, 223.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> <i>Sale's Brigade in Afghanistan.</i> By the Rev. <span class="smcap">G.R. Gleig</span>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> "By sudden and urgent necessity, the Commissioners understand any case
+of destitution requiring instant relief, before the person can be received into the
+workhouse; as, for example, when a person is deprived of the usual means of
+support, by means of fire, or storm, or inundation, or robbery, or riot, or any other
+similar cause, which he could not control, where it had occurred, and which it
+would have been impossible or very difficult for him to foresee and prevent."&mdash;<i>Eighth
+Report of the Poor-Law Commissioners.</i> App. A.; No. 2.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> In the third volume of Von Schöning's <i>History of the Artillery</i>, we find
+the following extract from an official report of Captain Spreuth, an artillery officer,
+dated Königsberg, 18th December 1812. "The 'Grand Army' is retreating
+across the Weichsel, if indeed it may be called a retreat; it is more like a
+total rout or disbandment, for the fugitives came without order or baggage. The
+post-horses are at work day and night. From the 16th to the 17th, 71 generals
+60 colonels, 1243 staff and other officers, passed through this place; the majority
+continued their route on foot, being unable to procure horses; the officers' baggage
+is all lost, some of it has been plundered by their own men, and we have even
+seen officers fighting in the streets with the common soldiers."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> The noted military writer, Carl Von Decker, since General.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> "Dietro al mio legno, che cantando varca."&mdash;<i>Dante.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> Michel Angelo lived until the beginning of the year 1564, the seventieth
+after the death of Luigia de' Medici.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> In the Florentine style, 1474. The Florentine year began at Easter.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> Michel Angelo was the fourth and last of the sons of Ludovico.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> The Platonic Academy was established at Florence in 1474. Politiano's
+death, twenty years later, was the cause of its entire dispersion.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> "But, perhaps, thy compassion regards with more justice than I thought in
+the beginning, my pure and loyal ardour, and the passion which thy looks have
+kindled in me for noble actions.
+</p><p>
+"Oh, most happy day! if it ever arrive for me, let my days and hours concentrate
+themselves in that moment! and, to prolong it, let the sun forget his accustomed
+course!"</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> He was born in 1475.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> The first sonnet of the collection; that commencing with the celebrated
+proposition&mdash;
+
+</p><p>
+"<i>Non ha l'ottimo artista alcun concetto.</i>"<br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a>
+
+</p><p>
+"Dal mortale al divin non vanno gli occhi<br />
+Che sono infermi."   *   *   *   *<br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a>
+
+</p><p>
+"Veggendo ne tuo' occhi il Paradiso,<br />
+Per ritornar là dove io t'amai pria,<br />
+Ricorro ardendo sotto le tue ciglia."<br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a>
+
+</p><p>
+"Non so se e' <i>l'immaginata luce</i><br />
+Del suo primo Fattor che l'alma sente,<br />
+O se dalla memoria.  *   *   *<br />
+Alcuna altra bella nel cor traluce,<br />
+*    *    *    *    *    *    *<br />
+<i>Del tuo primiero stato il raggio ardente</i><br />
+Di sè lasciando un non so che cocente."  *   *   *<br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a>
+
+</p><p>
+"La buona coscienza che l'uom franchigia,<br />
+Sotto l'usbergo di sentirsi pura."&mdash;<i>Dante.</i><br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> "To what am I reserved?" writes Angelo in another piece. "To live
+long? that terrifies me. The shortest life is yet too long for the recompense
+obtained in serving with devotion."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> "Ahi, che null altro che pianto al mondo dura!"&mdash;<i>Petrarca.</i></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> "<i>Ogni altro ben val men ch'una mia doglia!</i>"</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a>
+
+</p><p>
+*  *  *  *  "Chi t'ama con fede<br />
+Si leva a Dio, e fa dolce la morte."<br />
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> Speech of Sir R. Peel at the Tamworth election, pp. 4, 5.&mdash;Ollivier, Pall-Mall.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i> pp. 8, 9.</p></div>
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p class="sidenote">Transcribers notes:<br /><br />
+
+Maintained original spelling and punctuation.<br /><br />
+
+Silently corrected a few typesetting errors.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol.
+60, No. 373, November 1846, by Various
+
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+</body>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 60,
+No. 373, November 1846, 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, Vol. 60, No. 373, November 1846
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: October 19, 2011 [EBook #37797]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLACKWOOD'S EDINBURGH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brendan OConnor, Ron Stephens, 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.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+BLACKWOOD'S EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.
+
+NO. CCCLXXIII. NOVEMBER, 1846. VOL. LX.
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+    MARLBOROUGH'S DISPATCHES. 1710-1711,            517
+
+    MOHAN LAL IN AFGHANISTAN,                       539
+
+    ON THE OPERATION OF THE ENGLISH POOR-LAWS,      555
+
+    PRUSSIAN MILITARY MEMOIRS,                      572
+
+    ADVICE TO AN INTENDING SERIALIST,               590
+
+    A NEW SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY,                      606
+
+    HONOUR TO THE PLOUGH,                           613
+
+    LUIGIA DE' MEDICI,                              614
+
+    THINGS IN GENERAL,                              625
+
+
+EDINBURGH:
+
+WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, 45, GEORGE STREET; AND 37, PATERNOSTER ROW,
+LONDON.
+
+_To whom all Communications (post paid) must be addressed._
+
+SOLD BY ALL THE BOOKSELLERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
+
+PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE AND HUGHES, EDINBURGH.
+
+
+
+
+BLACKWOOD'S
+
+EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.
+
+No. CCCLXXIII. NOVEMBER, 1846. VOL. LX.
+
+
+
+
+MARLBOROUGH'S DISPATCHES.
+
+1710-1711.
+
+Louis XIV. was one of the most remarkable sovereigns who ever sat upon
+the throne of France. Yet there is none of whose character, even at this
+comparatively remote period, it is more difficult to form a just
+estimate. Beyond measure eulogised by the poets, orators, and annalists
+of his own age, who lived on his bounty, or were flattered by his
+address, he has been proportionally vilified by the historians, both
+foreign and national, of subsequent times. The Roman Catholic writers,
+with some truth, represent him as the champion of their faith, the
+sovereign who extirpated the demon of heresy in his dominions, and
+restored to the church in undivided unity the realm of France. The
+Protestant authors, with not less reason, regard him as the deadliest
+enemy of their religion, and the cruellest foe of those who had embraced
+it; as a faithless tyrant, who scrupled not, at the bidding of bigoted
+priests, to violate the national faith plighted by the Edict of Nantes,
+and persecute, with unrelenting severity, the unhappy people who, from
+conscientious motives, had broken off from the Church of Rome. One set
+of writers paint him as a magnanimous monarch, whose mind, set on great
+things, and swayed by lofty desires, foreshadowed those vast designs
+which Napoleon, armed with the forces of the Revolution, afterwards for
+a brief space realised. Another set dwell on the foibles or the vices of
+his private character--depict him as alternately swayed by priests, or
+influenced by women; selfish in his desires, relentless in his hatred;
+and sacrificing the peace of Europe, and endangering the independence of
+France, for the gratification of personal vanity, or from the thirst of
+unbounded ambition.
+
+It is the fate of all men who have made a great and durable impression
+on human affairs, and powerfully affected the interests, or thwarted the
+opinion of large bodies of men, to be represented in these opposite
+colours to future times. The party, whether in church or state, which
+they have elevated, the nation whose power or glory they have augmented,
+praise, as much as those whom they have oppressed and injured, whether
+at home or abroad, strive to vilify their memory. But in the case of
+Louis XIV., this general propensity has been greatly increased by the
+opposite, and, at first sight, inconsistent features of his character.
+There is almost equal truth in the magniloquent eulogies of his
+admirers, as in the impassioned invectives of his enemies. He was not
+less great and magnanimous than he is represented by the elegant
+flattery of Racine or Corneille, nor less cruel and hard-hearted than he
+is painted by the austere justice of Sismondi or D'Aubigne. Like many
+other men, but more than most, he was made up of lofty and elevated, and
+selfish and frivolous qualities. He could alternately boast, with truth,
+that there were no longer any Pyrenees, and rival his youngest
+courtiers in frivolous and often heartless gallantry. In his younger
+years he was equally assiduous in his application to business, and
+engrossed with personal vanity. When he ascended the throne, his first
+words were: "I intend that every paper, from a diplomatic dispatch to a
+private petition, shall be submitted to me;" and his vast powers of
+application enabled him to compass the task. Yet, at the same time, he
+deserted his queen for Madame la Valliere, and soon after broke La
+Valliere's heart by his desertion of her for Madame de Montespan. In
+mature life, his ambition to extend the bounds and enhance the glory of
+France, was equalled by his desire to win the admiration or gain the
+favour of the fair sex. In his later days, he alternately engaged in
+devout austerities with Madame de Maintenon, and, with mournful
+resolution, asserted the independence of France against Europe in arms.
+Never was evinced a more striking exemplification of the saying, so well
+known among men of the world, that no one is a hero to his
+valet-de-chambre; nor a more remarkable confirmation of the truth, so
+often proclaimed by divines, that characters of imperfect goodness
+constitute the great majority of mankind.
+
+That he was a great man, as well as a successful sovereign, is
+decisively demonstrated by the mighty changes which he effected in his
+own realm, as well as in the neighbouring states of Europe. When he
+ascended the throne, France, though it contained the elements of
+greatness, had never yet become great. It had been alternately wasted by
+the ravages of the English, and torn by the fury of the religious wars.
+The insurrection of the Fronde had shortly before involved the capital
+in all the horrors of civil conflict;--barricades had been erected in
+its streets; alternate victory and defeat had by turns elevated and
+depressed the rival faction. Turenne and Conde had displayed their
+consummate talents in miniature warfare within sight of Notre-Dame.
+Never had the monarchy been depressed to a greater pitch of weakness
+than during the reign of Louis XIII. and the minority of Louis XIV. But
+from the time the latter sovereign ascended the throne, order seemed to
+arise out of chaos. The ascendancy of a great mind made itself felt in
+every department. Civil war ceased; the rival faction disappeared; even
+the bitterness of religious hatred seemed for a time to be stilled by
+the influence of patriotic feeling. The energies of France, drawn forth
+during the agonies of civil conflict, were turned to public objects and
+the career of national aggrandisement--as those of England had been
+after the conclusion of the Great Rebellion, by the firm hand and
+magnanimous mind of Cromwell. From a pitiable state of anarchy, France
+at once appeared on the theatre of Europe, great, powerful, and united.
+It is no common capacity which can thus seize the helm and right the
+ship when it is reeling most violently, and the fury of contending
+elements has all but torn it in pieces. It is the highest proof of
+political capacity to discern the bent of the public mind, when most
+violently exerted, and, by falling in with the prevailing desire of the
+majority, convert the desolating vehemence of social conflict into the
+steady passion for national advancement. Napoleon did this with the
+political aspirations of the eighteenth, Louis XIV. with the religious
+fervour of the seventeenth century.
+
+It was because his character and turn of mind coincided with the
+national desires at the moment of his ascending the throne, that this
+great monarch was enabled to achieve this marvellous transformation. If
+Napoleon was the incarnation of the Revolution, with not less truth it
+may be said that Louis XIV. was the incarnation of the monarchy. The
+feudal spirit, modified but not destroyed by the changes of time,
+appeared to be concentrated, with its highest lustre, in his person. He
+was still the head of the Franks--the lustre of the historic families
+yet surrounded his throne; but he was the head of the Franks only--that
+is, of a hundred thousand conquering warriors. Twenty million of
+conquered Gauls were neither regarded nor considered in his
+administration, except in so far as they augmented the national
+strength, or added to the national resources. But this distinction was
+then neither perceived nor regarded. Worn out with civil dissension,
+torn to pieces by religious passions, the fervent minds and restless
+ambition of the French longed for a _national_ field for exertion--an
+arena in which social dissensions might be forgotten. Louis XIV. gave
+them this field: he opened this arena. He ascended the throne at the
+time when this desire had become so strong and general, as in a manner
+to concentrate the national will. His character, equally in all its
+parts, was adapted to the general want. He took the lead alike in the
+greatness and the foibles of his subjects. Were they ambitious? so was
+he:--were they desirous of renown? so was he:--were they set on national
+aggrandisement? so was he:--were they desirous of protection to
+industry? so was he:--were they prone to gallantry? so was he. His
+figure and countenance tall and majestic; his manner stately and
+commanding; his conversation dignified, but enlightened; his spirit
+ardent, but patriotic--qualified him to take the lead and preserve his
+ascendancy among a proud body of ancient nobles, whom the disasters of
+preceding reigns, and the astute policy of Cardinal Richelieu, had
+driven into the antechambers of Paris, but who preserved in their ideas
+and habits the pride and recollections of the conquerors who followed
+the banners of Clovis. And the great body of the people, proud of their
+sovereign, proud of his victories, proud of his magnificence, proud of
+his fame, proud of his national spirit, proud of the literary glory
+which environed his throne, in secret proud of his gallantries, joyfully
+followed their nobles in the brilliant career which his ambition opened,
+and submitted with as much docility to his government as they ranged
+themselves round the banners of their respective chiefs on the day of
+battle.
+
+It was the peculiarity of the government of Louis XIV., arising from
+this fortuitous, but to him fortunate combination of circumstances, that
+it united the distinctions of rank, family attachments, and ancient
+ideas of feudal times, with the vigour and efficiency of monarchical
+government, and the lustre and brilliancy of literary glory. Such a
+combination could not, in the nature of things, last long; it must soon
+work out its own destruction. In truth, it was sensibly weakened during
+the course of the latter part of the half century that he sat upon the
+throne. But while it endured, it produced a most formidable union; it
+engendered an extraordinary and hitherto unprecedented phalanx of
+talent. The feudal ideas still lingering in the hearts of the nation,
+produced subordination; the national spirit, excited by the genius of
+the sovereign, induced unanimity; the development of talent, elicited by
+his discernment, conferred power; the literary celebrity, encouraged by
+his munificence, diffused fame. The peculiar character of Louis, in
+which great talent was united with great pride, and unbounded ambition
+with heroic magnanimity, qualified him to turn to the best account this
+singular combination of circumstances, and to unite in France, for a
+brief period, the lofty aspirations and dignified manners of chivalry,
+with the energy of rising talent and the lustre of literary renown.
+
+Louis XIV. was essentially monarchical. That was the secret of his
+success; it was because he first gave the powers of _unity_ to the
+monarchy, that he rendered France so brilliant and powerful. All his
+changes, and they were many, from the dress of soldiers to the
+instructions to ambassadors, breathed the same spirit. He first
+introduced a _uniform_ in the army. Before his time, the soldiers merely
+wore a banderole over their steel breast-plates and ordinary dresses.
+That was a great and symptomatic improvement; it at once induced an
+_esprit de corps_ and a sense of responsibility. He first made the
+troops march with a measured step, and caused large bodies of men to
+move with the precision of a single company. The artillery and engineer
+service, under his auspices, made astonishing progress. His discerning
+eye selected the genius of Vauban, which invented, as it were, the
+modern system of fortification, and wellnigh brought it to its greatest
+elevation--and raised to the highest command that of Turenne, which
+carried the military art to the most consummate perfection. Skilfully
+turning the martial and enterprising genius of the Franks into the
+career of conquest, he multiplied tenfold their power, by conferring on
+them the inestimable advantages of skilled discipline and unity of
+action. He gathered the feudal array around his banner; he roused the
+ancient barons from their chateaux, the old retainers from their
+villages; but he arranged them in disciplined battalions of regular
+troops, who received the pay and obeyed the orders of government, and
+never left their banners. When he summoned the array of France to
+undertake the conquest of the Low Countries, he appeared at the head of
+a hundred and twenty thousand men, all regular and disciplined troops,
+with a hundred pieces of cannon. Modern Europe had never seen such an
+array. It was irresistible, and speedily brought the monarch to the
+gates of Amsterdam.
+
+The same unity which the genius of Louis and his ministers communicated
+to the military power of France, he gave also to its naval forces and
+internal strength. To such a pitch of greatness did he raise the marine
+of the monarchy, that it all but outnumbered that of England; and the
+battle of La Hogue in 1792 alone determined, as Trafalgar did a century
+after, to which of these rival powers the dominion of the seas was to
+belong. He reduced the government of the interior to that regular and
+methodical system of governors of provinces, mayors of cities, and other
+subordinate authorities, all receiving their instructions from the
+Tuileries, which, under no subsequent change of government, imperial or
+royal, has been abandoned, and which has, in every succeeding age,
+formed the main source of its strength. He concentrated around the
+monarchy the rays of genius from all parts of the country, and threw
+around its head a lustre of literary renown, which, more even than the
+exploits of his armies, dazzled and fascinated the minds of men. He
+arrayed the scholars, philosophers, and poets of his dominions like his
+soldiers and sailors; the whole academies of France, which have since
+become so famous, were of his institution; he sought to give discipline
+to thought, as he had done to his fleets and armies, and rewarded
+distinction in literary efforts, not less than warlike achievement. No
+monarch ever knew better the magical influence of intellectual strength
+on general thought, or felt more strongly the expedience of enlisting it
+on the side of authority. Not less than Hildebrand or Napoleon, he aimed
+at drawing, not over his own country alone, but the whole of Europe, the
+meshes of regulated and centralised opinion; and more durably than
+either he attained his object. The religious persecution, which
+constitutes the great blot on his reign, and caused its brilliant career
+to close in mourning, arose from the same cause. He was fain to give the
+same unity to the church which he had done to the army, navy, and civil
+strength of the monarchy. He saw no reason why the Huguenots should not,
+at the royal command, face about like one of Turenne's battalions.
+Schism in the church was viewed by him in exactly the same light as
+rebellion in the state. No efforts were spared by inducements, good
+deeds, and fair promises, to make proselytes; and when twelve hundred
+thousand Protestants resisted his seductions, the sword, the fagot, and
+the wheel were resorted to without mercy for their destruction.
+
+Napoleon, it is well known, had the highest admiration of Louis XIV. Nor
+is this surprising: their principles of government and leading objects
+of ambition were the same. "L'etat _c'est moi_," was the principle of
+this grandson of Henry IV.: "Your first duty is _to me_, your second to
+France," said the Emperor to his nephew Prince Louis Napoleon. In
+different words, the idea was the same. To concentrate Europe in France,
+France in Paris, Paris in the government, and the government in himself,
+was the ruling idea of each. But it was no concentration for selfish or
+unworthy purposes which was then desired; it was for great and lofty
+objects that this undivided power was desired. It was neither to gratify
+the desire of an Eastern seraglio, nor exercise the tyranny of a Roman
+emperor, that either coveted unbounded authority. It was to exalt the
+nation of which they formed the head, to augment its power, extend its
+dominion, enhance its fame, magnify its resources, that they both deemed
+themselves sent into the world. It was the general sense that this was
+the object of their administration which constituted the strength of
+both. Equally with the popular party in the present day, they regarded
+society as a pyramid, of which the multitude formed the base, and the
+monarch the head. Equally with the most ardent democrat, they desired
+the augmentation of the national resources, the increase of public
+felicity. But they both thought that these blessings must descend from
+the sovereign to his subject, not ascend from the subjects to their
+sovereign. "Every thing _for_ the people, nothing _by_ them," which
+Napoleon described as the secret of good government, was not less the
+maxim of the imperious despot of the Bourbon race.
+
+The identity of their ideas, the similarity of their objects of
+ambition, appears in the monuments which both have left at Paris. Great
+as was the desire of the Emperor to add to its embellishment,
+magnificent as were his ideas in the attempt, he has yet been unable to
+equal the noble structures of the Bourbon dynasty. The splendid pile of
+Versailles, the glittering dome of the Invalides, still, after the lapse
+of a century and a half, overshadow all the other monuments in the
+metropolis; though the confiscations of the Revolution, and the
+victories of the Emperor, gave succeeding governments the resources of
+the half of Europe for their construction. The inscription on the arch
+of Louis, "Ludovico Magno," still seems to embody the gratitude of the
+citizens to the greatest benefactor of the capital; and it is not
+generally known that the two edifices which have added most since his
+time to the embellishment of the metropolis, and of which the revolution
+and the empire are fain to take the credit--the Pantheon and the
+Madeleine--were begun in 1764 by Louis XV., and owe their origin to the
+magnificent ideas which Louis XIV. transmitted to his, in other
+respects, unworthy descendant.[1]
+
+Had one dark and atrocious transaction not taken place, the annalist
+might have stopped here, and painted the French monarch, with a few
+foibles and weaknesses, the common bequest of mortality, still as, upon
+the whole, a noble and magnanimous ruler. His ambition, great as it was,
+and desolating as it proved, both to the adjoining states, and in the
+end his own subjects, was the "last infirmity of noble minds." He shared
+it with Caesar and Alexander, with Charlemagne and Napoleon. Even his
+cruel and unnecessary ravaging of the Palatinate, though attended with
+dreadful private suffering, has too many parallels in the annals of
+military cruelty. His personal vanities and weaknesses, his love of
+show, his passion for women, his extravagant expenses, were common to
+him with his grandfather Henry IV.; they seemed inherent in the Bourbon
+race, and are the frailties to which heroic minds in every age have been
+most subject. But, for the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and the
+heartrending cruelties with which it was carried into execution, no such
+apology can be found. It admits neither of palliation nor excuse. But
+for the massacre of St Bartholomew, and the expulsion of the Morescoes
+from Spain, it would stand foremost in the annals of the world for
+kingly perfidy and priestly cruelty. The expulsion of five hundred
+thousand innocent human beings from their country, for no other cause
+but difference of religious opinion--the destruction, it is said, of
+nearly an hundred thousand by the frightful tortures of the wheel and
+the stake--the wholesale desolation of provinces and destruction of
+cities for conscience sake, never will and never should be forgotten. It
+is the eternal disgrace of the Roman Catholic religion--a disgrace to
+which the "execrations of ages have not yet affixed an adequate
+censure"--that all these infamous state crimes took their origin in the
+bigoted zeal, or sanguinary ambition of the Church of Rome. Nor have
+any of them passed without their just reward. The expulsion of the
+Moors, the most industrious and valuable inhabitants of the Peninsula,
+has entailed a weakness upon the Spanish monarchy, which the subsequent
+lapse of two centuries has been unable to repair. The reaction against
+the Romish atrocities produced the great league of which William III.
+was the head; it sharpened the swords of Eugene and Marlborough; it
+closed in mourning the reign of Louis XV. Nor did the national
+punishment stop here. The massacre of St Bartholomew, and revocation of
+the Edict of Nantes, were the remote, but certain cause of the French
+Revolution, and all the unutterable miseries which it brought both upon
+the Bourbon race and the professors of the Romish faith. Nations have no
+immortality; their punishment is inflicted in this world; it is visited
+with unerring certainty on the third and fourth generations. Providence
+has a certain way of dealing with the political sins of men--which is,
+to leave them to the consequences of their own actions.
+
+If ever the characters of two important actors on the theatre of human
+affairs stood forth in striking and emphatic contrast to each other,
+they were those of Louis XIV. and William III. They were, in truth, the
+representatives of the principles for which they respectively so long
+contended; their characters embodied the doctrines, and were
+distinguished by the features, of the causes for which they fought
+through life. As much as the character--stately, magnanimous, and
+ambitious, but bigoted and unscrupulous--of Louis XIV. personified the
+Romish, did the firm and simple, but persevering and unconquerable mind
+of William, embody the principles of the Protestant faith. The positions
+they respectively held through life, the stations they occupied, the
+resources, moral and political, which they wielded, were not less
+characteristic of the causes of which they were severally the heads.
+Louis led on the feudal resources of the French monarchy. Inured to
+rigid discipline, directed by consummate talent, supported by immense
+resources, his armies, uniting the courage of feudal to the organisation
+of civilised times, like those of Caesar, had at first only to appear to
+conquer. From his gorgeous palaces at Paris, he seemed able, like the
+Church of Rome from the halls of the Quirinal, to give law to the whole
+Christian world. William began the contest under very different
+circumstances. Sunk in obscure marshes, cooped up in a narrow territory,
+driven into a corner of Europe, the forces at his command appeared as
+nothing before the stupendous array of his adversary. He was the emblem
+of the Protestant faith, arising from small beginnings, springing from
+the energy of the middle classes, but destined to grow with ceaseless
+vigour, until it reached the gigantic strength of its awful antagonist.
+
+The result soon proved the prodigious difference in the early resources
+of the parties. Down went tower and town before the apparition of Louis
+in his strength. The iron barriers of Flanders yielded almost without a
+struggle to his arms. The genius of Turenne and Vauban, the presence of
+Louis, proved for the time irresistible. The Rhine was crossed; a
+hundred thousand men appeared before the gates of Amsterdam. Dissension
+had paralysed its strength, terror all but mastered its resolution.
+England, influenced by French mistresses, or bought by French gold, held
+back, and ere long openly joined the oppressor, alike of its liberties
+and its religion. All seemed lost alike for the liberties of Europe and
+the Protestant faith. But William was not dismayed. He had a certain
+resource against subjugation left. In his own words, "he could die in
+the last ditch." He communicated his unconquerable spirit to his
+fainting fellow-citizens; he inspired them with the noble resolution to
+abandon their country rather than submit to the invaders, and "seek in a
+new hemisphere that liberty of which Europe had become unworthy." The
+generous effort was not made in vain. The Dutch rallied round a leader
+who was not wanting to himself in such a crisis. The dikes were cut; the
+labour of centuries was lost; the ocean resumed its sway over the fields
+reft from its domain. But the cause of freedom of religion was gained.
+The French armies recoiled from the watery waste, as those of Napoleon
+afterwards did from the flames of Moscow. Amsterdam was the limit of the
+conquests of Louis XIV. He there found the power which said, "Hitherto
+shalt thou come, and no further, and here shall thy proud waves be
+staid." Long, and often doubtful, was the contest; it was bequeathed to
+a succeeding generation and another reign. But from the invasion of
+Holland, the French arms and Romish domination permanently receded; and
+but for the desertion of the alliance by England, at the peace of
+Utrecht, they would have given law in the palace of the Grand Monarque,
+bridled the tyranny of Bossuet and Tellier, and permanently established
+the Protestant faith in nearly the half of Europe.
+
+Like many other men who are called on to play an important part in the
+affairs of the world, William seemed formed by nature for the duties he
+was destined to perform. Had his mind been stamped by a different die,
+his character cast in a different mould, he would have failed in his
+mission. He was not a monarch of the most brilliant, nor a general of
+the most daring kind. Had he been either the one or the other, he would
+have been shattered against the colossal strength of Louis XIV., and
+crushed in the very outset of his career. But he possessed in the
+highest perfection that great quality without which, in the hour of
+trial, all others prove of no avail--moral courage, and invincible
+determination. His enterprises, often designed with ability and executed
+with daring, were yet all based, like those of Wellington afterwards in
+Portugal, on a just sense of the necessity of husbanding his resources
+from the constant inferiority of his forces and means to those of the
+enemy. He was perseverance itself. Nothing could shake his resolution,
+nothing divert his purpose. With equal energy he laboured in the cabinet
+to construct and keep together the vast alliance necessary to restrain
+the ambition of the French monarch, and toiled in the field to baffle
+the enterprises of his able generals. With a force generally inferior in
+number, always less powerful than that of his adversaries in discipline,
+composition, and resources, he nevertheless contrived to sustain the
+contest, and gradually wrested from his powerful enemy the more
+important fortresses, which, in the first tumult of invasion, had
+submitted to his arms. If the treaties of Nimeguen and Ryswick were less
+detrimental to the French power than that of Utrecht afterwards proved,
+they were more glorious to the arms of the Dutch commonwealth and the
+guidance of William; for they were the result of efforts in which the
+weight of the conflict generally fell on Holland alone; and its honours
+were not to be shared with those won by the wisdom of a Marlborough, or
+the daring of a Eugene.
+
+In private life, William was distinguished by the same qualities which
+marked his public career. He had not the chivalrous ardour which bespoke
+the nobles of France, nor the stately magnificence of their haughty
+sovereign. His manners and habits were such as arose from, and suited,
+the austere and laborious people among whom his life was passed. Without
+being insensible to the softer passions, he never permitted them to
+influence his conduct, or incroach upon his time. He was patient,
+laborious, and indefatigable. To courtiers accustomed to the polished
+elegance of Paris, or the profligate gallantry of St James's, his
+manners appeared cold and unbending. It was easy to see he had not been
+bred in the saloons of Versailles or the _soirees_ of Charles II. But he
+was steady and unwavering in his resolutions; his desires were set on
+great objects; and his external demeanour was correct, and often
+dignified. He was reproached by the English, not without reason, with
+being unduly partial, after his accession to the British throne, to his
+Dutch subjects; and he was influenced through life by a love of money,
+which, though at first arising from a bitter sense of its necessity in
+his long and arduous conflicts, degenerated in his older years into an
+avaricious turn. The national debt of England has been improperly
+ascribed to his policy. It arose unavoidably from the Revolution, and is
+the price which every nation pays for a lasting change, how necessary
+soever, in its ruling dynasty. When the sovereign can no longer depend
+on the unbought loyalty of his subjects, he has no resource but in their
+interested attachment. Louis Philippe's government has done the same,
+under the influence of the same necessity. Yet William was not a perfect
+character; more than one dark transaction has left a lasting stain on
+his memory; and the massacre of Glencoe, in particular, if it did not
+equal the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in the wide-spread misery
+with which it was attended, rivalled it in the perfidy in which it was
+conceived, and the cruelty with which it was executed.
+
+On his arrival in Holland on the 18th March 1710, Marlborough again
+found himself practically involved in the still pending negotiations for
+peace, over which, on the decline of his influence at court, he had
+ceased to have any real control. Still exposed to the blasting
+imputation of seeking to prolong the war for his own private purposes,
+he was in reality doing his utmost to terminate hostilities. As the
+negotiation with the ostensible plenipotentiaries of the different
+courts was at an end, but Louis still continued to make private
+overtures to the Dutch, in the hope of detaching them from the
+confederacy, Marlborough took advantage of this circumstance to
+endeavour to effect an accommodation. At his request, the Dutch agent,
+Petcum, had again repaired to Paris in the end of 1709, to resume the
+negotiation; and the _Marlborough Papers_ contain numerous letters from
+him to the Duke, detailing the progress of the overtures.[2] On the very
+day after Marlborough's arrival at the Hague, the plenipotentiaries made
+their report of the issue of the negotiation; but the views of the
+parties were still so much at variance, that it was evident no hopes of
+peace could be entertained. Louis was not yet sufficiently humbled to
+submit to the arrogant demands of the Allies, which went to strip him of
+nearly all his conquests; and the different powers of the confederacy
+were each set upon turning the general success of the alliance to their
+own private advantage.
+
+Zenzindorf, on the part of Austria, insisted that not the smallest
+portion of the Spanish territories in Italy should be ceded to a prince
+of the house of Bourbon, and declared the resolution of his imperial
+master to perish with arms in his hands, rather than submit to a
+partition which would lead to his inevitable ruin. King Charles
+expressed the same determination, and insisted further for the cession
+of Roussillon, which had been wrested from Spain since the treaty of the
+Pyrenees. The Duke of Savoy, who aimed at the acquisition of Sicily from
+the spoils of the fallen monarch, was equally obstinate for the
+prosecution of the war. Godolphin, Somers, and the Dutch Pensionary,
+inclined to peace, and were willing to purchase it by the cession of
+Sicily to Louis; and Marlborough gave this his entire support, provided
+the evacuation of Spain, the great object of the war, could be
+secured.[3] But all their efforts were in vain. The ambitious designs of
+Austria and Savoy prevailed over their pacific counsels; and we have the
+valuable authority of Torcy, who, in the former congress, had accused
+the Duke of breaking off the negotiation, that in this year the rupture
+was entirely owing to the efforts of Count Zenzindorf.[4] Marlborough,
+however, never ceased to long for a termination of hostilities, and took
+the field with a heavy heart, relieved only by the hope that one more
+successful campaign would give him what he so ardently desired, the rest
+consequent upon a general peace.[5]
+
+War being resolved on, Marlborough and Eugene met at Tournay on the
+28th April, and commenced the campaign by the capture of the fort of
+Mortagne, which capitulated on the same day. Their force already
+amounted to sixty thousand men, and, as the troops were daily coming up
+from their cantonments, it was expected soon to amount to double the
+number. The plan of operations was soon settled between these two great
+men; no difference of opinion ever occurred between them, no jealousy
+ever marred their co-operations. They determined to commence serious
+operations by attacking Douay--a strong fortress, and one of the last of
+the first order which, in that quarter, guarded the French territory. To
+succeed in this, however, it was necessary to pass the French lines,
+which were of great strength, and were guarded by Marshal Montesquieu at
+the head of forty battalions and twenty squadrons. Douay itself also was
+strongly protected both by art and nature. On the one side lay the Haine
+and the Scarpe; in the centre was the canal of Douay; on the other hand
+were the lines of La Bassie, which had been strengthened with additional
+works since the close of the campaign. Marlborough was very sanguine of
+success, as the French force was not yet collected, and he was
+considerably superior in number; and he wrote to Godolphin on the same
+night--"The orders are given for marching this night, so that I hope my
+next will give you an account of our being in Artois."[6]
+
+The Duke operated at once by both wings. On the one wing he detached the
+Prince of Wirtemberg, with fifteen thousand men, by Pont-a-Tessin to
+Pont-a-Vendin, where the French lines met the Dyle and the canal of
+Douay; while Prince Eugene moved forward Count Fels, with a considerable
+corps, towards Pont Auby on the same canal. The whole army followed in
+two columns, the right commanded by Eugene, and the left by Marlborough.
+The English general secured the passage at Pont-a-Vendin without
+resistance; and Eugene, though baffled at Pont Auby, succeeded in
+passing the canal at Sant and Courieres without serious loss. The first
+defences were thus forced; and that night the two wings, having formed a
+junction, lay on their arms in the plain of Lens, while Montesquieu
+precipitately retired behind the Scarpe, in the neighbourhood of Vitry.
+Next morning the troops, overjoyed at their success, continued their
+advance. Marlborough sent forward General Cadogan, at the head of the
+English troops, to Pont-a-Rache, to circumscribe the garrison of Douay,
+on the canal of Marchiennes on the north; while Eugene, encamping on the
+other side of the Scarpe, completed the investment on the west. The
+perfect success of this enterprise without any loss was matter of equal
+surprise and joy to the Duke, who wrote to the Duchess in the highest
+strain of satisfaction at his bloodless triumph. It was entirely owing
+to the suddenness and secresy of his movements, which took the enemy
+completely unawares; for, had the enterprise been delayed four days
+longer, its issue would have been extremely doubtful, and thousands of
+men must, at all events, have been sacrificed.[7]
+
+Douay, which was immediately invested after this success, is a fortress
+of considerable strength, in the second line which covers the French
+province of Artois. Less populous than Lille, it embraces a wider
+circuit within its ample walls. Its principal defence consists in the
+marshes, which, on the side of Tournay, where attack might be expected,
+render it extremely difficult of access, especially in the rainy season.
+Access to it is defended by Fort Scarpe, a powerful outwork, capable of
+standing a separate siege. The garrison consisted of eight thousand men,
+under the command of the Marquis Albergotti, an officer of the highest
+talent and bravery; and under him were the renowned Valory, to direct
+the engineers, and the not less celebrated Chevalier de Jaucourt, to
+command the artillery. From a fortress of such strength so defended, the
+most resolute resistance might be expected, and no efforts were spared
+on the part of the Allied generals to overcome it.
+
+The investment was completed on the 24th, and the trenches opened on the
+5th May. On the 7th, the head of the sap was advanced to within two
+hundred and fifty yards of the exterior palisades; but the besiegers
+that night experienced a severe check from a vigorous sally of the
+besieged with twelve hundred men, by which two English regiments were
+nearly cut to pieces. But, on the 9th, a great train of artillery,
+consisting of two hundred pieces, with a large supply of artillery,
+arrived from Tournay; on the 11th, the advanced works were strongly
+armed, and the batteries were pushed up to the covered way, and
+thundered across the ditch against the rampart. The imminent danger of
+this important stronghold now seriously alarmed the French court; and
+Marshal Villars, who commanded their great army on the Flemish frontier,
+received the most positive orders to advance to its relief. By great
+exertions, he had now collected one hundred and fifty-three battalions
+and two hundred and sixty-two squadrons, which were pompously announced
+as mustering one hundred and fifty thousand combatants, and certainly
+amounted to more than eighty thousand. The Allied force was almost
+exactly equal; it consisted of one hundred and fifty-five battalions and
+two hundred and sixty-one squadrons. Villars broke up from the vicinity
+of Cambray on the 21st May, and advanced in great strength towards
+Douay. Marlborough and Eugene immediately made the most vigorous
+preparations to receive him. Thirty battalions only were left to
+prosecute the siege; twelve squadrons were placed in observation at
+Pont-a-Rache; and the whole remainder of the army, about seventy
+thousand strong, concentrated in a strong position, covering the siege,
+on which all the resources of art, so far as the short time would admit,
+had been lavished. Every thing was prepared for a mighty struggle. The
+whole guns were mounted on batteries four hundred paces from each other;
+the infantry was drawn up in a single line along the intrenchment, and
+filled up the whole interval between the artillery; the cavalry were
+arranged in two lines, seven hundred paces in rear of the foot-soldiers.
+It seemed another Malplaquet, in which the relative position of the two
+armies was reversed, and the French were to storm the intrenched
+position of the Allies. Every man in both armies fully expected a
+decisive battle; and Marlborough, who was heartily tired of the war,
+wrote to the Duchess, that he hoped for a victory, which should at once
+end the war, and restore him to private life.[8]
+
+
+Yet there was no battle. The lustre of Blenheim and Ramilies played
+round Marlborough's bayonets; the recollection of Turin tripled the
+force of Eugene's squadrons. Villars advanced on the 1st June, with all
+the pomp and circumstance of war, to within musket-shot of the Allied
+position; and he had not only the authority but the recommendation of
+Louis to hazard a battle. He boasted that his force amounted to a
+hundred and sixty thousand men.[9] But he did not venture to make the
+attack. To Marlborough's great regret, he retired without fighting; and
+the English general, at the age of threescore, was left to pursue the
+fatigues and the labours of a protracted campaign, in which, for the
+first time in his life, he was doubtful of success, from knowing the
+malignant eyes with which he was regarded by the ruling factions in his
+own country. "I long," said he, "for an end of the war, so God's will be
+done; whatever the event may be, I shall have nothing to reproach myself
+with, having, with all my heart, done my duty, and being hitherto
+blessed with more success than was ever known before. My wishes and duty
+are the same; but I can't say I have the same prophetic spirit I used to
+have; for in all the former actions I never did doubt of success, we
+having had constantly the great blessing of being of one mind. I cannot
+say it is so now; for I fear some are run so far into villanous faction,
+that it would more content them to see us beaten; but if I live I will
+be watchful that it shall not be in their power to do much hurt. The
+discourse of the Duke of Argyle is, that when I please there will then
+be peace. I suppose his friends speak the same language in England; so
+that I must every summer venture my life in a battle, and be found fault
+with in winter for not bringing home peace. No, I wish for it with all
+my heart and soul."[10]
+
+Villars having retired without fighting, the operations of the siege
+were resumed with redoubled vigour. On the 16th June, signals of
+distress were sent up from the town, which the French marshal perceived,
+and he made in consequence a show of returning to interrupt the siege,
+but his movements came to nothing. Marlborough, to counteract his
+movement, repassed the Scarpe at Vitry, and took up a position directly
+barring the line of advance of the French marshal, while Eugene
+prosecuted the siege. Villars again retired without fighting. On the
+22d, the Fort of Scarpe was breached, and the sap was advanced to the
+counterscarp of the fortress, the walls of which were violently shaken;
+and on the 26th, Albergotti, who had no longer any hope of being
+relieved, and who saw preparations made for a general assault,
+capitulated with the garrison, now reduced to four thousand five hundred
+men.[11]
+
+On the surrender of Douay, the Allied generals intended to besiege
+Arras, the _last_ of the triple line of fortresses which on that side
+covered France, and between which and Paris no fortified place remained
+to arrest the march of an invader. On the 10th July, Marlborough crossed
+the Scarpe at Vitry, and, joining Eugene, their united forces, nearly
+ninety thousand strong, advanced towards Arras. But Villars, who felt
+the extreme importance of this last stronghold, had exerted himself to
+the utmost for its defence. He had long employed his troops on the
+construction of new lines of great strength on the Crinchon, stretching
+from Arras and the Somme, and he had here collected nearly a hundred
+thousand men, and a hundred and thirty pieces of cannon. After
+reconnoitring this position, the Allied generals concurred in thinking
+that it was equally impossible to force them, and undertake the siege of
+Arras, while the enemy, in such strength, and so strongly posted, lay on
+its flank. Their first intention, on finding themselves baffled in this
+project, was to seize Hesdin on the Cancher, which would have left the
+enemy no strong place between them and the coast. But the skilful
+dispositions of Villars, who on this occasion displayed uncommon
+abilities and foresight, rendered this design abortive, and it was
+therefore determined to attack Bethune. This place, which was surrounded
+with very strong works, was garrisoned by nine thousand men, under the
+command of M. Puy Vauban, nephew, of the celebrated marshal of the same
+name. But as an attack on it had not been expected, the necessary
+supplies for a protracted resistance had not been fully introduced when
+the investment was completed on the 15th July.[12]
+
+
+Villars, upon seeing the point of attack now fully declared, moved in
+right columns upon Hobarques, near Montenencourt. Eugene and Marlborough
+upon this assembled their covering army, and changed their front, taking
+up a new line stretching from Mont St Eloi to Le Comte. Upon advancing
+to reconnoitre the enemy, Marlborough discovered that the French,
+advancing to raise the siege, were busy strengthening a new set of
+lines, which stretched across the plain from the rivulet Ugie to the
+Lorraine, and the centre of which at Avesnes Le Comte was already
+strongly fortified. It now appeared how much Villars had gained by the
+skilful measures which had diverted the Allies from their projected
+attack upon Arras. It lay upon the direct road to Paris. Bethune, though
+of importance to the ultimate issue of the war, was not of the same
+present moment. It lay on the flank on the second line, Arras in front,
+and was the only remaining fortress in the last. By means of the new
+lines which he had constructed, the able French marshal had erected a
+fresh protection for his country, when its last defences were wellnigh
+broken through. By simply holding them, the interior of France was
+covered from incursion, and time gained for raising fresh armaments in
+the interior for its defence, and, what was of more importance to Louis,
+awaiting the issue of the intrigues in England, which were expected soon
+to overthrow the Whig cabinet. Villars, on this occasion, proved the
+salvation of his country, and justly raised himself to the very highest
+rank among its military commanders. His measures were the more to be
+commended that they exposed him to the obloquy of leaving Bethune to its
+fate, which surrendered by capitulation, with its numerous garrison and
+accomplished commander, on the 28th August.[13]
+
+Notwithstanding the loss of so many fortresses on the endangered
+frontier of his territory, Louis XIV. was so much encouraged by what he
+knew of the great change which was going on in the councils of Queen
+Anne, that, expecting daily an entire revolution in the ministry, and
+overthrow of the war party in the Cabinet, he resolved on the most
+vigorous prosecution of the contest. He made clandestine overtures to
+the secret advisers of the Queen, in the hope of establishing that
+separate negotiation which at no distant period proved so successful.
+Torcy, the Duke's enemy, triumphantly declared, "what we lose in
+Flanders, we shall gain in England."[14] To frustrate these
+machinations, and if possible rouse the national feeling more strongly
+in favour of a vigorous prosecution of the war, Marlborough determined
+to lay siege to Aire and St Venant, which, though off the line of direct
+attack on France, laid open the way to Calais, which, if supported at
+home, he hoped to reduce before the conclusion of the campaign.[15] He
+entertained the most sanguine hopes of success from this design, which
+was warmly supported by Godolphin; but he obtained at this time such
+discouraging accounts of the precarious condition of his influence at
+court, that he justly concluded he would not be adequately supported in
+them from England, from which the main supplies for the enterprise must
+be drawn. He wisely, therefore, resolved, in concert with Eugene, to
+forego this dazzling but perilous project for the present, and to
+content himself with the solid advantages, unattended with risk, of
+reducing Aire and St Venant.
+
+Having takes their resolution, the confederate generals began their
+march in the beginning of September, and on the 6th of that month, both
+places were invested. Aire, which is comparatively of small extent, was
+garrisoned by only five thousand seven hundred men; but Venant was a
+place of great size and strength, and had a garrison of fourteen
+battalions of foot and three regiments of dragoons, mustering eight
+thousand combatants. They were under the command of the Count de
+Guebriant, a brave and skillful commander. Both were protected by
+inundations, which retarded extremely the operations of the besiegers,
+the more especially as the autumnal rains had early set in this year
+with more than usual severity. While anxiously awaiting the cessation of
+this obstacle, and the arrival of a great convoy of heavy cannon and
+ammunition which was coming up from Ghent, the Allied generals received
+the disheartening intelligence of the total defeat of this important
+convoy, which, though guarded by sixteen hundred men, was attacked and
+destroyed by a French corps on the 19th September. This loss affected
+Marlborough the more sensibly, that it was the first disaster of moment
+which had befallen him during nine years of incessant warfare.[16] But,
+notwithstanding this disaster, St Venant was so severely pressed by the
+fire of the besiegers, under the Prince of Anhalt, who conducted the
+operations with uncommon vigour and ability, that it was compelled to
+capitulate on the 29th, on condition of its garrison being conducted to
+St Omer, not to serve again till regularly exchanged.
+
+Aire still held out, as the loss of the convoy from Ghent, and the
+dreadful rains which fell almost without intermission during the whole
+of October, rendered the progress of the siege almost impossible. The
+garrison, too, under the command of the brave governor, made a most
+resolute defence. Sickness prevailed to a great extent in the Allied
+army; the troops were for the most part up to the knees in mud and
+water; and the rains, which fell night and day without intermission,
+precluded the possibility of finding a dry place for their lodging. It
+was absolutely necessary, however, to continue the siege; for,
+independent of the credit of the army being staked on its success, it
+had become impossible, as Marlborough himself said, to draw the cannon
+from the trenches.[17] The perseverance of the Allied commanders was at
+length rewarded by success. On the 12th November the fortress
+capitulated, and the garrison, still three thousand six hundred and
+twenty-eight strong, marched out prisoners, leaving sixteen hundred sick
+and wounded in the town. This conquest, which concluded the campaign,
+was, however, dearly purchased by the loss of nearly seven thousand men
+killed and wounded in the Allied ranks, exclusive of the sick, who,
+amidst those pestilential marshes, had now swelled to double the
+number.[18]
+
+Although the capture of four such important fortresses as Douay,
+Bethune, St Venant, and Aire, with their garrisons, amounting to thirty
+thousand men, who had been taken in them during the campaign, was a most
+substantial advantage, and could not fail to have a most important
+effect on the final issue of the war; yet it did not furnish the same
+subject for national exultation which preceding ones had done. There had
+been no brilliant victory like Blenheim, Ramilies, or Oudenarde, to
+silence envy and defy malignity; the successes, though little less real,
+had been not so dazzling. The intriguers about the court, the
+malcontents in the country, eagerly seized on this circumstance to
+calumniate the Duke, and accused him of unworthy motives in the conduct
+of the war. He was protracting it for his own private purposes, reducing
+it to a strife of lines and sieges, when he might at once terminate it
+by a decisive battle, and gratifying his ruling passion of avarice by
+the lucrative appointments which he enjoyed himself, or divided among
+his friends. Nor was it only among the populace and his political
+opponents that these surmises prevailed; his greatness and fame had
+become an object of envy to his own party. Orford, Wharton, and Halifax
+had on many occasions evinced their distrust of him; and even Somers,
+who had long stood his friend, was inclined to think the power of the
+Duke of Marlborough too great, and the emoluments and offices of his
+family and connexions immoderate.[19] The Duchess inflamed the discord
+between him and the Queen, by positively refusing to come to any
+reconciliation with her rival, Mrs Masham. The discord increased daily,
+and great were the efforts made to aggravate it. To the Queen, the
+never-failing device was adopted of representing the victorious general
+as lording it over the throne; as likely to eclipse even the crown by
+the lustre of his fame; as too dangerous and powerful a subject for a
+sovereign to tolerate. Matters came to such a pass, in the course of the
+summer of 1710, that Marlborough found himself thwarted in every request
+he made, every project he proposed; and he expressed his entire nullity
+to the Duchess, by the emphatic expression, that he was a "mere sheet of
+white paper, upon which his friends might write what they pleased."[20]
+
+The spite at the Duke appeared in the difficulties which were now
+started by the Lords of the Treasury in regard to the prosecution of the
+works at Blenheim. This noble monument of a nation's gratitude had
+hitherto proceeded rapidly; the stately design of Vanburgh was rapidly
+approaching its completion, and so anxious had the Queen been to see it
+finished, that she got a model of it placed in the royal palace of
+Kensington. Now, however, petty and unworthy objections were started on
+the score of expense, and attempts were made, by delaying payment of the
+sums from the Treasury, to throw the cost of completing the building on
+the great general. He had penetration enough, however, to avoid falling
+into the snare, and actually suspended the progress of the work when the
+Treasury warrants were withheld. He constantly directed that the
+management of the building should be left to the Queen's officers; and,
+by steadily adhering to this system, he shamed them into continuing the
+work.[21]
+
+Marlborough's name and influence, however, were too great to be entirely
+neglected, and the party which was now rising into supremacy at court
+were anxious, if possible, to secure them to their own side. They made,
+accordingly, overtures in secret to him; and it was even insinuated
+that, if he would abandon the Whigs, and coalesce with them, he would
+entirely regain the royal favour, and might aspire to the highest
+situation which a subject could hold. Lord Bolingbroke has told us what
+the conditions of this alliance were to be:--"He was to abandon the
+Whigs, his new friends, and take up with the Tories, his old friends; to
+engage heartily in the true interests, and no longer leave his country
+a prey to rapine and faction. He was, besides, required to restrain the
+rage and fury of his wife. Their offers were coupled with threats of an
+impeachment, and boasts that sufficient evidence could be adduced to
+carry a prosecution through both Houses."[22] To terms so degrading, the
+Duke answered in terms worthy of his high reputation. He declared his
+resolution to be of no party, to vote according to his conscience, and
+to be as hearty as his new colleagues in support of the Queen's
+government and the welfare of the country. This manly reply increased
+the repulsive feelings with which he was regarded by the ministry, who
+seem now to have finally resolved on his ruin; while the intelligence
+that such overtures had been made having got wind, sowed distrust
+between him and the Whig leaders, which was never afterwards entirely
+removed. But he honourably declared that he would be governed by the
+Whigs, from whom he would never depart; and that they could not suspect
+the purity of his motives in so doing, as they had now lost the majority
+in the House of Commons.[23]
+
+Parliament met on the 25th November; and Marlborough, in the end of the
+year, returned to London. But he soon received decisive proof of the
+altered temper both of government and the country towards him. In the
+Queen's speech, no notice was taken of the late successes in Flanders,
+no vote of thanks for his services in the campaign moved by ministers;
+and they even contrived, by a sidewind, to get quit of one proposed, to
+their no small embarrassment, by Lord Scarborough. The Duchess, too, was
+threatened with removal from her situation at court; and Marlborough
+avowed that he knew the Queen was "as desirous for her removal as Mr
+Harley and Mr Masham can be." The violent temper and proud unbending
+spirit of the Duchess were ill calculated to heal such a breach, which,
+in the course of the winter, became so wide, that her removal from the
+situation she held, as mistress of the robes, was only prevented by the
+fear that, in the vehemence of her resentment, she might publish the
+Queen's correspondence, and that the Duke, whose military services could
+not yet be spared, might resign his command. Libels against both the
+Duke and the Duchess daily appeared, and passed entirely unpunished,
+though the freedom of the press was far from being established. Three
+officers were dismissed from the army for drinking his health. When he
+waited on the Queen, on his arrival in England, in the end of December,
+she said--"I must request you will not suffer any vote of thanks to you
+to be moved in Parliament this year, _as my ministers will certainly
+oppose it_." Such was the return made by government to the hero who had
+raised the power and glory of England to an unprecedented pitch, and in
+that very campaign had cut deeper into the iron frontier of France than
+had ever been done in any former one.[24]
+
+The female coterie who aided at St James's the male opponents of
+Marlborough, were naturally extremely solicitous to get the Duchess
+removed from her situations as head of the Queen's household and keeper
+of the privy purse; and ministers were only prevented from carrying
+their wishes into effect by their apprehension, if executed, of the
+Duke's resigning his command of the army. In an audience, on 17th
+January 1711, Marlborough presented a letter to her Majesty from the
+Duchess, couched in terms of extreme humility, in which she declared
+that his anxiety was such, at the requital his services had received,
+that she apprehended he would not live six months.[25] The Queen at
+first refused to read it; and when at length, at the Duke's earnest
+request, she agreed to do so, she coldly observed--"I cannot change my
+resolution." Marlborough, in the most moving terms, and with touching
+eloquence, intreated the Queen not to dismiss the Duchess till she had
+no more need of her services, by the war being finished, which, he
+hoped, would be in less than a year; but he received no other answer,
+but a peremptory demand for the surrender of the gold key, the symbol of
+her office, within three days. Unable to obtain any relaxation in his
+sovereign's resolution, Marlborough withdrew with the deepest emotions
+of indignation and sorrow. The Duchess, in a worthy spirit, immediately
+took his resolution; she sent in her resignation, with the gold key,
+that very night. So deeply was Marlborough hurt at this extraordinary
+ingratitude for all his services, that he at first resolved to resign
+his whole command, and retire altogether into private life. From this
+intention he was only diverted, and that with great difficulty, by the
+efforts of Godolphin and the Whigs at home, and Prince Eugene and the
+Pensionary Heinsius abroad, who earnestly besought him not to abandon
+the command, as that would at once dissolve the grand alliance, and ruin
+the common cause. We can sympathise with the feelings of a victorious
+warrior who felt reluctant to forego, by one hasty step, the fruit of
+nine years of victories: we cannot but respect the self-sacrifice of the
+patriot who preferred enduring mortifications himself, to endangering
+the great cause of religious freedom and European independence.
+Influenced by these considerations, Marlborough withheld his intended
+resignation. The Duchess of Somerset was made mistress of the robes, and
+Mrs Masham obtained the confidential situation of keeper of the privy
+purse. Malignity, now sure of impunity, heaped up invectives on the
+falling hero. His integrity was calumniated, his courage even
+questioned, and the most consummate general of that, or perhaps any
+other age, represented as the lowest of mankind.[26] It soon appeared
+how unfounded had been the aspersions cast upon the Duchess, as well as
+the Duke, for their conduct in office. Her accounts, after being rigidly
+scrutinised, were returned to her without any objection being stated
+against them; and Marlborough, anxious to quit that scene of ingratitude
+and intrigue for the real theatre of his glory, soon after set out for
+the army in Flanders.[27]
+
+Marlborough arrived at the Hague on the 4th March; and, although no
+longer possessing the confidence of government, or intrusted with any
+control over diplomatic measures, he immediately set himself with the
+utmost vigour to prepare for military operations. Great efforts had been
+made by both parties, during the winter, for the resumption of
+hostilities, on even a more extended scale than in any preceding
+campaign. Marlborough found the army in the Low Countries extremely
+efficient and powerful; diversions were promised on the side both of
+Spain and Piedmont; and a treaty had been concluded with the Spanish
+malcontents, in consequence of which a large part of the Imperial forces
+were rendered disposable, which Prince Eugene was preparing to lead into
+the Low Countries. But, in the midst of these flattering prospects, an
+event occurred which suddenly deranged then all, postponed for above a
+month the opening of the campaign, and, in its final result, changed the
+fate of Europe. This was the death of the Emperor Joseph, of the
+smallpox, which happened at Vienna on the 16th April--an event which was
+immediately followed by Charles, King of Spain, declaring himself a
+candidate for the Imperial throne. As his pretensions required to be
+supported by a powerful demonstration of troops, the march of a large
+part of Eugene's men to the Netherlands was immediately stopped, and
+that prince himself was hastily recalled from Mentz, to take the command
+of the empire at Ratisbon, as marshal. Charles was soon after elected
+Emperor. Thus Marlborough was left to commence the campaign alone, which
+was the more to be regretted, as the preparations of Louis, during the
+winter, for the defence of his dominions had been made on the most
+extensive scale, and Marshal Villars' lines had come to be regarded as
+the _ne plus ultra_ of field fortification. Yet were Marlborough's
+forces most formidable; for, when reviewed at Orchies on the 30th April,
+between Lille and Douay, they were found, including Eugene's troops
+which had come up, to amount to one hundred and eighty-four battalions,
+and three hundred and sixty-four squadrons, mustering above one hundred
+thousand combatants.[28] But forty-one battalions and forty squadrons
+were in garrison, which reduced the effective force in the field to
+eighty thousand men.
+
+The great object of Louis and his generals had been to construct such a
+line of defences as might prevent the irruption of the enemy into the
+French territory, now that the interior and last line of fortresses was
+so nearly broken through. In pursuance of this design, Villars had, with
+the aid of all the most experienced engineers in France, and at a vast
+expense of labour and money, constructed during the winter a series of
+lines and field-works, exceeding any thing yet seen in modern Europe in
+magnitude and strength, and to which the still more famous lines of
+Torres Vedras have alone, in subsequent times, afforded a parallel. The
+works extended from Namur on the Meuse, by a sort of irregular line, to
+the coast of Picardy. Running first along the marshy line of the Canche,
+they rested on the forts of Montreuil, Hesdin, and Trevant; while the
+great fortresses of Ypres, Calais, Gravelines, and St Omer, lying in
+their front, and still in the hands of the French, rendered any attempt
+to approach them both difficult and hazardous. Along the whole of this
+immense line, extending over so great a variety of ground, for above
+forty miles, every effort had been made, by joining the resources of art
+to the defences of nature, to render the position impregnable. The lines
+were not continuous, as in many places the ground was so rugged, or the
+obstacles of rocks, precipices, and ravines were so formidable, that it
+was evidently impossible to overcome them. But whereever a passage was
+practicable, the approaches to it were protected in the most formidable
+manner. If a streamlet ran along the line, it was carefully dammed up,
+so as to be rendered impassible. Every morass was deepened, by stopping
+up its drains, or letting in the water of the larger rivers by
+artificial canals into it; redoubts were placed on the heights, so as to
+enfilade the plains between them; while in the open country, where no
+advantage of ground was to be met with, field-works were erected, armed
+with abundance of heavy cannon. To man these formidable lines, Villars
+had under his command one hundred and fifty-six battalions, and two
+hundred and twenty-seven squadrons in the field, containing seventy
+thousand infantry, and twenty thousand horse. He had ninety field guns
+and twelve howitzers. There was, besides, thirty-five battalions and
+eighty squadrons detached or in the forts; and, as Eugene soon took away
+twelve battalions and fifty squadrons from the Allied army, the forces
+on the opposite side, when they came to blows, were very nearly
+equal.[29]
+
+Marlborough took the field on the 1st May, with eighty thousand men;
+and his whole force was soon grouped in and around Douay. The
+headquarters of Villars were at Cambray; but, seeing the forces of his
+adversary thus accumulated in one point, he made a corresponding
+concentration, and arranged his whole disposable forces between Bouchain
+on the right, and Monchy Le Preux on the left. This position of the
+French marshal, which extended in a concave semicircle with the
+fortresses, covering either flank, he considered, and with reason, as
+beyond the reach of attack. The English general was meditating a great
+enterprise, which should at once deprive the enemy of all his defences,
+and reduce him to the necessity of fighting a decisive battle, or losing
+his last frontier fortresses. But he was overwhelmed with gloomy
+anticipations; he felt his strength sinking under his incessant and
+protracted fatigues, and knew well he was serving a party who, envious
+of his fame, were ready only to decry his achievements.[30] He lay,
+accordingly, for three weeks awaiting the arrival of his illustrious
+colleague, Prince Eugene, who joined on the 23d May, and took part in a
+great celebration of the anniversary of the victory at Ramilies, which
+had taken place on that day. The plans of the Allied generals were soon
+formed; and, taking advantage of the enthusiasm excited by that
+commemoration, and the arrival of so illustrious a warrior, preparations
+were made for the immediate commencement of active operations. On the
+28th, the two generals reviewed the whole army. But their designs were
+soon interrupted by an event which changed the whole fortune of the
+campaign. Early in June, Eugene received positive orders to march to
+Germany, with a considerable part of his troops, to oppose a French
+force, which was moving towards the Rhine, to influence the approaching
+election of Emperor. On the 13th June, Eugene and Marlborough separated,
+for _the last time_, with the deepest expressions of regret on both
+sides, and gloomy forebodings of the future. The former marched towards
+the Rhine with twelve battalions and fifty squadrons, while
+Marlborough's whole remaining force marched to the right in six
+divisions.[31]
+
+Though Villars was relieved by the departure of Eugene from a
+considerable part of the force opposed to him, and he naturally felt
+desirous of now measuring his strength with his great antagonist in a
+decisive affair, yet he was restrained from hazarding a general
+engagement. Louis, trusting to the progress of the Tory intrigues in
+England, and daily expecting to see Marlborough and the war-party
+overthrown, sent him positive orders not to fight; and soon after
+detached twenty-five battalions and forty squadrons, in two divisions,
+to the Upper Rhine, to watch the movements of Eugene. Villars encouraged
+this separation, representing that the strength of his position was
+such, that he could afford to send a third detachment to the Upper
+Rhine, if it was thought proper. Marlborough, therefore, in vain offered
+battle, and drew up his army in the plain of Lens for that purpose.
+Villars cautiously remained on the defensive; and, though he threw
+eighteen bridges over the Scarpe, and made a show of intending to fight,
+he cautiously abstained from any steps which might bring on a general
+battle.[32] It was not without good reason that Louis thus enjoined his
+lieutenant to avoid compromising his army. The progress of the
+negotiations with England gave him the fairest ground for believing that
+he would obtain nearly all he desired from the favour with which he was
+regarded by the British cabinet without running any risk. He had
+commenced a _separate_ negotiation with the court of St James's, which
+had been favourably received; and Mr Secretary St John had already
+transmitted to Lord Raby, the new plenipotentiary at the Hague, a sketch
+of six preliminary articles proposed by the French king, which were to
+be the basis of a general peace.[33]
+
+The high tone of these proposals proved how largely Louis counted upon
+the altered dispositions of the British cabinet. The Spanish succession,
+the real object of the war, was evaded. Every thing was directed to
+British objects, and influenced by the desire to tempt the commercial
+cupidity of England to the abandonment of the great objects of her
+national policy. Real security was tendered to the British commerce with
+Spain, the Indus, and the Mediterranean; the barrier the Dutch had so
+long contended for was agreed to; a reasonable satisfaction was tendered
+to the allies of England and Holland; and, as to the Spanish succession,
+it was to be left to "new expedients, to the satisfaction of all parties
+interested." These proposals were favourably received by the British
+ministry; they were in secret communicated to the Pensionary Heinsius,
+but concealed from the Austrian and Piedmontese plenipotentiaries; and
+they were _not communicated to Marlborough_--a decisive proof both of
+the altered feeling of the cabinet towards that general, and of the
+consciousness on their part of the tortuous path on which they were now
+entering.[34]
+
+After much deliberation, and a due consideration of what could be
+effected by the diminished force now at his disposal, which, by the
+successive drafts to Eugene's army, was now reduced to one hundred and
+nineteen battalions, and two hundred and fifty-six squadrons, not
+mustering above seventy-five thousand combatants, Marlborough determined
+to break through the enemies' boasted lines; and, after doing so,
+undertake the siege of Bouchain, the possession of which would give him
+a solid footing within the French frontier. With this view, he had long
+and minutely studied the lines of Villars; and he hoped that, even with
+the force at his disposal, they might be broken through. To accomplish
+this, however, required an extraordinary combination of stratagem and
+force; and the manner in which Marlborough contrived to unite them, and
+bring the ardent mind and lively imagination of his adversary to play
+into his hands, to the defeat of all the objects he had most at heart,
+is perhaps the most wonderful part of his whole military
+achievements.[35]
+
+During his encampment at Lewarde, opposite Villars, the English general
+had observed that a triangular piece of ground in front of the French
+position, between Cambray, Aubanchocil-au-bac, and the junction of the
+Sauzet and Scheldt, offered a position so strong, that a small body of
+men might defend it against a very considerable force. He resolved to
+make the occupation of this inconsiderable piece of ground the pivot on
+which the whole passage of the lines should be effected. A redoubt at
+Aubigny, which commanded the approach to it, was first carried without
+difficulty. Arleux, which also was fortified, was next attacked by seven
+hundred men, who issued from Douay in the night. That post also was
+taken, with one hundred and twenty prisoners. Marlborough instantly used
+all imaginable expedition in strengthening it; and Villars, jealous of a
+fortified post so close to his lines remaining in the hands of the
+Allies, attacked it in the night of the 9th July; and, though he failed
+in retaking the work, he surprised the Allies at that point, and made
+two hundred men and four hundred horses prisoners. Though much chagrined
+at the success of this nocturnal attack, the English general now saw
+his designs advancing to maturity. He therefore left Arleux to its own
+resources, and marched towards Bethune. That fort was immediately
+attacked by Marshal Montesquieu, and, after a stout resistance, carried
+by the French, who made the garrison, five hundred strong, prisoners.
+Villars immediately razed Arleux to the ground, and withdrew his troops;
+while Marlborough, who was in hopes the lure of these successes would
+induce Villars to hazard a general engagement, shut himself up in his
+tent, and appeared to be overwhelmed with mortification at the checks he
+had received.[36]
+
+Villars was so much elated with these successes, and the accounts he
+received of Marlborough's mortification, that he wrote to the king of
+France a vain-glorious letter, in which he boasted that he had at length
+brought his antagonist to a _ne plus ultra_. Meanwhile, Marlborough sent
+off his heavy baggage to Douay; sent his artillery under a proper guard
+to the rear; and, with all imaginable secresy, baked bread for the whole
+troops for six days, which was privately brought up. Thus disencumbered
+and prepared, he broke up at four in the morning on the 1st of August,
+and marched in eight columns towards the front. During the three
+following days, the troops continued concentrated, and menacing
+sometimes one part of the French lines and sometimes another, so as to
+leave the real point of attack in a state of uncertainty. Seriously
+alarmed, Villars concentrated his whole force opposite the Allies, and
+drew in all his detachments, evacuating even Aubigny and Arleux, the
+object of so much eager contention some days before. On the evening of
+the 4th, Marlborough, affecting great chagrin at the check he had
+received, spoke openly to those around him of his intention of avenging
+them by a general action, and pointed to the direction the attacking
+columns were to take. He then returned to the camp, and gave orders to
+prepare for battle. Gloom hung on every countenance of those around him;
+it appeared nothing short of an act of madness to attack an enemy
+superior in number, and strongly posted in a camp surrounded with
+entrenchments, and bristling with cannon. They ascribed it to
+desperation, produced by the mortifications received from the
+government, and feared that, by one rash act, he would lose the fruit of
+all his victories. Proportionally great was the joy in the French camp,
+when the men, never doubting they were on the eve of a glorious victory,
+spent the night in the exultation which, in that excitable people, has
+so often been the prelude to disaster.[37]
+
+Having brought the feeling of both armies to this point, and produced a
+concentration of Villars's army directly in his front, Marlborough, at
+dusk on the 4th, ordered the drums to beat; and before the roll had
+ceased, orders were given for the tents to be struck. Meanwhile Cadogan
+secretly left the camp, and met twenty-three battalions and seventeen
+squadrons, drawn from the garrisons of Lille and Tournay, which
+instantly marched; and continuing to advance all night, passed the lines
+rapidly to the left, without opposition at Arleux, at break of day. A
+little before nine, the Allied main army began to defile rapidly to the
+left, through the woods of Villers and Neuville--Marlborough himself
+leading the van, at the head of fifty squadrons. With such expedition
+did they march, still holding steadily on to the left, that before five
+in the morning of the 5th they reached Vitry on the Scarpe, where they
+found pontoons ready for their passage, and a considerable train of
+field artillery. At the same time, the English general here received the
+welcome intelligence of Cadogan's success. He instantly dispatched
+orders to every man and horse to press forward without delay. Such was
+the ardour of the troops, who all saw the brilliant manoeuvre by which
+they had outwitted the enemy, and rendered all their labour abortive,
+that they marched _sixteen hours_ without once halting; and by ten next
+morning, the whole had passed the enemies' lines without opposition, and
+without firing a shot! Villars received intelligence of the night-march
+having begun at eleven at night; but so utterly was he in the dark as to
+the plan his opponent was pursuing, that he came up to Verger, when
+Marlborough had drawn up his army on the _inner_ side of the lines in
+order of battle, attended only by a hundred dragoons, and narrowly
+escaped being made prisoner. Altogether, the Allied troops marched
+thirty-six miles in sixteen hours, the most part of them in the dark,
+and crossed several rivers, without either falling into confusion or
+sustaining any loss. The annals of war scarcely afford an example of
+such a success being gained in so bloodless a manner. The famous French
+lines, which Villars boasted would form the _ne plus ultra_ of
+Marlborough, had been passed without losing a man; the labour of nine
+months was at once rendered of no avail, and the French army, in deep
+dejection, had no alternative but to retire under the cannon of
+Cambray.[38]
+
+This great success at once restored the lustre of Marlborough's
+reputation, and, for a short season, put to silence his detractors.
+Eugene, with the generosity which formed so striking a feature in his
+character, wrote to congratulate him on his achievement;[39] and even
+Bolingbroke admitted that this bloodless triumph rivalled his greatest
+achievements.[40] Marlborough immediately commenced the siege of
+Bouchain; but this was an enterprise of no small difficulty, as it was
+to be accomplished on very difficult ground, in presence of an army
+superior in force. The investment was formed on the very day after the
+lines had been passed, and an important piece of ground occupied, which
+might have enabled Villars to communicate with the town, and regain a
+defensible position. On the morning of the 8th August, a bridge was
+thrown over the Scheldt at Neuville, and sixty squadrons passed over,
+which barred the road from Douay. Villars upon this threw thirty
+battalions across the Seuzet, and made himself master of a hill above,
+on which he began to erect works, which would have kept open his
+communications with the town on its southern front. Marlborough saw at
+once this design, and at first determined to storm the works ere they
+were completed; and, with this view, General Fagel, with a strong body
+of troops, was secretly passed over the river. But Villars, having heard
+of the design, attacked the Allied posts at Ivry with such vigour, that
+Marlborough was obliged to counter-march in haste, to be at hand to
+support them. Baffled in this attempt, Marlborough erected a chain of
+works on the right bank of the Scheldt, from Houdain, through Ivry, to
+the Sette, near Haspres, while Cadogan strengthened himself with similar
+works on the left. Villars, however, still retained the fortified
+position which has been mentioned, and which kept up his communication
+with the town; and the intercepting this was another, and the last, of
+Marlborough's brilliant field operations.[41]
+
+Notwithstanding all the diligence with which Villars laboured to
+strengthen his men on this important position, he could not equal the
+activity with which the English general strove to supplant them. During
+the night of the 13th, three redoubts were marked out, which would have
+completed the French marshal's communication with the town. But on the
+morning of the 14th they were all stormed by a large body of the Allied
+troops before the works could be armed. That very day the Allies carried
+their zig-zag down to the very edge of a morass which adjoined Bouchain
+on the south, so as to command a causeway from that town to Cambray,
+which the French still held, communicating with the besieged town. But,
+to complete the investment, it was necessary to win this causeway; and
+this last object was gained by Marlborough with equal daring and
+success. A battery, commanding the road, had been placed by Villars in a
+redoubt garrisoned by six hundred men, supported by three thousand more
+close in their rear. Marlborough, with incredible labour and diligence,
+constructed two roads, made of fascines, through part of the marsh, so
+as to render it passable to foot-soldiers; and, on the night of the
+16th, six hundred chosen grenadiers were sent across them to attack the
+intrenched battery. They rapidly advanced in the dark till the fascine
+path ended, and then boldly plunging into the marsh, struggled on, with
+the water often up to their arm-pits, till they reached the foot of the
+intrenchment, into which they rushed, without firing a shot, with fixed
+bayonets. So complete was the surprise, that the enemy were driven from
+their guns with the loss only of six men; the work carried; and with
+such diligence were its defences strengthened, that before morning it
+was in a condition to bid defiance to any attack.[42]
+
+Villars was now effectually cut off from Bouchain, and the operations of
+the siege were conducted with the utmost vigour. On the night of the
+21st, the trenches were opened; three separate attacks were pushed at
+the same time against the eastern, western, and southern faces of the
+town, and a huge train of heavy guns and mortars thundered upon the
+works without intermission. The progress of the siege, notwithstanding a
+vigorous defence by the besieged, was unusually rapid. As fast as the
+outworks were breached they were stormed; and repeated attempts on the
+part of Villars to raise the siege were baffled by the skilful
+disposition and strong ground taken by Marlborough with the covering
+army. At length, on the 12th September, as the counterscarp was blown
+down, the rampart breached, and an assault of the fortress in
+preparation, the governor agreed to capitulate; and the garrison, still
+three thousand strong, marched out upon the glacis, laid down their
+arms, and were conducted prisoners to Tournay.[43] The two armies then
+remained in their respective positions, the French under the cannon of
+Cambray, the Allied in the middle of their lines, resting on Bouchain;
+and Marlborough gave proof of the courtesy of his disposition, as well
+as his respect for exalted learning and piety, by planting a detachment
+of his troops to protect the estates of Fenelon, archbishop of Cambray,
+and conduct the grain from thence to the dwelling of the illustrious
+prelate in that town, which began now to be straitened for
+provisions.[44]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] "La Madeleine comme le Pantheon avait ete commencee la meme annee en
+1764, par les ordres de Louis XV., le roi des grand monumens, et dont le
+regne a ete travesti par la petite histoire."--CAPEFIGUE, _Histoire de
+Louis Philippe_, viii. 281.
+
+[2] Marlborough to the Earl of Sunderland, 8th Nov. 1709. _Disp._ iv.
+647. Coxe, iv. 167.
+
+[3] Coxe, iv. 169. Lamberti, vi. 37, 49.
+
+[4] Note to Petcum, August 10, 1710. _Marlborough Papers_; and Coxe, iv.
+173.
+
+[5] "I am very sorry to tell you that the behaviour of the French looks
+as if they had no other desire than that of carrying on the war. I hope
+God will bless this campaign, for I see nothing else that can _give us
+peace either at home or abroad_. I am so discouraged by every thing I
+see, that I have never, during this war, gone into the field with so
+heavy a heart as at this time. I own to you, that the present humour in
+England gives me a good deal of trouble; for I cannot see how it is
+possible they should mend till every thing is yet worse." _Marlborough
+to Duchess Marlborough_, Hague, 14th April 1710. Coxe, iv. 179.
+
+[6] Marlborough to Godolphin, 20th April, iv. 182.
+
+[7] "In my last, I had but just time to tell you we had passed the
+lines. I hope this happy beginning will produce such success this
+campaign as must put an end to the war. I bless God for putting it into
+their heads not to defend their lines; for at Pont-a-Vendin, when I
+passed, the Marshal D'Artagnan was with twenty thousand men, which, if
+he had staid, must have rendered the event very doubtful. But, God be
+praised, we are come without the loss of any men. The excuse the French
+make is, that we came four days before they expected us."--_Marlborough
+to the Duchess_, 21st April 1710. Coxe, ix. 184.
+
+[8] "I hope God will so bless our efforts, that if the Queen should not
+be so happy as to have a prospect of peace before the opening of the
+next session of parliament, she and all her subjects may be convinced we
+do our best here in the army to put a speedy and good period to this
+bloody war." _Marlborough to the Duchess_, May 12, 1710.
+
+"I hear of so many disagreeable things, that make it very reasonable,
+both for myself and you, to take no steps but what may lead to a quiet
+life. This being the case, am I not to be pitied that am every day in
+danger of exposing my life for the good of those who are seeking my
+ruin? God's will be done. If I can be so blessed as to end this campaign
+with success, things must very much alter to persuade me to come again
+at the head of the army." _Marlborough to the Duchess_, 19th May 1710.
+Coxe, iv. 191, 192.
+
+[9] Marlborough to Godolphin, 26th May and 2d June 1710.
+
+[10] Marlborough to the Duchess, 12th June 1710. Coxe, iv. 197.
+
+[11] Marlborough to Godolphin, 26th June 1710. _Disp._ iv. 696.
+
+[12] _Considerat. sur la Camp. de 1710, par M. le Marshal Villars_; and
+Coxe, iv. 192.
+
+[13] Marlborough to Godolphin, 29th August 1710. _Disp._ iv. 581. Coxe,
+iv. 294.
+
+[14] Coxe, iv. 343, 344.
+
+[15] "I am of opinion that, after the siege of Aire, I shall have it in
+my power to attack Calais. This is a conquest which would very much
+prejudice France, and ought to have a good effect for the Queen's
+service in England; but I see so much malice levelled at me, that I am
+afraid it is not safe for me to make any proposition, lest, if it should
+not succeed, my enemies should turn it to my disadvantage." _Marlborough
+to Godolphin_, 11th August 1710. Coxe, iv. 343.
+
+[16] "Till within these few days, during these _nine years_ I have never
+had occasion to send ill news. Our powder and other stores, for the
+carrying on these two sieges, left Ghent last Thursday, under the convoy
+of twelve hundred foot and four hundred and fifty horse. They were
+attacked by the enemy and beaten, so that they blew up the powder, and
+sunk the store-boats." _Marlborough to the Duchess_, 22d September 1710.
+Coxe, iv. 365.
+
+[17] "Take it we must, for we cannot draw the guns from the batteries.
+But God knows when we shall have it: night and day our poor men are up
+to the knees in mud and water." _Marlborough to Godolphin_, 27th October
+1710.
+
+[18] Marlborough to Godolphin, 13th November 1710. _Disp._ iv. 685, 689.
+Coxe, iv. 366, 367.
+
+[19] Cunningham, ii. 305.
+
+[20] Marlborough to the Duchess, 26th July 1710. Coxe, iv. 299.
+
+[21] Marlborough to the Duchess, 25th October and 24th November 1710.
+Coxe, iv. 351, 352.
+
+[22] Bolingbroke's _Corresp._, i. 41; Mr Secretary St John to Mr
+Drummond, 20th Dec. 1710.
+
+[23] "I beg you to lose no time in sending me, to the Hague, the opinion
+of our friend mentioned in my letter; for I would be governed by the
+Whigs, from whose principle and interest I will never depart. Whilst
+they had a majority in the House of Commons, they might suspect it might
+be my interest; but now they must do me the justice to see that it is my
+inclination and principle which makes me act." _Marlborough to the
+Duchess_, Nov. 9, 1710. Coxe, iv. 360.
+
+[24] Coxe, iv. 405.
+
+[25] "Though I never thought of troubling your Majesty again in this
+manner, yet the circumstances I see my Lord Marlborough in, and the
+apprehension I have that he cannot live six months, if there is not some
+end put to his sufferings on my account, make it impossible for me to
+resist doing every thing in my power to ease him." _Duchess of
+Marlborough to Queen Anne_, 17th Jan. 1711. Coxe, iv. 410.
+
+[26] Smollett, c. x. Sec. 20.
+
+[27] Marlborough to the Duchess, 24th May 1711. Coxe, v. 417-431.
+
+[28] Eugene to Marlborough, 23d April 1710; Marlborough to St John, 29th
+April 1710. Coxe, vi. 16. _Disp._ v. 319.
+
+[29] Lidiard, ii. 426. Coxe, vi. 21. 22.
+
+[30] "I see my Lord Rochester has gone where we all must follow. I
+believe my journey will be hastened by the many vexations I meet with. I
+am sure I wish well to my country, and if I could do good, I should
+think no pains too great; but I find myself decay so very fast, that
+from my heart and soul I wish the Queen and my country a peace by which
+I might have the advantage of enjoying a little quiet, which is my
+greatest ambition." _Marlborough to the Duchess_, 25th May, 1711. Coxe,
+vi. 28.
+
+[31] Marlborough to St John, 14th June 1711. _Disp_. v. 428. Coxe, vi.
+29, 30.
+
+[32] _Villars' Mem._ tom. ii. ann. 1711.
+
+[33] _Bolingbroke's Corresp._ i. 172.
+
+[34] "The Duke of Marlborough has no communication from home on this
+affair; I suppose he will have none from the Hague." _Mr Secretary St
+John to Lord Raby_, 27th April 1711. _Bolingbroke's Corresp._ i. 175.
+
+[35] Coxe, vi. 52-54.
+
+[36] Kane's _Memoirs_, p. 89. Coxe, vi. 53, 55; _Disp._ v. 421, 428.
+
+[37] Kane's _Memoirs_, p. 92. Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 6th
+August, 1711. _Disp._ v. 428.
+
+[38] Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 6th August 1711. _Disp._ v.
+428. Coxe, vi. 60-65. _Kane's Mil. Mem._ 96-99.
+
+[39] "No person takes a greater interest in your concerns than myself;
+your highness has penetrated into the _ne plus ultra_. I hope the siege
+of Bouchain will not last long." _Eugene to Marlborough_, 17th August
+1711. Coxe, vi. 66.
+
+[40] "My Lord Stair opened to us the general steps which your grace
+intended to take, in order to pass the lines in one part or another. It
+was, however, hard to imagine, and too much to hope, that a plan, which
+consisted of so many parts, wherein so many different corps were to
+co-operate personally together, should entirely succeed, and no one
+article fail of what your grace had projected. I most heartily
+congratulate your grace on this great event, of which I think no more
+needs be said, than that you have obtained, without losing a man, such
+an advantage, as we should have been glad to have purchased with the
+loss of several thousand lives." _Mr Secretary St John to Marlborough_,
+31st July 1711. _Disp._ v. 429.
+
+[41] Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 10th August 1711. _Disp._ v.
+437.
+
+[42] Coxe, vi. 71-80; Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 14th, 17th,
+and 20th August 1711; _Disp._ v. 445, 450, 453.
+
+[43] Marlborough to Mr Secretary St John, 14th Sept. 1711. _Disp._ v.
+490. _Coxe_, vi. 78-88.
+
+[44] _Victoires de Marlborough_, iii. 22. Coxe, vi. 87.
+
+
+
+
+MOHAN LAL IN AFGHANISTAN.
+
+
+     _The Life of the Amir Dost Mohammed Khan of Kabul._ By MOHAN LAL,
+     Esq., Knight of the Persian order of the Lion and Sun, lately
+     attached to the Mission at Kabul, &c. &c. London: 1846.
+
+We have arrived at an age when striking contrasts and seeming
+incongruities cease to startle and offend. If we have not yet attained
+the promised era when the lion shall lie down with the lamb--and even of
+that day a VAN AMBURGH and a CARTER have given us significant
+intimations--we have certainly reached an epoch quite as extraordinary,
+and behold things as opposite conciliated, as hostile reconciled. We
+need not go far for illustrations: in the columns of newspapers, in the
+public market-place, at each street-corner, they force themselves upon
+us. The EAST and the WEST are brought together--the desert and the
+drawing-room are but a pace apart--European refinements intrude
+themselves into the haunts of barbarism--and bigoted Oriental potentates
+learn tolerance from the liberality of the Giaour. An article upon
+contrasts would fill a magazine. Ibrahim Pasha and religious liberty,
+the Red Sea and the Peninsular Steam Company, the Great Desert and the
+Narrow Gauge, are but one or two of a thousand that suggest themselves.
+On all sides Europe thrusts out the giant arms of innovation, spanning
+the globe, encompassing the world. England, especially, ever foremost in
+the race, by enterprise and ingenuity achieves seeming miracles. With
+steam for her active and potent agent, she drives highways across the
+wilderness, covers remote seas with smoky shipping, replaces dromedaries
+by locomotives, runs rails through the Arab village and the lion's lair.
+From his carpet and coffee, his pipe and _farniente_, the astonished
+Mussulman is roused by the rush and rattle of the train. On the sudden,
+by no gradual transition or slow approach, is this semi-savage brought
+in contact with the latest refinements and most astounding discoveries
+of civilisation. He is bewildered by sights and sounds of which
+yesterday he had not the remotest conception. Couriers traverse the
+desert with the regularity of a London and Edinburgh mail; caravans of
+well-dressed ladies and gentlemen ramble leisurely over the sands, and
+brave the simoon on a trip of pleasure to the far East; omnibuses, after
+the fashion of Paddington, have their stations on the Isthmus of Suez.
+Every where the hat is in juxtaposition with the turban, and the boot of
+the active Christian galls the slippered heel of Mahomet's indolent
+follower, spurring him to progress and improvement.
+
+As strange as any of the incongruous associations already hinted at, is
+one that we are about to notice. That an Oriental should write a book,
+is in no way wonderful; that he should write it in English, more or less
+correct, may also be conceived, since abundant opportunities are
+afforded to our Eastern fellow-subjects for the acquirement of that
+language; but that he should write it, not out of the fulness of his
+knowledge, or to convey the results of long study and profound
+meditation, but merely, as the razors were made, to sell, does seem
+strangely out of character, sadly derogatory to the gravity and dignity
+of a Wise Man of the East. We have really much difficulty in portraying
+upon our mental speculum so anomalous an animal as an Oriental
+bookmaker. We cannot fancy a Knight of the very Persian order of the
+Lion and Sun transformed into a publisher's hack, driving bargains with
+printers, delivered over to devils, straining each nerve, resorting to
+every stale device to swell his volumes to a presentable size, as if
+bulk would atone for dulness, and wordiness for lack of interest. Such,
+nevertheless, is the painful picture now forced upon us by a Kashmirian
+gentleman of Delhi, Mohan Lal by name. Encouraged by the indulgent
+reception accorded to an earlier, less pretending, and more worthy
+literary attempt--allured also, perhaps, by visions of a shining river
+of rupees pleasantly flowing into his purse, the aforesaid Lal,
+Esquire--so does his title-page style him--has committed himself by the
+fabrication of two heavy volumes, whose interesting portions are, for
+the most part stale, and whose novelties are of little interest. Neither
+the fulsome dedication, nor the humility of the preface, nor the
+indifferent lithographs, purporting to represent notable Asiatics and
+Europeans, can be admitted in palliation of this Kashmirian scribbler's
+literary misdemeanour. It is impossible to feel touched or mollified
+even by the plaintive tone in which he informs us that he has disbursed
+three hundred pounds for payment of copyists, paper, and portraits. The
+latter, by the bye, will hardly afford much gratification to their
+originals, at least if they be all as imperfect and unflattering in
+their resemblance as some two or three which we have had opportunities
+of comparing. But that is a minor matter. Illustration is a mania of the
+day--a crotchet of a public whose reading appetite, it is to be feared,
+is in no very healthy state. From penny tracts to quarto volumes, every
+thing must have pictures--the more the better--bad ones rather than
+none. Turning from the graphic embellishments of the books before us, we
+revert to the letterpress, and to the endeavour to sift something of
+interest or value out of the nine hundred pages through which, in
+conscientious fulfilment of our critical duties, we have wearisomely
+toiled.
+
+The work in question purports to be a life of Dost Mohammed Khan, the
+well-known Amir of Kabul. It is what it professes to be, but it is also
+a great deal more; the whole has been named from a part. A history of
+the affairs of Sindh occupies nearly half a volume, and consists chiefly
+of copious extracts from works already published--such as _Pottinger's
+Bilochistan_, _Dr Burnes' Visit to the Court of Sindh_, _Sir A. Burnes'
+Travels in Bokhara_, _Thornton's British India_--from which sources the
+unscrupulous Lal helps himself unsparingly, and with scarce a word of
+apology either to reader or writer. We have long accounts of Russian
+intrigues, and of those alarming plots and combinations which frightened
+Lords Auckland and Palmerston from their propriety, and led to our
+interference and reverses in Afghanistan--interference so impotently
+followed up, reverses which neither have been nor ever can be fully
+redeemed. The mismanagement or incapacity of our political agents during
+the short time that we maintained the unfortunate Shah Shuja on the
+throne of Kabul, is another fertile topic for the verbose Kashmirian;
+but this, it must be observed, is one of the best portions of his book,
+although it has no very direct reference to Dost Mohammed, "the lion of
+my subject and hero of my tale," as his historian styles him. Numerous
+copies of despatches, treaties and diplomatic correspondence, sundry
+testimonies of Mr. Lal's abilities and services, and various extraneous
+matters, complete the volumes. To give the barest outline of so
+voluminous a work would lead us far beyond our allotted limits. We
+should even be puzzled to effect the analysis of the first half volume,
+which sketches the history of Afghanistan from the period when Payandah
+Khan, chief of the powerful Barakzai tribe and father of Dost Mohammed,
+was the prime favourite and triumphant general of Taimur Shah, up to the
+date when the Dost himself, after a long series of bloody wars, sat upon
+the throne, was in the zenith of his prosperity, and when British
+diplomatists first began to make and meddle in the affairs of his
+kingdom. The perpetually recurring changes, the revolts, revolutions,
+and usurpations of which Afghanistan was the scene with little
+intermission during the whole of that period, the absence of dates,
+which Mohan Lal accounts for by the loss of his manuscripts during the
+Kabul insurrection, and the host of proper names introduced, render this
+part of the work most perplexingly confused. The reader, however
+attentive to his task, becomes fairly bewildered amidst the multitude of
+Khans, Shahs, Vazirs, Sardars, and other personages, who pass in hurried
+review before his eyes, and utterly puzzled by the strange manoeuvres
+and seemingly unaccountable treasons of the actors in this great
+Eastern melodrama. In glancing at the book, we shall confine ourselves
+more strictly than Mohan Lal has done, to the personal exploits and
+history of Dost Mohammed.
+
+On the death of Taimur Shah, leaving several sons, there was much
+difference of opinion amongst the nobles as to who should succeed him.
+Payandah Khan, who had received from the sovereign he had so faithfully
+served, the title of Sarfraz, or, the Lofty, and whose position and
+influence in the country enabled him in some sort to play the part of
+king-maker, solved the difficulty by placing Prince Zaman upon the
+throne. For a time Zaman was all gratitude, until evil advisers poisoned
+his mind, and accused Payandah and other chiefs of plotting to transfer
+the crown to Shah Shuja, another son of Taimur. Without trial or
+investigation, the persons accused were put to death; and the sons and
+nephews of Payandah became fugitives, and suffered great misery. Some
+were taken prisoners, others begged their bread, or took shelter in the
+mausoleum of Ahmad Shah, in order to receive a share of the food there
+doled out for charity's sake. Fatah Khan, the eldest son of Payandah,
+fled to Persia; Dost Mohammed, the twentieth son of the same father,
+found protection in a fortress belonging to the husband of his mother,
+who, in conformity with an Afghan custom, had been claimed by and
+compelled to marry one of the nearest relatives of her deceased lord.
+This occurred when Dost was a child of seven or eight years old. After a
+while, Fatah Khan returned from Persia with an army, and accompanied by
+Mahmud Shah, another of Taimur's sons who pretended to the crown of
+Afghanistan. His first encounter with the troops of Shah Zaman was a
+triumph; and now, says the figurative Lal, the stars of the descendants
+of the Sarfraz began to shine. Fatah sought out his young brother, Dost
+Mohammed, gave him in charge to a trusty adherent, fixed an income for
+his support, and marched away to besiege Qandhar, which he took by
+escalade. This was the commencement of a war of succession, or rather of
+a series of wars, in which the two sons of Payandah played important
+parts. The elder met his death, the younger gained a crown. At first the
+contest was amongst the sons and grandsons of Taimur; to several of whom
+in turn Fatah and Dost gave their powerful support. It was not till
+after many years of civil strife that the last-named chief, prompted by
+ambition, and presuming on his popularity and high military reputation,
+set up on his own account, and bore away the prize from the more
+legitimate competitors.
+
+When only in his twelfth year, Dost Mohammed Khan was attached to the
+retinue of his brother as _abdar_, or water-bearer. He soon acquired
+Fatah's confidence, and was admitted to share his secrets. Before he was
+fourteen years old, he displayed great energy and intrepidity, which
+qualities, added to his remarkable personal beauty, rendered him
+exceedingly popular in the country and a vast favourite with Fatah, but
+excited the jealousy of his other brothers--men of little more than
+ordinary capacity, totally unable to compete with him in any respect.
+Whilst still a mere lad, Dost, by his courage and sagacity, delivered
+Fatah from more than one imminent peril. At last Shah Zaman, who had
+been deposed and blinded, and his son Shah Zadah, laid a snare for Fatah
+in the palace-gardens at Qandhar. Ambushed men suddenly seized him,
+hurled him to the ground with such violence as to break his teeth, and
+kept him prisoner. Dost Mohammed made a dashing attempt at a rescue; but
+he had only five hundred followers, the palace was strongly garrisoned,
+and a heavy fire of matchlocks repelled him. Meanwhile large bodies of
+troops marched to occupy the city gates; and, for his own safety's sake,
+he was compelled to leave his brother in captivity, and cut his way out.
+Retreating to his stronghold of Giriskh, he awaited the passage of a
+rich caravan from Persia. This he plundered, thereby becoming possessed
+of about four lakhs of rupees, which he employed in raising troops. With
+these he invested Qandhar. After a three months' siege, the garrison had
+exhausted its provisions and ammunition; and Zadah, to get rid of the
+terrible Dost, released Fatah Khan. The prisoner's liberation was also
+partly owing to the intercession of Shah Shuja; notwithstanding which,
+Fatah and Dost, with an utter contempt of gratitude and loyalty, soon
+afterwards turned their arms against that prince. A great cavalry fight
+took place, in which the brave but unprincipled brothers were
+victorious. Dost Mohammed was made a field-marshal, and marched against
+an army commanded by Shah Shuja in person; a desperate battle ensued,
+terminated by negotiation, and once more Dost and the Shah were allies.
+But no sooner had poor Shuja gained over his enemies, than his friends
+revolted against him, and set up his nephew Zadah as king of
+Afghanistan; and very soon his new allies, with unparalleled treachery,
+and despite of the titles and presents he had showered upon them, once
+more abandoned him. Friend Lal, we are sorry to perceive, seems struck
+rather with admiration than horror of these double-dyed traitors, and
+talks of the brave heart and wise head of Dost Mohammed, and of the
+noble and independent notions which nature had cultivated in him; thus
+betraying a certain Oriental laxity of principle which European
+education and society might have been expected to eradicate. But he is
+perhaps dazzled and blinded by the brilliant military prowess of Dost,
+who, at the head of only three thousand men, fell upon the
+advanced-guard of the Shah's army, ten thousand strong, and, after a
+terrible slaughter, completely routed it. The news of this reverse
+greatly incensed and alarmed Shuja, who said confidentially to his
+minister, that whilst Dost Mohammed was alive and at large, he (Shuja)
+could never expect victory or the enjoyment of his crown. A wonderful
+and true prophecy, observes Mohan Lal. Shortly afterwards, the remainder
+of the Shah's troops were defeated by Dost, and the Shah himself was
+once more a fugitive.
+
+Shah Mahmud was now placed upon the throne; Vazir Fatah Khan was his
+prime minister, and Dost received the title of Sardar, or chief. It was
+about this time that the "Sardar of my tale," as the worthy Lal
+affectionately styles his hero, committed the first of a series of
+murders which, were there no other infamous deeds recorded of him, would
+stamp him as vile, and destroy any sympathy that his bravery in the
+field and notable talents might otherwise excite in his favour. A
+Persian secretary, one Mirza Ali Khan, by his skill and conduct as a
+politician, and by his kindly disposition, gained a popularity and
+influence which offended the ambitious brothers, and Fatah desired Dost
+to make away with him.
+
+"On receiving the orders of the Vazir, Dost Mohammed armed himself
+cap-a-pie, and taking six men with him, went and remained waiting on the
+road between the house of Mohammed Azim Khan and the Mirza. It was about
+midnight when the Mirza passed by Dost Mohammed Khan, whom he saw, and
+said, 'What has brought your highness here at this late hour? I hope all
+is good.' He also added, that Dost Mohammed should freely command his
+services if he could be of any use to him. He replied to the Mirza that
+he had got a secret communication for him, and would tell him if he
+moved aside from the servants. He stopped his horse, whereupon Dost
+Mohammed, holding the mane of the horse with his left hand, and taking
+his dagger in his right, asked the Mirza to bend his head to hear him.
+While Dost Mohammed pretended to tell him something of his own
+invention, and found that the Mirza was hearing him without any
+suspicion, he stabbed him between the shoulders, and throwing him off
+his horse, cut him in many places. This was the commencement of the
+murders which Dost Mohammed Khan afterwards frequently committed."
+
+Notwithstanding his high military rank and great services, Dost was very
+submissive to Fatah, who was greatly his senior. He acted as his
+cup-bearer, and was a constant attendant at his nocturnal carouses,
+carrying a golden goblet, and helping him to wine. The morals of both
+brothers were as exceptionable in private as in public life. Their
+biographer gives details of an intrigue between Dost and the favourite
+wife of Fatah; and even hints a doubt whether the Vazir was not
+cognizant of the intercourse, which he took no steps to check or punish.
+Both brothers were fond of wine, and indulged in it to excess. Dost,
+especially, was at one time a most unmitigated sot, although his
+bibulous propensities had apparently no permanent effect upon his
+intellects and energies. His capacity for liquor, if Lal's account be
+authentic, was extraordinary. "It is said that he has emptied several
+dozens of bottles in one night, and did not cease from drinking until he
+was quite intoxicated, and could not drink a drop more. He has often
+become senseless from drinking, and has, on that account, kept himself
+confined in bed during many days. He has been often seen in a state of
+stupidity on horseback, and having no turban, but a skull-cap, on his
+head." At a later period of his life, Dost Mohammed, being abroad one
+evening, met two of his sons, Afzal Khan, and the well-known Akhbar
+Khan, in an intoxicated state. Less tolerant for his children than for
+himself, he gave them a sound thrashing, and, not satisfied with that,
+took them up to the roof of a house, and threw them down on stony
+ground, to the risk of their lives. The mother of Akhbar heard of this,
+and reproached her husband with punishing others for a vice he himself
+was prone to. Dost hung his head, and swore to drink wine no more. We
+are not told whether he kept the vow, but subsequently, when he was made
+Amirul-Momnim, or Commander of the Faithful, he did forsake his drunken
+habits. On his reinstatement at Kabul, after its final abandonment by
+the British, he relapsed into his old courses, saying, that whilst he
+was an enemy to wine, he was always unlucky; but that since he had
+resumed drinking, his prosperity had returned, and he had gained his
+liberty after being in "Qaid i Frang," which, being interpreted, means
+an English prison. When sitting over his bottle, he can sing a good
+song, and play upon the _rabab_, a sort of Afghan fiddle, with very
+considerable skill. Altogether, and setting aside his throat-cuttings,
+and a few other peculiarities, Dost Mohammed must be considered as
+rather a jovial and good-humoured barbarian.
+
+Although a fervent admirer of the fair sex, the valiant Sardar
+occasionally, in the hurry and excitement of war and victory, forgot the
+respect to which it is entitled. A blunder of this description was
+productive of fatal consequences to his brother the Vazir. A breach of
+decorum overthrew a dynasty: a lady's girdle changed the destinies of a
+kingdom. The circumstances were as follows:--By a well-executed
+stratagem, Dost Mohammed surprised the city of Hirat, seized Shah Zadah
+Firoz, who ruled there, and plundered the palace. Not content with
+appropriating the rich store of jewels, gold, and silver, found in the
+treasury, he despoiled the inmates of the harem, and committed an
+offence unpardonable in Eastern eyes, by taking off the jewelled band
+which fastened the trowsers of the daughter-in-law of Shah Zadah. The
+insulted fair one sent her profaned inexpressibles to her brother, a son
+of Mahmud Shah, known by the euphonious appellation of Kam Ran. Kam
+swore to be revenged. Even Fatah Khan was so shocked at the unparalleled
+impropriety of his brother's conduct, that he threatened to punish him;
+whereupon Dost, with habitual prudence, avoided the coming storm, and
+took refuge with another of his brothers, then governor of Kashmir. Kam
+Ran came to Hirat, found that Dost had given him the slip, and consoled
+himself by planning, in conjunction with some other chiefs, the
+destruction of Fatah Khan. They seized him, put out his eyes, and
+brought him pinioned before Mahmud Shah, whom he himself had set upon
+the throne. The Shah desired him to write to his rebellious brothers to
+submit: he steadily refused, and Mahmud then ordered his death. "The
+Vazir was cruelly and deliberately butchered by the courtiers, who cut
+him limb from limb, and joint from joint, as was reported, after his
+nose, ears, fingers, and lips, had been chopped off. His fortitude was
+so extraordinary, that he neither showed a sign of the pain he suffered,
+nor asked the perpetrators to diminish their cruelties; and his head was
+at last sliced from his lacerated body. Such was the shocking result of
+the misconduct of his brother, the Sardar Dost Mohammed Khan, towards
+the royal female in Hirat. However, the end of the Vazir, Fatah Khan,
+was the end of the Sadozai reign, and an omen for the accession of the
+new dynasty of the Barakzais, or his brothers, in Afghanistan."
+
+It would be tiresome to trace in detail the events that followed the
+Vazir's death,--the numerous battles--the treaties concluded and
+violated--the reverses and triumphs of the various chiefs who contended
+for the supremacy. To revenge their brother, and gratify their own
+ambition, the Barakzais united together, expelled Mahmud, and divided
+the country amongst themselves. Mohammed Azim, the eldest brother, took
+Kabul, Sultan Mohammed had Peshavar, Purdil Khan received Qandhar, and
+to the Sardar Dost Mohammed Ghazni was allotted. Apparently all were
+content with this arrangement; but, in secret, Dost was far from
+satisfied, and plotted to improve his share. With this view, he entered
+into negotiations with Ranjit Singh and the Lahore chiefs; and at last,
+by intrigue and treachery, rather than by force of arms, he reduced
+Mohammed Azim to such extremities and despair, that he retired to Kabul,
+and there died broken-hearted. His son, Habib-Ullah, who succeeded him,
+fared no better. He was turned out of Kabul, and exposed to want and
+misery, which broke his spirit, and rendered him insane. He left the
+country with his wives and children, whom he murdered on the banks of
+the Indus, and threw into the river.
+
+Whilst Dost was in full career of success and aggrandisement, achieved
+by the most treacherous and sanguinary means, Shah Shuja raised an army
+in Sindh, intending to invade Qandhar and recover his dominions. A
+report was spread by certain discontented chiefs in Dost Mohammed's and
+the Qandhar camps that the English favoured Shuja's attempt. To
+ascertain the truth of this, Dost Mohammed addressed a letter to Sir
+Claude Wade, then political agent at Loodianah, requesting to know
+whether the Shah was supported by the English. If so, he said, he would
+take the state of affairs into his deliberate consideration; but if the
+contrary was the case, he was ready to fight the Shah. Sir Claude Wade
+replied, that the British government took no share in the king's
+expedition against the Barakzai chief, but that it wished him well.
+Thereupon Dost and his son Akhbar Khan marched to meet the Shah. A
+battle was fought in front of Qandhar, and at first victory seemed to
+incline to Shuja; but by the exertions and valour of the Sardar and his
+son, the tide was turned, and the threatened defeat converted into a
+signal victory. "All the tents, guns, and camp equipage of the
+ever-fugitive Shah Shuja fell into the hands of the Lion of Afghanistan,
+and a large bundle of the papers and correspondence of various chiefs in
+his country with the Shah. Among these he found many letters under the
+real or forged seal of Sir Claude Wade, to the address of certain
+chiefs, stating that any assistance given to Shah Shuja should be
+appreciated by the British government."
+
+Whilst Mohammed thus successfully assisted his brothers, the Qandhar
+chiefs, against their common foe, Shah Shuja, his other brothers, the
+Peshavar chiefs, were dispossessed by the Sikhs, and compelled to take
+refuge at Jellalabad. There, expecting that Dost would be beaten by the
+Shah, they planned to seize upon Kabul. Their measures were taken, and
+in some districts they had actually appointed governors, when they
+learned Shuja's defeat, and their brother's triumphant return. This was
+the destruction of their ambitious projects; but with true Afghan craft
+and hypocrisy, they put a good face upon the matter, fired salutes in
+honour of the victory, disavowed the proceedings of those officers who,
+by their express order, had taken possession of the Sardar's villages,
+and went out to meet him with every appearance of cordiality and joy.
+Although not the dupe of this seeming friendship, Dost Mohammed received
+them well, and declared his intention of undertaking a religious war
+against the Sikhs to revenge their aggressions at Peshavar, and to
+punish them for having dared, as infidels, to make an inroad into a
+Mahomedan land. In acting thus, the cunning Sardar had two objects in
+view. One was to obtain recruits by appealing to the fanaticism of the
+people, for his funds were low, and the Afghans were weary of war; the
+other, which he at once attained, was to get himself made king, on the
+ground that religious wars, fought under the name and flag of any other
+than a crowned head, do not entitle those who fall in them to the glory
+of martyrdom. The priests, chiefs, and counsellors, consulted together,
+and agreed that Dost Mohammed ought to assume the royal title. The
+Sardar, without any preparation or feast, went out of the Bala Hisar
+with some of his courtiers; and in Idgah, Mir Vaiz, the head-priest of
+Kabul, put a few blades of grass on his head, and called him
+"Amirul-Momnin," or, "Commander of the Faithful." Thus did the wily and
+unscrupulous Dost at last possess the crown he so long had coveted.
+Instead, however, of being inflated by his dignity, the new Amir became
+still plainer in dress and habits, and more easy of access than before.
+Finding himself in want of money for his projected war, and unable to
+obtain it by fair means, he now commenced a system of extortion, which
+he carried to frightful lengths, pillaging bankers and merchants,
+confiscating property, and torturing those who refused to acquiesce in
+his unreasonable demands. One poor wretch, a trader of the name of Sabz
+Ali, was thrown into prison, branded and tormented in various ways,
+until he expired in agony. His relatives were compelled to pay the
+thirty thousand rupees which it had been the object of this barbarous
+treatment to extort. At last five lakhs of rupees were raised, wherewith
+to commence the religious war. Its result was disastrous and
+discreditable to the Amir. Without having fought a single battle, he was
+outwitted and outmanoeuvred, and returned crestfallen to Kabul--his
+brothers, the Peshavar chiefs, who were jealous of his recent elevation,
+having aided in his discomfiture.
+
+Although the Amir had many enemies both at home and abroad--the most
+inveterate amongst the former being some of his own brothers--and
+although he was often threatened by great dangers, he gradually
+succeeded in consolidating his power, and fixing himself firmly upon the
+throne he had usurped. Himself faithless and treacherous, he distrusted
+all men; and gradually removing the governors of various districts, he
+replaced them by his sons, who feared him, scrupulously obeyed his
+orders, and followed his system of government. In time his power became
+so well established that the intrigues of his dissatisfied brethren no
+longer alarmed him. The Sikhs gave him some uneasiness, but in a battle
+at Jam Road, near the entrance of the Khaibar Pass, his two sons, Afzal
+and Akhbar, defeated them and killed their general, Hari Singh. The
+victory was chiefly due to Afzal, but Akhbar got the credit, through the
+management of his mother, the Amir's favourite wife. This unjust
+partiality, to which we shall again have occasion to refer when touching
+upon the future prospects of Afghanistan, greatly disheartened Afzal and
+his brothers, and indisposed them towards their father.
+
+The brief and imperfect outline which we have been enabled to give of
+the career of Dost Mohammed, and of his arrival at the supreme power in
+Kabul, is entirely deficient in dates. The Afghans have no records, but
+preserve their history solely by tradition and memory. Mohan Lal having,
+as before mentioned, lost his manuscripts, containing information
+supplied by the Amir's relations and courtiers, was afterwards unable to
+place the circumstances of his history in chronological order. The
+deficiency is not very important, since it naturally ceases to exist
+from the time that British India became mixed up in the affairs of
+Afghanistan. The fight of Jam Road, in which the Afghans were the
+aggressors, and which was occasioned by the Amir's cravings after the
+province of Peshavar, brings us up to the latter part of the year 1836.
+Previously and subsequently to that battle, Dost Mohammed wrote several
+letters to the Governor-general of India, Lord Auckland, expressing his
+fear of the Sikhs, and asking advice and countenance. Lord Auckland
+resolved to accord him both, and dispatched Sir Alexander Burnes to
+Kabul to negotiate the opening of the Indus navigation. The presence of
+the British mission at the Amir's court, and the proposals made by the
+Governor-general to the Maharajah to mediate between him and Dost
+Mohammed, sufficed to check the advance of a powerful Sikh army which
+Ranjit Singh had assembled to revenge the reverse of Jam Road. The Amir
+was not satisfied with this protection; but urged Sir Alexander Burnes
+to make the Sikhs give up Peshavar to him. The reply was, that Peshavar
+had never belonged to the Amir, but to his brothers; that Ranjit Singh
+was a faithful ally of the English government, which could not use its
+authority directly in the case; but that endeavours should be made to
+induce the Maharajah amicably to yield Peshavar to its former chief,
+Sultan Mohammed Khan. This mode of viewing the question by no means met
+the wishes of the ambitious Amir; for he coveted the territory for
+himself, and would rather have seen it remain in the hands of the Sikhs
+than restored to Sultan Mohammed, who was his deadly enemy.[45] He
+expressed his dissatisfaction in very plain terms to Sir Alexander
+Burnes; and perceiving that the English were not disposed to aid him in
+his unjustifiable projects of aggrandisement, he threw himself into the
+arms of Russia and Persia, to which countries he had, with
+characteristic duplicity, communicated his grievances and made offers of
+alliance, at the same time that he professed, in his letters to Lord
+Auckland, to rely entirely upon British counsels and friendship.
+
+And now commenced those intrigues and machinations of Russia, of which
+so great a bugbear was made both in India and England. Mohan Lal
+maintains that the apprehensions occasioned by these manoeuvres were
+legitimate and well-founded; that the views of Russia were encroaching
+and dangerous; and that her name and influence were already seriously
+injurious to British interests, as far even as the eastern bank of the
+Indus. Vague rumours of Russian power and valour had spread through
+British India; had been exaggerated by Eastern hyperbole, and during
+their passage through many mouths; and had rendered numerous chiefs,
+Rajput as well as Mahomedan, restless and eager for a fray. Throughout
+the country there was a growing belief that English power was on the eve
+of a reverse. We are told of the mission of Captain Vikovich, of
+Muscovite ducats poured into Afghan pockets, of an extension of
+influence sought by Russia in Turkistan and Kabul, of arms to be
+supplied by Persia, and of a Persian army to be marched into Afghanistan
+to seize upon the disputed province of Peshavar. As the companion and
+friend of Sir Alexander Burnes during his mission to Kabul, Mohan Lal
+coincides in the opinions of that officer with respect to the necessity
+of taking vigorous and immediate steps to counteract the united
+intrigues of the Shah of Persia and Count Simonich, the Russian
+ambassador at Tehran. This necessity was pressed upon Lord Auckland in
+numerous and alarming despatches from Sir A. Burnes and other
+Anglo-Indian diplomatists.
+
+With such opinions and prognostications daily ringing in his ears, Lord
+Auckland, who at first, we are told, did not attach much importance to
+the Vikovich mission and the Russian intrigues, at last took fright, and
+prepared to adopt the decisive measures so plausibly and perseveringly
+urged by the alarmists. The well-known and notable plan to be resorted
+to, was the expulsion of the Amir Dost Mohammed and of the other
+Barakzai chiefs inimical to the British, and the establishment of a
+friendly prince upon the throne of Kabul. Who was to be chosen? Two
+candidates alone appeared eligible--Sultan Mohammed Khan, chief of
+Peshavar, brother and bitter foe of the Amir, and Shah Shuja, the
+deposed but legitimate sovereign of Afghanistan. The Shah, who had long
+lived inactive and retired at Loodianah, was believed, not without
+reason, to have lost any ability or talent for reigning which he had
+ever possessed; nevertheless, his name and hereditary right caused him
+to be preferred by Lord Auckland, whose advisers also were unanimous in
+their recommendation of Shuja. "As for Shah Shuja," wrote Sir Alexander
+Burnes, who had now left Kabul, in his letter to the Governor-general,
+dated 3d June 1838, "the British government have only to send him to
+Peshavar with an agent, one or two of its own regiments as an honorary
+escort, and an avowal to the Afghans that we have taken up his cause, to
+ensure his being fixed _for ever_ on his throne."
+
+"The British government," said one of those on whose information that
+government acted, (Mr Masson,) "could employ interference without
+offending half-a-dozen individuals. Shah Shuja, under their auspices,
+would not even encounter opposition," &c.--(_Thornton's British India_,
+vol. vi. p. 150.)
+
+"Annoyed at Dost Mohammed's reception of Vikovich, the Russian emissary,
+and disquieted by the departure of the British agent, they (the
+Afghans)" says Lieutenant Wood, "looked to the Amir as the sole cause of
+their troubles, and thought of Shah Shuja and redress."
+
+Sir C. Wade, Mr Lord, and other authorities supposed to be well versed
+in the politics of the land where mischief was imagined to be brewing,
+expressed opinions similar in substance to those just cited. It was
+decided that Shuja was the man; and Sir William M'Naghten started for
+the court of Lahore to negotiate a tripartite treaty between the
+Maharajah, the Shah, and the British government. Wade and Burnes were to
+co-operate with the envoy. The treaty was concluded and signed, advices
+from Lord Palmerston strengthened and confirmed Lord Auckland in his
+predilection for "vigorous measures," and a declaration of war was
+proclaimed and circulated throughout India and Afghanistan.
+
+Lord Auckland is, we dare to say, a very well-meaning man--albeit not
+exactly of the stuff of which viceroys of vast empires ought to be made;
+and we willingly believe that he acted to the best of his judgment in
+undertaking the Afghan war. Unfortunately, that is not saying much. His
+lordship's advisers may have been right in supposing that the people of
+Kabul were weary of the Amir's extortionate and tyrannical rule, and
+desired the milder government of Shah Shuja; but if so, it is the more
+to be regretted that, when we had established Shuja on the throne, the
+mismanagement and want of unity of British agents--amongst whom were
+some of those very advisers--should so rapidly have changed the
+partiality of the Afghans for the Shah into contempt, their friendly
+dispositions towards the British into aversion and fierce hatred. Mohan
+Lal strenuously insists upon the blamelessness of Lord Auckland in the
+whole of the unfortunate affairs of Afghanistan; lauds his judicious
+measures, and maintains that had they not been adopted, "disasters and
+outbreaks would soon have appeared in the very heart of India. The
+object of the governor-general was to annihilate the Russian and Persian
+influence and intrigues in Afghanistan, both at that time, and for all
+time to come, unless they adopt open measures; and this object he
+fortunately and completely attained, in a manner worthy of the British
+name, and laudable to himself as a statesman." We could say a word or
+two on this head, but refrain, not wishing to rake up old grievances, or
+discuss so uninteresting a subject as Lord Auckland's merits and
+abilities. Mr Lal admits that his lordship made two enormous blunders:
+one "in appointing two such talented men as Sir William M'Naghten and
+Sir Alexander Burnes, to act at the same time, in one field of honour;
+the second was, that on hearing of the outbreak at Kabul, he delayed in
+insisting upon the commander-in-chief to order an immediate despatch of
+the troops towards Peshavar." "He being the superior head of the
+government," continues this long-winded Kashmirian, "he ought not to
+allow hesitation to approach and to embarrass his sound judgement, at
+the crisis when immediate and energetic attention was required." _De
+mortuis nil_, &c.; and therefore, of the two unfortunate gentlemen above
+referred to, we will merely say, that many have considered their talents
+far less remarkable than their blunders. As to the Earl of
+Auckland--"Save me from my friends!" his lordship might well exclaim.
+Indecision and lack of discrimination compose a nice character for a
+governor-general. One great criterion of ability to rule is a judicious
+choice of subordinate agents. Lord Auckland's reason for not sending the
+reinforcements so terribly required by our troops in Kabul, is thus
+curiously rendered by his Eastern advocate:--"His lordship had already
+made every arrangement to retire from the Indian government, and
+therefore did not wish to prolong the time for his departure by
+embarking in other and new operations." Truly a most ingenious defence!
+So, because the governor-general was in haste to be off, an army must be
+consigned to destruction. Most sapient Lal! his lordship is obliged to
+you. "Call you that backing your friends?" May our worst enemy have you
+for his apologist.
+
+We return to Dost Mohammed and his fortunes. Shah Shuja was publicly
+installed upon the throne; numerous chiefs tendered him their
+allegiance; Kalat, Qandhar, and Ghazni fell into the hands of his
+British allies, before the Amir himself gave sign of life. This he did
+by sending his brother, Navab Jabbar Khan, who was considered a stanch
+friend of Europeans, and especially of the English, to treat with Sir
+William M'Naghten. The Navab stated that the Amir was desirous to
+surrender, on condition that he should be made Vazir or Prime Minister
+of the Shah, to which post he had an hereditary claim. The condition was
+refused; as was also the Navab's request that his niece, the wife of
+Haidar Khan, the captured governor of Ghazni, should be given up to him.
+Altogether, the poor Navab was treated in no very friendly manner; and
+he returned to Kabul with his affection for the English considerably
+weakened. As he had long been suspected of intriguing against the Amir,
+he took this opportunity to wipe off the imputation, by encouraging the
+people to rise and oppose his brother's enemies. "The Amir called an
+assembly in the garden which surrounds the tomb of Taimur Shah, and made
+a speech, petitioning his subjects to support him in maintaining his
+power, and in driving off the infidels from the Mahomedan country. Many
+people who were present stated to me that his words were most touching
+and moving, but they gained no friends." He also invented various
+stories to frighten the lower orders into resistance, saying that during
+their march from Sindh to Ghazni, the English had ill-treated the women,
+and boiled and eaten the young children. Arguments and lies--all were in
+vain. The Kohistanis, his own subjects, who had been induced to rise
+against him, descended from their valley, and threatened to attack the
+Kabulis, if they allowed the Amir to remain amongst them. The army of
+the Indus drew near, and at last Dost Mohammed abandoned the city, and
+fled to Bamian, leaving his artillery and heavy baggage at Maidan. There
+it was taken possession of by the British, and given up to Shah Shuja;
+and on the 7th of August 1839, that prince, after an exile of thirty
+years, re-entered the capital of his kingdom.
+
+Hard upon the track of the fugitive Amir, followed Colonel Outram, with
+several other officers, and some Afghans under Haji Khan Kaker, in all
+about eight hundred foot and horse. Dost Mohammed had with him a handful
+of followers, including the Navab Jabbar Khan and Akhbar Khan, the
+latter of whom was sick and travelled in a litter. On the 21st August,
+Colonel Outram was informed that he was within a day's march of the
+object of his pursuit, whose escape, on that occasion, he attributes to
+the treachery of Haji Khan. One night the Hazarahs stole twenty of the
+Amir's horses, which greatly reduced the numbers of his little escort.
+At last, however, he found himself in safety amongst the Uzbegs, and
+thence wished to proceed to Persia; but the difficulties of the road,
+already nearly impassible on account of the snow, decided him to accept
+the proferred protection of the Amir of Bokhara. By this half-mad
+monarch he was very queerly treated; at one time his life was in
+peril--a treacherous attempt being made to drown him, his sons, and
+relations, whilst crossing the river Oxus in a boat. At last he was
+forbidden to leave his house, even to make his prayers at the mosque,
+and was in fact a prisoner. His two sons, Afzal and Akhbar, shared his
+captivity.
+
+For the easy conquest of Afghanistan, and for the popularity of the
+English during the early days of its occupation, a long string of
+reasons is given by Mohan Lal. By various parts of his conduct,
+especially by his injustice and extortions, the Amir had made himself
+unpopular with the Afghans, who, on the other hand, remembered the
+liberality displayed by the Honourable Montstuart Elphinstone in the
+days of his mission to Kabul, and being by nature exceedingly
+avaricious, hoped to derive immense profit and advantage from British
+occupation of their country. The recent intercourse and friendship of
+the Amir with the Shah of Persia had also excited the indignation of his
+subjects, who, being Sunnies by sect, were deadly enemies of the Persian
+Shias. The English, in short, were as popular as the Barakzais were
+detested. Nevertheless it behoved the Shah Shuja and his European
+supporters to be circumspect and conciliatory; for Dost Mohammed was
+still at large, and lingering on the frontier, and any offence given to
+the Kabulis might be the signal for his recall. "Notwithstanding," says
+Mohan Lal, "all these points of grave concern, we sent a large portion
+of the army back, with Lord Keane, to India; and yet we interfered in
+the administration of the country, and introduced such reforms amongst
+the obstinate Afghans just on our arrival, as even in India, the
+quietest part of the world, Lords Clive and Wellesley had hesitated to
+do but slowly." The administration of the principal frontier towns was
+now confided to the Shah's officers; but these were not suffered to rule
+undisturbed, for Sir W. MacNaghten's political assistants every where
+watched their conduct and interfered in their jurisdictions. The occult
+nature of this interference prevented benefit to the people, whilst it
+caused a disregard for the local authorities. An undecided course was
+the bane of our Afghanistan policy. The government was neither entirely
+taken into the hands of the British, nor wholly left in those of the
+Shah. Outwardly, we were neutral; in reality, we constantly interfered:
+thus annoying the king and disappointing the people. Shah Shuja grew
+jealous of British influence, and began to suspect that he was but the
+shadow of a sovereign, a puppet whose strings were pulled for foreign
+advantage. Sir A. Burnes introduced reductions in the duties on all
+articles of commerce. Trade improved, but the Shah's servants frequently
+deviated from the new tariff, and extorted more than the legal imposts.
+When complaints were made to the English, they were referred to the
+Shah's Vazir, Mulla Shakur, who, instead of giving redress, beat and
+imprisoned the aggrieved parties for having appealed against the king's
+authority. Persons known to be favoured by the English were vexed and
+annoyed by the Shah's government; and it soon became evident that Mulla
+Shakur was striving to form a party for Shuja, in order to make him
+independent of British support. The people began to look upon the Shah
+as the unwilling slave of the Europeans; the priests omitted the
+"Khutbah," or prayer for the king, saying that it could only be recited
+for an independent sovereign. Soon the high price of provisions gave
+rise to grave dissensions. The purchases of grain made by the English
+commissariat raised the market, and placed that description of food out
+of reach of the poorer classes. Forage, meat, and vegetables, all rose
+in proportion, and a cry of famine was set up. Both in town and country,
+the landlords and dealers kept back the produce, or sent the whole of
+it to the English camp. A proclamation made by Mulla Shakur, forbidding
+the hoarding of provisions, or their sale above a fixed price, was
+disregarded. The poor assembled in throngs before the house of Sir A.
+Burnes, who was compelled to make gratuitous distributions of bread. At
+last the Shah's government adopted the course usual in Afghanistan in
+such emergencies; the store-keepers were seized, and compelled to sell
+their grain at a moderate price. They complained to the English agents,
+who unwisely interfered. Mohan Lal was ordered to wait upon Mulla
+Shakur, and to request him to release the traders. The result of this
+was a universal cry throughout the kingdom, that the English were
+killing the people by starvation. What wretched work was this? what
+miserable mismanagement? and how deluded must those men have been who
+thought it possible, by pursuing such a course, to conciliate an
+ignorant and barbarous people, and secure the permanence of Shah Shuja's
+reign? "After the outbreak of Kabul," says Mohan Lal, whose evidence on
+these matters must have weight, as that of an eyewitness, and of one
+who, from his position as servant of the East India Company, would not
+venture to distort the truth, "when I was concealed in the Persian
+quarters, I heard both the men and the women saying that the English
+enriched the grain and the grass-sellers, &c., whilst they reduced the
+chiefs to poverty and killed the poor by starvation."
+
+It is a well-known English foible to think nothing good unless the price
+be high. This was strikingly exemplified in Afghanistan, where every
+thing was done virtually to lower the value of money. The labourers
+employed by our engineer officers were paid at so high a rate that there
+was a general strike, and agriculture was brought to a stand-still. The
+king's gardens were to be put in order, but not a workman was to be had
+except for English pay. The treasury could not afford to satisfy such
+exorbitant demands, and the people were made to work, receiving the
+regular wages of the country. Clamour and complaint were the
+consequence, and the English authorities informed Mullah Shakur, that if
+he did not satisfy the grumblers, they would pay them for the Shah, thus
+constituting him their debtor. Shuja's jealousy increased, and he showed
+his irritation by various petty attempts at annoyance. Discontent was
+rife in Afghanistan, even when the general impression amongst the
+English officers there, was, that the country was quiet and the people
+satisfied. Colonel Herring was murdered near Ghazni; a chief named Sayad
+Hassim rebelled, but was subdued, and his fort taken, by Colonel Orchard
+and the gallant Major Macgregor.
+
+It was at this critical period that news came to Kabul of Dost
+Mohammed's escape from Bokhara. The Shah of Persia had rebuked the
+Bokhara ambassador for his master's harsh treatment of the Amir,
+whereupon the latter was allowed more liberty, of which he took
+advantage to escape. On the road his horse knocked up, but he luckily
+fell in with a caravan, and obtained a place in a camel-basket. The
+caravan was searched by the emissaries of the King of Bokhara, but the
+Amir had coloured his white beard with ink, and thus avoided detection.
+He was received with open arms by the Mir of Shahar Sabz and the Vali of
+Khulam, and held counsel with those two chiefs and some other adherents
+as to the course he should adopt. It was resolved to make an attempt to
+recover Kabul, and measures were taken to collect money, men, and
+horses. The moment appeared favourable for the enterprise; the Afghan
+chiefs and people were discontented, and there were disturbances in
+Kohistan. Sir William MacNaghten knew not whom to trust; and a vast
+number of arrests were made on suspicion, some without the slightest
+cause, which increased the disaffection and want of confidence. On the
+30th of August hostilities commenced with an attack by Afzal Khan on the
+British post at Bajgah. It was repulsed, and on the 18th of September
+the Amir and the Vali of Khulam were routed by Colonel Dennie. Dost
+Mohammed fled to Kohistan, many of whose chief inhabitants rallied round
+his standard, until he found himself at the head of five thousand men.
+He might have augmented this number, but for the exertions of Sir A.
+Burnes and Mohan Lal, who sent agents into the revolted country with
+money to buy up the inhabitants. This became known amongst the Amir's
+followers, and rendered him distrustful of them; for he feared they
+would be unable to withstand the temptations held out, and would betray
+him, in hopes of a large reward. On the 2d of November occurred a
+skirmish between the Amir's forces and the troops under General Sale and
+Shah Zadah, in which the 2d cavalry were routed, and several English
+officers killed, or severely wounded. Notwithstanding this slight
+advantage, and a retrograde movement effected the same night by the
+united British and Afghan division, the Amir felt himself so insecure,
+fearing even assassination at the hand of the Kohistanis, that, on the
+evening of the 30th November, he gave himself up to Sir William
+MacNaghten at Kabul. He was delighted with the kind and generous
+reception he met, and wrote to Afzal Khan and his other sons to join
+him. After a few days, the necessary arrangements being completed, he
+was sent to India.
+
+The Amir a prisoner, the chief apparent obstacle to the tranquillity of
+Afghanistan was removed, and it was not unreasonable to suppose that
+Shah Shuja would thenceforward sit undisturbed upon the throne of his
+ancestors. Unfortunately such anticipations were erroneous. Had Dost
+Mohammed remained at large, any harm he could have done would have been
+inferior to that occasioned by the injudicious measures of the British
+agents. These measures, as Mohan Lal asserts, with, we fear, too much
+truth, were the very worst that could be devised for the attainment of
+the ends proposed. The Afghan character was misunderstood, Afghan
+customs and institutions were interfered with, and Afghan prejudices
+shocked. Certain things there were, which it would have been good policy
+to wink at, or appear ignorant of. The contrary course was adopted. On
+the field of Parvan, where the combat of the 2d November took place, a
+bag of letters was found, compromising a large number of chiefs and
+influential Kabulis. The Amir having surrendered, and as it was not
+intended to punish these persons, the wisest plan would have been to
+suppress the letters entirely; but this was not done, and the disclosure
+caused a vast deal of mistrust on the part of the suspected chiefs
+towards the English. It also gave a stimulus to a practice then very
+prevalent in Kabul, that of forging letters from persons of note, with a
+view to compromise the supposed writers, and to procure for the forgers
+money and English friendship. Much mischief was done by these letters,
+some of which were fabricated by Afghans enjoying the favour and
+confidency of Sir A. Burnes and Sir W. MacNaghten.
+
+On the repeated solicitations of the English, the Vazir Mulla Shakur was
+dismissed. His successor, Nizam-ul-Daulah, was almost forced upon the
+Shah, whose power was thus rendered contemptible in the eyes of the
+Afghans. The new minister took his orders rather from the British agents
+than from his nominal master--going every day to the former to report
+what he had done, caring nothing for the good or bad opinion of the
+nation, or for the will of the Shah, whose mandates he openly disobeyed.
+Having committed an oppressive act, by depriving a Sayad of his land,
+Shuja repeatedly enjoined him to restore the property to its rightful
+owner. He paid no attention to these injunctions; and at last the Shah
+told the suppliant, when he again came to him for redress, "that he had
+no power over the Vazir, and therefore that the Sayad should curse him,
+and not trouble the Shah any more, because he was no more a king but a
+slave." By bribes to the newswriters of the envoy and Sir A. Burnes,
+Nizam-ul-Daulah endeavoured to keep his misdeeds from the ears of those
+officers. Nevertheless, they became known to them through Mohan Lal and
+others; but Sir A. Burnes "felt himself in an awkward position, and
+considered it impossible to cause the dismissal of one whose nomination
+he had with great pains so recently recommended."
+
+A reform in the military department, recommended by Sir A. Burnes,
+caused immense bitterness and ill-blood amongst the chiefs, whose
+retinues were compulsorily diminished, the men who were to be retained,
+and those who were to be dismissed, being selected by a British officer.
+This was looked upon as an outrageous insult and grievous humiliation.
+The reduction was effected, also, in a harsh and arbitary manner,
+without consideration for the pride of the chiefs and warriors, by whom
+all these offences were treasured up, to be one day bloodily revenged.
+Other innovations speedily followed and increased their discontent;
+until at last they were reduced to so deplorable a position that they
+waited in a body upon Shah Shuja to complain of it. The Shah imprudently
+replied, that he was king by title only, not by power, and that the
+chiefs were cowards, and could do nothing. These words Mohan Lal
+believes were not spoken to stimulate the chiefs to open rebellion, but
+merely to induce them to such acts as might convince the English of the
+bad policy of their reforms and other measures. But the Shah had
+miscalculated the effect of his dangerous hint. After the interview with
+him, at the end of September 1841, the chiefs assembled, and sealed an
+engagement, written on the leaves of the Koran, binding themselves to
+rebel against the existing government, as the sole way to annihilate
+British influence in Kabul. Mohan Lal was informed of this plot, and
+reported it to Sir A. Burnes, who attached little importance to it, and
+refused to permit the seizure of the Koran, whence the names of the
+conspirators might have been learned. It has been frequently stated,
+that neither Burnes nor MacNaghten had timely information of the
+discontent and conspiracy of the chiefs. Mohan Lal affirms the contrary,
+and supports his assertion by extracts from letters written by those
+gentlemen. Pride of power, he says, and an unfortunate spirit of
+rivalry, prevented them from taking the necessary measures to meet the
+outbreak. Sir A. Burnes thought that to be on the alert would show
+timidity, whilst carelessness of the alarming reports then afloat would
+prove intrepidity, and produce favourable results. But it was not the
+moment for such speculations. A circular letter was secretly sent round
+to all the Durrani and Persian chiefs in Kabul and the suburbs, falsely
+stating that a plan was on foot to seize them and send them to India,
+whither Sir W. MacNaghten was about to proceed as governor of Bombay.
+The authors of this atrocious forgery were afterwards discovered. They
+were three Afghans of bad character and considerable cunning, who had
+been employed by the Vazir, by the envoy, and by Sir A. Burnes. Their
+object was to produce a revolt, in which they might make themselves
+conspicuous as friends of the English, and so obtain reward and
+distinction. They had been wont to derive advantage from revolutions and
+outbreaks, and were eager for another opportunity of making money. Their
+selfish and abominable device was the spark to the train. It caused a
+prompt explosion. The chiefs again assembled, resolved upon instant
+action, and fixed upon its plan. It was decided to begin by an attack
+upon the houses of Sir A. Burnes and the other English officers resident
+in the city. For fear of discovery, not a moment was to be lost. The
+following day, the 2d of November, was to witness the outbreak.
+
+And now, at the eleventh hour, fresh intimations of the approaching
+danger were conveyed to those whom it threatened. Two persons informed
+Sir A. Burnes of it; and one of the conspirators more than hinted it to
+Mohan Lal, who had boasted to him that the Ghilzais were pacified by
+Major Macgregor, and that Sir Robert Sale was on his victorious march to
+Jellalabad. The conspirator laughed. "To-morrow morning," he said, "the
+very door you now sit at will be in flames of fire; and yet still you
+pride yourselves in saying that you are safe!"
+
+"I told all this," says Mohan Lal, "to Sir Alexander Burnes, whose reply
+was, that we must not let the people suppose we were frightened, and
+that he will see what he can do in the cantonment, whither he started
+immediately. Whilst I was talking with Sir A. Burnes, an anonymous note
+reached him in Persian, confirming what he had heard from me and from
+other sources, on which he said, 'The time is arrived that we must leave
+this country.'" The time for that was already past.
+
+The disastrous occurrences in Afghanistan, on and subsequently to the 2d
+of November 1841, are so recent, so well-known, and have been so much
+written about, that any thing beyond a passing reference to them is here
+unnecessary. Mohan Lal's account of the deaths of Sir A. Burnes, Charles
+Burnes, Sir W. MacNaghten, and Shah Shuja, is interesting, as are also
+some details of his own escapes and adventures during the insurrection.
+From the roof of his house he witnessed the attack upon that of Sir A.
+Burnes, and the death of Lieutenant H. Burnes, who slew six Afghans
+before he himself was cut to pieces. Sir Alexander was murdered without
+resistance, having previously tied his cravat over his eyes, in order
+not to see the blows that put an end to his existence. Mohan Lal himself
+narrowly escaped death at the hands of the man who subsequently murdered
+Shah Shuja; but he was rescued by an Afghan friend, and concealed in a
+harem. Afterwards, whilst prisoner to Akhbar Khan, he did good service
+in sending information to the English generals and political agents, and
+finally in negotiating the release of the Kabul captives. For all these
+matters we refer our readers to the closing chapters of his book, and
+return to Dost Mohammed.
+
+On his arrival at Calcutta, the Amir was treated by Lord Auckland with
+great attention and respect, an income of three lakhs of rupees was
+allotted to him, and he was taken to see the curiosities of the city,
+the naval and military stores, &c. All these things greatly struck him,
+and he was heard to say, that had he known the extraordinary power and
+resources of the English, he would never have opposed them. After a
+while, his health sufferred from the Calcutta climate; he became greatly
+alarmed about himself, and begged to be allowed to join his family at
+Loodianah. He was sent to the upper provinces, and afterwards to the
+hills, where the temperature was cool and somewhat similar to that of
+his own country. During the Kabul insurrection he managed to keep up a
+communication with his son Akhbar, whom he strongly advised to destroy
+the English by every means in his power.
+
+When the British forces re-entered Afghanistan to punish its inhabitants
+for the Kabul massacres, Prince Fatah Jang, son of the murdered Shah
+Shuja, was placed upon the throne. But when he found that his European
+supporters, after accomplishing the work of chastisement, were about to
+evacuate the country with a precipitation which, it has been said,
+"resembled almost as much the retreat of an army defeated as the march
+of a body of conquerors,"[46] he hastened to abdicate his short-lived
+authority. He was too good a judge of the chances, to await the
+departure of the British and the arrival of Akhbar Khan, and preferred
+taking off his crown himself to having it taken off by somebody else,
+with his head in it. His brother, Prince Shahpur, a mere boy, was then
+seated upon the throne, and left at the mercy of his enemies. His reign
+was very brief. As the English marched from Kabul, Akhbar Khan
+approached it, and the son of Shuja had to run away, with loss of
+property and risk of life. "By such a precipitate withdrawal from
+Afghanistan," says Mohan Lal, "we did not show an honourable sentiment
+of courage, but we disgracefully placed many friendly chiefs in a
+serious dilemma. There were certain chiefs whom we detached from Akhbar
+Khan, pledging our honour and word to reward and protect them; and I
+could hardly show my face to them at the time of our departure, when
+they came full of tears, saying, that 'we deceived and punished our
+friends, causing them to stand against their own countrymen, and then
+leaving them in the mouths of lions.' As soon as Mohammed Akhbar
+occupied Kabul, he tortured, imprisoned, extorted money from, and
+disgraced, all those who had taken our side. I shall consider it indeed
+a great miracle and a divine favour, if hereafter any trust ever be
+placed in the word and promise of the authorities of the British
+government throughout Afghanistan and Turkistan."
+
+When it at last became evident that the feeble and talentless Sadozais
+were unable to hold the reins of power in Afghanistan, or to contend,
+with any chance of success, against the energy and influence of the
+Barakzai chiefs, Dost Mohammed was released, and allowed to return to
+his own country. On his way he concluded a secret treaty of alliance
+with Sher Singh, the Maharajah of the Punjaub, and from Lahore was
+escorted by the Sikhs to the Khaibar pass, where Akhbar Khan and other
+Afghan chiefs received him. The Amir's exultation at again ascending his
+throne knew no bounds. Unschooled by adversity, he very soon recommenced
+his old system of extortion, and made himself so unpopular, that he was
+once fired at, but escaped. He now enjoys his authority and the
+superiority of his family, fearless of invasion from West or East.
+
+Although Akhbar Khan, of all the Amir's sons, has the greatest influence
+in Afghanistan, and renown out of it, his elder brother, Afzal Khan, is,
+we are informed, greatly his superior in judgment and nobility of
+character. Mohan Lal predicts a general commotion in Kabul when Dost
+Mohammed dies. If any one of his brothers, the chiefs of Qandhar, or
+Sultan Mohammed Khan, the ex-chief of Peshavar, be then alive, he will
+attempt to seize Kabul, and many of the Afghan nobles, some even of the
+Amir's sons, will lend him their support against Akhbar Khan. The
+popular candidate, however, the favourite of the people, of the chiefs,
+and of his relations, the Barakzais, is Afzal Khan. Akhbar will be
+supported by his brothers--the sons, that is to say, of his own mother
+as well as of the Amir. Perhaps the whole territory of Kabul will be
+divided into small independent principalities, governed by the different
+sons of Dost Mohammed. At any rate, there can be little doubt that at
+his death wars and intrigues, plunderings and assassinations, will again
+distract the country. The crown that was won by the crimes of the
+father, will, in all probability, be shattered and pulled to pieces by
+the dissensions and rivalry of the children.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[45] There were special reasons for the mutual hatred of these two
+brothers. One of the Amir's wives was a lady of the royal family of
+Sadozai, who, when the decline of that dynasty commenced, had attracted
+the attention of Sultan Mohammed Khan, and a correspondence took place
+between them. She prepared to leave Kabul to be married to him, when the
+Amir, who was also smitten with her charms, forcibly seized her and
+compelled her to become his wife. This at once created, and has ever
+since maintained, a fatal animosity between the brothers; and Sultan
+Mohammed Khan has often been heard to say, that nothing would afford him
+greater pleasure, even at breathing his last, than to drink the blood of
+the Amir. Such is the nature of the brotherly feeling now existing
+between them.--See _Life of Dost Mohammed Khan_, vol. i. p. 222, 223.
+
+[46] _Sale's Brigade in Afghanistan._ By the Rev. G.R. GLEIG.
+
+
+
+
+ON THE OPERATION OF THE ENGLISH POOR-LAWS.
+
+
+The time has arrived when the modes of administering the poor-law in
+England and Wales must undergo inquiry and revision. Twelve years have
+elapsed since the Poor-Law Amendment Act became the law of the land; and
+during the period many changes have been made. In many cases, the new
+arrangements of the Poor-Law Commissioners have been adopted without a
+murmur. In some cases, they have met with continued but fruitless
+opposition. In others, they have been resisted with success. During the
+whole period a war has raged, in which no two of the combatants have
+used the same weapons, or drawn them in the same cause. One has adduced
+particular cases of hardship, suffering, and death, as the results of
+the new system. Another has collected statistics, and referred to
+depauperised counties. And yet the same number of cases of hardship and
+suffering may have occurred before 1834, although unrecorded and
+unknown. Nor does it follow, because the official returns from
+agricultural counties may show a diminished number of paupers, or a
+diminished expenditure, that the residue have been able to earn their
+bread as independent labourers. No period appears to have been assigned
+when the results of the new system should be examined. Successive
+governments have kept aloof from fear, until an accident led to
+important disclosures, and an inquiry is now inevitable. The Poor-Law
+Commissioners have been invested with extraordinary and dangerous
+powers. They possess the united powers of Queen, Lords, and Commons.
+Their most imperfectly-considered resolutions have the force of an act
+of parliament, or rather, ten-fold more force--it being their duty,
+first, to ascertain _what ought to be the law--then to make the
+law--then to enforce it--and then, after the elapse of time, to report
+upon its success or failure_. It would be difficult for the wisest to
+exercise powers like these beneficially; and it is to be feared that
+abuses have crept in. And when we find that men, who have hitherto
+upheld the system, now demand inquiry in their place in parliament, and
+the ministers who were concerned in the establishment of the system,
+promising, either to withdraw opposition to the demand, or to amend the
+laws themselves so we may be assured that the topic at the present time,
+as regards the administration of Relief to the Poor in England and
+Wales, is Inquiry and Revision.
+
+The subject matter of this article must be suggestive, rather than
+affirmative. Even at this time of day, it would be presumptuous to take
+up a commanding or decided position. The old system was rotten. The good
+it contained was choked up with weeds; the pruning-knife has been
+applied unsparingly; and it is to be feared that good wood has been cut
+away. New arrangements have been devised with practical shrewdness, to
+displace clearly recognised evils; but, with these practical
+improvements, certain economic theories have been speculatively, tried;
+and it is likely that evils have sprung up; so that those who proclaim
+so loudly that every part of the new arrangements is either naught or
+vicious, and those who affirm that the old methods were all good, are
+both remote from the truth, which, probably, lies somewhere between the
+two.
+
+The subject being set apart for inquiry, the question arises--How can a
+subject which has so many phases be advantageously considered; to whom
+must we go for information; and to what matters should the attention be
+chiefly directed? It is to these questions this article will attempt to
+provide answers. To the first question--To whom must we go for
+information?--the answer is obvious. To all who are engaged in the
+administration of the law, and chiefly to those who have to do with
+those departments where evils may be supposed to exist. And, in order to
+answer the second, the subject must be divided into classes, and the
+mode of operation of the law in each must be sketched. The reader will
+then be able to see for himself, and judge whether the matters referred
+to are not those which most imperatively demand inquiry.
+
+The several parishes, townships, chapelries, and hamlets of England and
+Wales, whether grouped into Unions or not, may be usefully distributed
+into three classes.
+
+_The First Class_ includes "parishes, townships, chapelries, and
+hamlets," grouped into Unions, in which the _population bears a small
+proportion to the number of acres they comprise_.
+
+_The Second Class_ includes small populous parishes, grouped into
+Unions, in which the _population bears a large proportion to the number
+of statute acres they cover_.
+
+_The Third Class_ consists of _large single parishes_, in which the
+_population bears a large proportion to the number of acres_.
+
+The following diagram will explain this classification:
+
+ _____________________________________________________________________
+|              |          |      |Population|       |Area of|No. of   |
+|  COUNTY.     |   UNION. |No. of|   of     |Popula-|Union, |Relieving|
+|              |          |Par-  |Parishes  |tion of|Statute|Officers.|
+|              |          |ishes |__________|Union  |Acres. |         |
+|              |          |      |High |Low |       |       |         |
+|______________|__________|______|_____|____|_______|_______|_________|
+|FIRST CLASS,  |          |      |     |    |       |       |         |
+|Denbigh,      |Ruthin,   |   21 | 2066|  97| 16,019|166,619|   2     |
+|Durham,       |Easington,|   19 | 2976|  10|  6,984| 34,660|   1     |
+|Staffordshire,|Uttoxeter,|   16 | 4864| 116| 12,837| 56,685|   1     |
+|Derbyshire,   |Shardlow, |   46 | 3182|  23| 29,812| 66,974|   2     |
+|Lincoln       |Louth     |   88 | 6927|  24| 25,214|152,251|   3     |
+|______________|__________|______|_____|____|_______|_______|_________|
+|SECOND CLASS, |          |      |     |    |       |       |         |
+|Middlesex     |City of   |      |     |    |       |       |         |
+|              | London   |   98 | 4014|  72| 57,100|    370|   3     |
+|______________|__________|______|_____|____|_______|_______|_________|
+|THIRD CLASS,  |Parish.   |      |     |    |       |       |         |
+|Middlesex     |Marylebone|   1  |.....|....|138,164|   1490|  ...    |
+|______________|__________|______|_____|____|_______|_______|_________|
+
+These divisions of territory may be regarded from different points of
+view. They may be seen through the media of statute-books, reports,
+returns, and statistics; or they may be actually surveyed. Each course
+has its peculiar dangers. The mind, occupied with matters of detail and
+routine occurrences, is apt to lose in comprehensiveness as much as it
+gains in minute exactness. To avoid this danger the mind must soar as
+the facts accumulate. It must regard them, sometimes from the height of
+one theory, and sometimes from the height of another. For the mind
+becomes tinged with the hue of whatever is frequently presented to it.
+Opinions even are hereditary. And every set of facts leads to a
+different conclusion, according to the texture of the minds they pass
+through. Refer to the facts connected with the condition of the poor,
+which have been proclaimed during the last few years; and then reflect
+to what contradictory opinions they have led. The man of strong
+benevolent feelings deduces one inference. The politico-economical
+theorist deduces another. And the man of practice and experience is as
+likely to be deluded as either. He sees destitution so frequently
+connected with imprudence, laziness, and crime, that he is apt to
+believe that the union is indissoluble. His mind has never embraced a
+general idea, or traced effects to causes, or distinguished them, the
+one from the other. And in this matter, where the causes and effects are
+so complicated, and entangled by their mutual reaction, he is likely to
+be at fault. Then the man of pure benevolence sees only the pain, and
+demands only the means of immediate relief. And the political economist
+tells us, "That the law which would enforce charity can fix no limits,
+either to the ever-increasing wants of a poverty which itself has
+created, or to the insatiable desires and demands of a population which
+itself hath corrupted and led astray."
+
+In the First Class, the parishes are large, thinly populated, and
+situated generally in rural districts. In some cases, the Union includes
+a country town; the neighbouring parishes and hamlets being connected
+with it. The total number of parishes may be eighteen or twenty. In
+other cases, the Union consists of about twenty-five parishes,
+townships, hamlets, and chapelries. In some instances, the population of
+the parishes are collected into so many villages, which are distant from
+each other. In others, the entire surface of the country is sprinkled
+thinly with cottages. The communications are by high-roads, and muddy
+lanes, over high hills, and through bogs and marshes, and by
+bridle-roads and footpaths--
+
+    "O'er muirs and mosses many, O."
+
+In each of these Unions, the management of the relief fund is confided
+to a Board, consisting of resident rate-payers, and resident country
+magistrates. The former are guardians by election, and the latter
+ex-officio. The Board is completed by the addition of the churchwardens
+and overseers. The chairman is generally the most distinguished, and the
+vice-chairman the most active man in the Union. The chairman regulates
+the proceedings of the Board, and ascertains its resolutions. The clerk
+records them. The relief which applicants are to receive, is determined
+by the Board; except that which is given by certain officers in cases of
+"sudden and urgent necessity." The management of the Union-house is
+invested in the master--a paid officer. His duties are ascertained and
+fixed. He is liable to dismissal by the joint resolution of the Poor-Law
+Commissioners and the Guardians, or by the order of the Commissioners
+alone. It is also the duty of the master to attend to such cases of
+destitution as may be presented at the Union-House gate; and, if their
+necessities be of a sudden and urgent character, to admit them into the
+house. It may be remarked here, that information is wanted upon this
+point. The question is not, by what general term may the cases be
+designated, whether sudden or urgent, but what the circumstances of the
+cases really are, which are so relieved. The answers to the question
+would throw light upon the relation subsisting between a strict
+work-house system and the increase of vagrancy. To continue. The sick
+poor are confided to the care of the medical officer; and the out-door
+relief is chiefly administered by the relieving-officer. His duties in
+rural Unions are as follows:--To pay or deliver such amounts of money or
+food as the Board may have ordered the poor to receive, at the villages,
+hamlets, and cottages where they may reside. He must visit the poor at
+their homes. He receives applications for relief; and when the necessity
+is sudden and urgent, he relieves the case promptly with food. He must
+report upon the circumstances of each case, and keep accounts. For
+neglect of duty, he is liable to penal consequences, and to dismissal,
+in the same way as the master. The average number of parishes,
+townships, and hamlets committed to the care of the relieving-officer
+may be about twenty. The reader may be able, from his local knowledge,
+to picture this Union, and give it a name.
+
+The Union then consists of twenty parishes. The Union-house is pretty
+central, and situated near a small market-town. The meetings of the
+Board are held in the Union-house, and upon the market-day; because then
+the guardians, churchwardens, and overseers, after having transacted
+their private business, may conveniently perform their public duties. At
+the last meeting of the Board of Guardians, certain poor persons
+appeared before them, and were ordered to be relieved with money or
+food, at a specific rate, and for a specified time. The
+relieving-officer resides in that part of the Union from whence he can
+reach the most distant and opposite points with nearly equal facility.
+He divides his district into rounds, and each occupies the greatest
+portion of a day. At the end of each week he will have visited the whole
+of the twenty parishes.
+
+The Board met yesterday, and to-day the relieving-officer's week began.
+By the conditions of his appointment, he must have a horse and chaise.
+The contractor for bread is bound to deliver it at the home of the
+pauper; he must therefore provide man and horse, and they accompany the
+relieving-officer. They set out on the first day's journey; they arrive
+at the first hamlet on the route, and stop at a cottage door. Around it
+and within it the destitute poor of the hamlet are assembled. Each
+receives his allowance of money and bread. But a group has collected
+about the door, whose names are not on the relief-list. One woman tells
+the relieving-officer that her husband is ill with fever, and her
+children are without food. He knows the family; he hastens down the
+lane, and across the field, and enters the labourer's hut. The man is
+really ill, and there are too evident signs of destitution. A written
+order is given on the medical officer to attend the case, and necessary
+relief is given. The man who now approaches the officer with such an air
+of overbearing insolence, or fawning humility, is also an applicant. He
+is known at the village beer-shop, and by the farmer as a man who can
+work, but will not; he is the last man employed in the parish; his hovel
+is visited--it is a scene of squalid misery. What is to be done? He may
+be relieved temporarily with bread, or admitted into the Union-house, or
+he is directed to attend the Board. The relieving officer then proceeds
+to his next station. There a larger supply of bread awaits him, for he
+is now in a populous parish. The poor of the place are assembled at the
+church door, and the relief is given in the vestry-room. The
+applications are again received and disposed of. He then rides to the
+cottages of the sick and the aged, and again continues his route. He
+does not proceed far before he is hailed by the labourer in the field,
+who tells him of some solitary person who is without medical aid.
+By-and-by, he is stopped by the boy who has long waited for him on the
+stile, and begs him to come and see his mother; and the farmer's man, on
+the farmer's horse, gives him further news of disease, destitution, or
+death. He completes his day's journey before the evening. To-morrow
+another route is taken; and thus he proceeds from day to day, and from
+month to month, through summer's heat and winter's cold.
+
+The number of medical officers in a Union varies. In some cases, where
+there are two relieving-officers, there are four medical officers. The
+medical officer resides within the limits of the Union. He is not
+prevented from attending to his private practice, and he does not
+therefore reside in a central position, or at the nearest point to his
+pauper patients; he is supplied with a list of persons who are in
+receipt of relief, and he is bound to attend these without an order; he
+must also attend to cases upon the receipt of a written order from the
+relieving-officer or the overseer; he regulates the diet of his
+patients, and he is paid by a salary, and by fees in certain cases.
+
+There are contradictory opinions respecting the efficiency of this
+system. Some say that the amount of remuneration is inadequate to insure
+qualified persons, and others that the qualifications are secured by the
+requisition of recognised diplomas.
+
+If we inquire of those among the peasantry who have never received
+parochial relief, or even of the yeomanry, we find that in many
+districts, and especially those of which we are now speaking, it is a
+difficult matter to obtain immediate medical aid; and if this
+consideration have any weight, the system would appear satisfactory,
+providing always the overseers perform their duty when applied to. It
+would be desirable to ascertain whether there are any restrictions in
+the issue of medical orders. As regards relieving the poor with food,
+there are many who say, that, in so doing, the very evil is created
+which we are endeavouring to destroy. But this is not said with respect
+to medical relief. The labouring man with his family may earn an average
+wage of from 7s. to 12s. per week. The most prudent cannot save much,
+and those savings are invested in the purchase of a stack of wood, a
+sack of meal, a crop of potatoes, a stye of pigs, or a cow. His savings
+might enable him to provide food for his family during illness, but they
+would be totally insufficient to pay for medicine and medical aid. It
+would be desirable to ascertain where and to what extent medical clubs
+and dispensaries exist, and what means the agricultural labourer, in
+thinly populated districts, possesses for obtaining gratuitous medical
+aid.
+
+It would be well, too, if Boards of Guardians would remember that their
+duties have not ended when they have disposed of the cases on each
+board-day. They have to do with pauperism, not only as it exists to-day,
+but as it may exist next month or next year; and therefore they have to
+do with its causes, as well as its existing results. This truth is just
+now occupying the minds of statesmen, and it is to be hoped that it may
+receive the attention of Boards of Guardians. Sanatory regulations will
+decrease pauperism. Many men have been destroyed, and their families
+pauperised, by uncovered sewers in thickly populated lanes and alleys;
+and much disease has been engendered by the want of facilities for
+cleanliness. And so also has much pauperism been engendered by the drain
+upon the resources of the poor man during a long illness. Could not this
+be remedied, and that without weakening the feeling of independence? And
+why might not a Board of Guardians be allowed, or compelled, to
+contribute a given sum to any dispensary or medical club which may be
+governed by certain rules duly certified?
+
+We must now refer to the churchwardens and overseers of the several
+parishes of this rural Union. The question with respect to them is, do
+they receive the applications of the poor in their respective parishes,
+and deal with them in the same way as the relieving-officer? It would
+not be a sufficient answer to quote acts of parliament, or lists of
+duties. It is doubtless of importance to know that, according to law,
+the duty of relieving in cases of sudden and urgent necessity is still
+reserved to the overseer. But it is of equal importance to ascertain
+whether, in those extensive or thinly populated parishes where the
+relieving-officer may reside many a weary mile distant from the cottage
+of the destitute, any check, or hinderance, or heavy discouragement has
+been offered to the overseer in his attempt to perform his duty. We can
+easily conceive the farmer overseer, before 1834, riding over the fields
+of his parish, and meeting one of the poor cottagers, at once relieving
+him with a piece of money, and taking no further note of the
+circumstance than was necessary to prevent his forgetting to repay
+himself. And we can understand how the same overseer, under the new
+system, when men to whom he has been accustomed to look up with
+deference are united with him in the administration of relief, may not
+trouble himself to inquire into, or care to exercise, the rights
+reserved to him. Or he may find that he has something more to do than
+merely to enter the amount in his pocket-book. He may have to report the
+case to the relieving-officer, or to defend it at the Board--neither of
+which acts his literary habits, his opportunities, his patience, or his
+ability to speak before the magnates of his district in Board assembled,
+may dispose him to perform. In other cases, where these considerations
+may have no weight, the overseer may be of opinion, since paid officers
+have been appointed to do the duty, and are paid to do it, that they are
+the proper persons to perform it.
+
+In thus referring to the duties of overseers, it must not be supposed
+that a recurrence to the old system is aimed at. It is a common opinion
+that the Union system is diametrically opposed to the old parochial
+system. And it seems to be too generally thought that relief should be
+given through paid agency. But this is not so. The power to relieve, in
+cases of sudden and urgent necessity, still rests with the overseers.
+But the law has deprived the overseer of the power to give permanent
+relief. It will not allow him to give a regular weekly allowance. The
+question the overseer has to do with is not whether labourer Miles shall
+receive, for a number of consecutive weeks or months, a certain sum, but
+whether he should not receive relief at this moment, his necessities
+being sudden and urgent. The question of permanent relief is no longer a
+subject of personal controversy and irritation between the labourer and
+the farmer. It is now a question between the labourer and the Board.
+What he shall receive no longer depends upon the will of a single
+person, but upon the collective will of a number so great, that personal
+partialities and prejudices can scarcely have place. The system, in this
+respect, assures justice alike to the rate-payer and the indigent poor.
+It stands between the poor man and the overseer; and also between the
+overseer and the sturdy threatening vagrant.
+
+But it is desirable to know whether the dereliction of duty by overseers
+has been of frequent occurrence, and whether there has been any want of
+care or disposition on the part of the authorities to facilitate its
+exercise. That the relief given must be duly recorded and accounted for,
+is quite clear. Now, do the means for doing this equal those given to
+the relieving-officer, who requires them less? Then, again, have
+arrangements been duly made to enable overseers to relieve in food? Is
+the loaf or the meat at hand? Can it be had from the nearest shop? Or
+must it be brought from the store of the contractor, who cannot always
+reside in the next village? In fact, must the destitute person wait for
+the periodical visit of the relieving-officer, and is the duty of the
+overseer thus made a superfluity?
+
+It is likely that the dweller in cities may not sufficiently estimate
+the importance of this topic. In a populous city, however sudden the
+casualty may be to which a fellow-creature may fall a victim, the means
+of relief are within a stone's-throw from the spot. But the case is
+different in that wide expanse of level country which opens to the view
+of the pedestrian as he gains the summit of the hill. The plain is
+dotted with solitary cottages, hamlets, and villages. The town is just
+perceptible in the distance. But its hum and its chimes are unheard. The
+Union-house loses its barrack-like appearance by its remoteness. He
+descends, and its "goes on his way." He hears the voices of children,
+the song of birds; and he sees cottages "embosomed" in trees, and those
+pictures which pastoral poets have so loved to paint, pass in panoramic
+order before him. He enters the cottage door; he sees the dampness of
+the walls; he feels the clayey coldness of the floors, and observes the
+signs of poverty. While pondering upon these things, sensation vacates
+its office, and imagination rules in the ascendant; material images fade
+away. Now the fields, the trees, and the entire air become covered and
+filled with drifting snow. Or,
+
+    "The stillness of these frosty plains,
+    Their utter stillness, and the silent grace
+    Of yon ethereal summits, white with snow,
+    (Whose tranquil pomp and spotless purity
+    Report of storms gone by
+    To those who tread below.")
+
+Or the winds howl, the biting sharpness of the frosty air nips the
+joints and shrivels the flesh, and the smoking smouldering fire has no
+power to control the winds which rush across the room. The scene
+changes. The lowlands are flooded, and the waters reach to, and stagnate
+at the cottage door. The rains descend; the air is saturated with water;
+it chills the frame; the heart beats languidly, and the soul of man
+stoops to the deadening influence of the elements. Agues, rheumatism,
+and fevers prevail. The hardships of the season bear down old and young;
+for the want of sufficient or nutritious food has shorn them of their
+strength.
+
+Upon awakening from this trance, "which was not all a dream," and
+reflecting how far aid is distant, even if it can be obtained from the
+nearest overseer, how forcibly must the thought occur--what numbers
+suffer and die whose suffering is unrelieved and unknown! If our
+pedestrian learn nothing from his trip for health and pleasure more than
+this, he will have learnt enough to satisfy him that the point we have
+directed his attention to, viz. that the means of relief in rural
+districts should be made as ample as possible; and that, therefore, the
+right and duty of the overseers to relieve promptly should be encouraged
+and zealously guarded.
+
+Reference must now be made to the notorious "Prohibitory Order." And in
+doing so, it is not to the order itself, either in its original or
+amended form, that the following remarks are especially made, but to the
+practices which owe their origin to the enactments of the Poor-Law
+Amendment Act, to the Utopian expectations of many, that a strict
+work-house test would destroy pauperism, and to the explanations and
+reports of the Commissioners themselves. The following is the
+prohibitory in its latest and most humanised form:--
+
+     "Article I.--Every able-bodied person, male or female, requiring
+     relief from any parish within any of the said Unions, shall be
+     relieved wholly in the work-house of the said Unions, together with
+     such of the family of every such able-bodied person as may be
+     resident with him or her, and may not be in employment, and
+     together with the wife of every such able-bodied male person, if he
+     be a married man, and if she be resident with him; save and except
+     in the following cases:--
+
+     1st, Where such person shall require relief on account of sudden
+     and urgent necessity.[47]
+
+     2d, Where such person shall require relief on account of any
+     sickness, accident, or bodily or mental infirmity, affecting such
+     person, or any of his or her family.
+
+     3d, Where such person shall require relief, for the purpose of
+     defraying the expenses, either wholly or in part, of the burial of
+     his or her family.
+
+     4th, Where such person, being a widow, shall be in the first six
+     months of her widowhood.
+
+     5th, Where such person shall be a widow, and have a legitimate
+     child or legitimate children dependent upon her, and incapable of
+     earning his, her, or their livelihood, and no illegitimate child
+     born after the commencement of her widowhood.
+
+     6th, Where such person shall be confined in any jail or place of
+     safe custody.
+
+     7th, Where the relief shall be required by the wife, child, or
+     children of any able-bodied man who shall be in the service of her
+     Majesty, as a soldier, sailor, or marine.
+
+     8th, Where any able-bodied person, not being a soldier, sailor, or
+     marine, shall not reside within the Union, but the wife, child, or
+     children, of such person shall reside within the same, the Board of
+     Guardians of the Union, according to their discretion, may afford
+     relief in the work-house to such wife, child, or children, or may
+     allow out-door relief for any such child or children, being within
+     the age of nurture, and resident with the mother within the Union."
+
+The fifth exception, relating to widows, is accompanied with a course of
+reasoning directed against its application; and as it is to be feared
+that the practice engendered by a former order, in which this exception
+had no place, may have become habitual, this exception will be treated
+as if it did not exist. Especial inquiries ought to be made, in order to
+ascertain whether widows with children are generally allowed out-door
+relief.
+
+The immediate effect of this system of relief is a diminution of
+expenditure. But we must look beyond the immediate effects. It is to be
+feared that great politico-social evils result from this system. They
+have been somewhat reduced in number, perhaps, by the new prohibitory
+order. But it is too probable that the original wound has left a scar.
+The evils are not on the surface, and strike the mind at intervals.
+Perhaps we may be struck with the fact, that our prisons are filled with
+individuals who have been committed for slight offences, and for short
+periods; and it may casually appear, that the work-house has something
+to do with it. Then the question may occur, why the ordinary
+accommodation for wayfarers in the casual wards of work-houses has
+become insufficient or less ample than formerly? Or, when travelling, we
+may see whole families creeping along the roads apparently without
+object or aim; and if, after giving them a coin, you ask them where they
+are going to, and why they are going? you will be struck with the
+vagueness of their replies. Wherever you meet them, you find they are
+going from this place to that; and if you were to meet them every day
+for a twelvemonth, the answers would always be as indefinite. At another
+time, we may be deeply concerned in the subject of prison discipline;
+and while studying reports, returns, and dietaries, the subject of
+workhouse discipline may become associated with it, and induce
+comparisons. And it may come to our knowledge, that there is a vast body
+of persons to whom it is a matter of indifference whether they are
+inmates of a prison or a workhouse. Or the mind may soar above the dull,
+cold, field of politics, and extend its researches to the pure regions
+of morality, leaving the questions of science for those of philosophy;
+and then it will appear that there are causes in operation, and results
+constantly flowing, which escape the "economic" eyes of assistant
+Commissioners.
+
+But we must avoid generalities. We still retain our original ground,
+viz. the rural Union, with its large area and its thinly scattered
+population. The reader must accompany us to the rural Union, where the
+spirit of the prohibitory order exercises its most baneful influence.
+
+We saw the relieving-officer performing his round of duties. The poor
+were assembled at the cottage door. Two classes of applicants were then
+given. We must now, however, look deeper into human nature. The
+destitute consist of the virtuous and the vicious, the vulgar and the
+refined. There stands an able-bodied man with his able-bodied wife, and
+his large healthy family. His weekly wages amount to nine shillings per
+week. If he loses a week's work he is destitute. He is now making an
+application to the relieving-officer. But it is useless. He must walk to
+the Union, and become an inmate, where his dinner awaits him. The man
+who now approaches the officer is like the last, able-bodied and out of
+work; but, unlike him, he has an idle, unthrifty, drunken wife. He is
+always trembling on the confines of destitution; and the instant he is
+without work he is on the brink of starvation. His spirit is broken. His
+children are dirty and ragged, and appear emaciated without disease. He,
+too, must enter the Union. The next is a hard-featured man;--
+
+    "A savage wildness round him hung
+    As of a dweller out of doors;
+    In his whole figure, and his mien,
+    A savage character was seen
+    Of mountains and of dreary moors."
+
+He does not seem to care whether relief is granted or not; and we may
+hear him say, "I don't want relief for myself, I can get my living
+somehow or other--but my wife and child musn't starve. I shan't go to
+the Union--I shall be off--and catch me who can."--In the cottage, a
+woman is seated with her children, whose husband has done that which the
+other has threatened to do. She may be industrious or idle, but she
+cannot support herself, thus suddenly thrown upon her own resources. Let
+us hope that she is allowed the benefit of the amended order.--There is
+the man whose children are approaching the state of womanhood or
+manhood. He has work to do, and he does it. He could manage to eke out a
+subsistence for himself--for his habits are simple and frugal; but his
+children are now a sore trial to him. His daughter has returned to his
+cottage with a child of shame. She has erred, but she cannot be turned
+from his door. She has tried to make the father contribute to the
+support of the child, but without success. Poor ignorant creature,
+instead of taking a competent witness with her, when she asked the man
+to assist her, she was too anxious to hide her shame. Instead of putting
+questions to him, in order "to get up" the corroborative evidence, she
+was too apt to spoil all by passionate upbraidings. And then, when she
+appeared before their worships the justices, she was too much abashed or
+excited, to enable her to develope those latent powers of examination
+and cross-examination which the law supposes her to possess. Those who
+have witnessed those humiliating proceedings in our petty courts of
+justice, and seen the magistrate at one moment kindly acting as counsel
+for the girl, then falling back to his position as judge, and observed
+the evident helplessness of the girl, must have left the court with the
+impression that the whole affair is a disgusting farce. She departs
+without redress. The "corroborative evidence" is declared insufficient.
+She goes to her father's cottage. His heart compels him to give her
+shelter, and a place at his scanty board. But the smallest assistance
+cannot be rendered with impunity. And there he stands an applicant. He
+is told, "you must come into the house." "But it is my daughter." "Then
+she must enter the Union." And, if she does, there she must remain until
+her child dies, or her hair grows grey.--On the other side, and away
+from the rest, stands a coarse-featured man, who has often been an
+inmate of the county jail. He is the smuggler on the coast, the footpad
+on the common, the poacher in the forest, the housebreaker, the
+horse-stealer, the sheep-slayer, or the incendiary. He may be any of
+these. He demands his rights, and threatens vengeance if refused.--We
+turn from this group, and walk slowly to the Union-house, now visible in
+the distance; and, in walking, the time may be well employed in
+reflection. The thought which occurs with the greatest vividness is
+this--for the reception of such a group, what must the arrangements be?
+There is the old man, honest but poor, who seeks there an asylum. There
+is the man old in sin and iniquity, as well as years. There is the
+able-bodied man and woman with their family. There is the able-bodied
+man with his drunken, unthrifty wife, and his emaciated children. There
+is the young girl, whom the season has thrown out of her ordinary field
+employment. There is the woman with her illegitimate child, either
+heart-broken, or glorying in her shame. There is the girl, young in
+years but old in profligacy, suffering for her sins. There is the matron
+in her green old age, the result of a life of industry and prudence. And
+there is the ruffian, and the thief, and the profligate vagrant, male
+and female. Now what arrangements can be made for this assemblage--the
+bad anxious to obtain temporary quarters, the good anxious to retain
+their homes?
+
+Surely they are not classed according to rules in which age, and sex,
+and state of health are the only principles? The widow with the
+prostitute, the aged cottar with the aged vagrant. If this were all, the
+moral consequences would not be so fearful. Does the young girl, who is
+now innocent, associate daily with her who has wandered over half the
+neighbouring counties, sinking lower and lower each journey? If so,
+poison will be instilled, which produces certain moral death. Refer to
+any list, now seven years old, of the inmates of a workhouse, who were
+then aged from twelve to eighteen years, and then inquire what has
+become of them. Or inquire of those who have the administration in
+metropolitan parishes, or in manufacturing and sea-port towns, how many
+of those unfortunates, scarcely yet arrived at the state of womanhood,
+and suffering from loathsome diseases, were brought up, or were sometime
+inmates of one of these Unions. Then there are the children of all
+these;--the children of the farm-labourer associating with those of the
+vagrant, who has quartered himself in the Union during the rains.
+
+The evils which this system occasions are not, unfortunately, either to
+be seen or understood by the casual observer. Even our observer may
+suppose that all is well, after he has inspected the place. He sees
+every thing clean and in order. There are no rags, no unshorn beards, no
+unclean flesh. The ordinary concomitants of virtue are here present--by
+compulsion. The rags, the filthiness of place and person, are absent--by
+order. This is forgotten; and, allowing the outward and visible to
+govern his judgment rather than the inward and spiritual, he leaves the
+place exclaiming, "Well! this is not so bad after all!" The outside is
+indeed white, but it is the whiteness of the sepulchre.
+
+If this group is to be received into one building, there must be
+something peculiar in its arrangements. All these persons are suffering,
+more or less, from the want of food, or lodging, or clothing, or medical
+aid. They are now offered the whole of these blessings, and yet they do
+not feel blessed thereby. He has now that livelihood freely offered to
+him which had cost him many a sigh to procure, and he has often sighed
+in vain. What then can or must be the nature of the arrangements? It
+must be remembered that this Union is presumed to be a test of poverty,
+and therefore the condition of its inmates must be inferior to that of
+the independent labourer.
+
+To effect this, how must the authorities proceed? In the first place,
+there are arrangements which they cannot make. They cannot altogether
+dispense with the counsels of the medical man, while the matter is under
+discussion. And an inspector of prisons should be admitted, certainly,
+as far as the ante-room. Then the locality of the Union-house must not
+be unhealthy. The internal parts of the building must not be exposed to
+the inclemency of the seasons.
+
+The rooms cannot be badly warmed or ventilated. They must not be allowed
+to become filthy. The inmates must not sleep on a damp floor, with loose
+straw for a bed, or an old carpet for a coverlid. Their clothes must not
+be permitted to fall from them in tatters. They must not remain
+twenty-four hours without food. And they cannot experience that gnawing
+anxiety--that sickness of heart which those thousands suffer who rise in
+the morning without knowing where they can obtain a meal, or lay down
+their head at night. These "ills," which constitute so large a portion
+of the poor man's lot, the inmate of this Union cannot be _made_ to
+suffer. Nor can they be detained like prisoners. He must not be confined
+for a longer period, after an application to leave has been made, than
+will allow for forms and casualties. So in three hours he is a free man
+again. What is to be done? Might not his food be touched? Might he not
+be allowed food which, although possessing nutritious qualities, should
+not be palatable? At this point, the prison inspector should be
+consulted. This experiment upon the dietaries has been tried, and with
+what success let public opinion trumpet-tongued proclaim. What must then
+be done? First, the family may, nay, must be divided and distributed
+over the building. The husband is sent to the "Man's Hall," the wife to
+the "Woman's Ward," and the male and female children each to their's.
+This arrangement is inevitable, but is fraught with dangers. The man who
+has lived for months estranged from his wife and children--for seeing
+them at certain times cannot be considered the same thing as living with
+them--may learn to believe that their presence is not necessary to his
+existence. And then it should not be forgotten, that the pain here
+introduced is the pain arising from the infliction of a moral wound. An
+attempt has been made to disturb a set of virtuous emotions in their
+healthy exercise. By this separation they are deprived of their
+necessary aliment; and, if they are not strong, will soon sicken and
+die. Now, those moral feelings which preside over the social hearth are
+those which exercise the greatest influence over the heart of the poor
+man, and bind, and strengthen, and afford opportunities for the
+development of the rest. They are in general the last that leave him.
+And when they are gone, he is bankrupt indeed. It is a pain, too, which
+only the virtuous feel. The lawless, the debauched, and the drunken pass
+unscathed. Is there not danger?
+
+In the second place, the inmates of the Union must work. And here also
+there are limits which a Board cannot pass. Labour cannot be enforced
+from a diseased man. The prudent master of a Union will not require a
+task to be performed which he cannot enforce. The question is, what work
+can the inmates be set to do? Not to lace-making or stocking-weaving,
+for that is the staple of the neighbourhood. To give them this work
+would diminish the demand for labour out of doors. What labour then must
+it be? Here is the rock upon which the vessel is now driving. It must
+certainly be real work. Must it, then, be disagreeable work? It must.
+But there is no work so disagreeable that willing labourers cannot be
+found to do it, and that at a rate of wages reduced by competition.
+Then, again, the most disagreeable kind of labour cannot be done in a
+Union-house. And experience proves, that the number of such employments
+is extremely limited.
+
+There are, however, certain kinds of labour that require no exertion of
+skill--no variety of operation--and consisting of the mechanical and
+monotonous operation of picking, which, if performed in the same room
+during a certain number of hours of each day, and from day to day, and
+from week to week, will become so sickening and wearying, that life with
+all its miseries, doubts, and anxieties, and impending starvation, will
+be welcomed in exchange.
+
+This labour women may perform. Now, in what way can the men be tasked?
+There are certain kinds of mere labour, hard and monotonous, such as
+grinding--or rather turning a handle all day long--without seeing the
+progress or result of the toil. He might also be employed in breaking
+bones. This has been tried, and received a check.
+
+But while the conclave are sitting in "consultation deep" upon this
+knotty question, let us turn to another conclave, and mark their doings.
+They know nothing of the poor-law, or paupers. The two authorities are
+separated, the one from the other, by a gulf, the depth of which
+official persons alone know. _They_ have to do with crime. They have to
+punish the offender. And not only to punish the offender who has
+committed acts which require long imprisonment, but those also who have
+committed petty offences. Upon this latter subject they are engaged. The
+prisoner must be set to work. And then arise the old questions, and with
+the same result. What do they determine?
+
+What has been done? Surely the two bodies have not each issued the same
+regulations to paupers and prisoners. If this be so, the matter cannot
+rest. And that it must be so, is obvious from a mere inspection of the
+means which the workhouse master and the jailer have at their disposal.
+It is not an oversight or an abuse. The data being given, the
+consequences are inevitable. Each conclave has separately arrived at
+nearly the same conclusion. In one case a prison and a prisoner, and a
+brief period of incarceration is given, with the condition, that his
+punishment shall not be so severe as that of the criminal deeply dyed in
+crime; and yet his circumstances shall be less desirable than those of
+the independent labourer. In the other case, a pauper and a Union-house
+is given; and if the condition of the problem be, that the pauper's
+situation shall be less disagreeable than that of the independent
+labourer, the solution becomes impossible; and, if this latter condition
+be left out or forgotten, the result is, that the prisoner and the
+pauper are in the same position. This mode of treating the matter has
+been preferred to that of comparing dietaries and labour-tables, and to
+quoting from evidence showing the indifference with which the prison and
+the workhouse are regarded by the lower class of paupers. Our object has
+been to show that the strict workhouse system leads necessarily to these
+evils.
+
+It is argued, on the other side, that pauperism has diminished in those
+Unions where the "prohibitory order" has been issued; and, in proof
+thereof, we are referred to reports and tables showing diminished
+expenditure. A family, with a judicious out-door management, would be
+able to subsist with the occasional assistance of two, three, or four
+shillings' worth of food weekly. The cost of the family in the house
+would be about 18s. weekly; and yet the expenditure in the rural Union,
+where the "prohibitory order" is in force, has been reduced. No especial
+reference can now be made to the amount of unrelieved suffering which
+this fact discloses. Those who decline the order cannot now be followed
+to their homes; nor can another incident of this system be dwelt
+upon--its tendency to reduce the standard of wages. The employer is
+likely to get labour cheap, when he has a number of unemployed labourers
+to choose from, who have just preferred to "live on" in a half-starved
+condition, rather than submit to a system of prison discipline. To
+return to the allegation, that pauperism has been diminished in those
+Unions where the order is in operation. The reply is--that the
+statistics do not touch the question. They ought to be thrown aside as
+useless, until the condition of those who have refused to enter the
+Union walls has been ascertained. Have their numbers become thinned by
+the ravages of the fever, which their "houseless heads and unfed sides"
+have unfitted them to resist? Have they been unable to pay their
+pittance of rent; and is the cottage, which was once theirs, now falling
+to decay? Have estates thus been thinned without the formality and
+notoriety of a warrant? Have the able-bodied left the Union, and become
+wanderers, seeking for an understocked labour-market; and, finding it
+not, are they becoming, through common lodging-house associations, half
+labourers, half vagrants--labouring to-day, begging to-morrow, and
+stealing the next? Is the inclination to wander growing into a passion?
+Are habits of strolling being formed? Is he gradually deteriorating to
+the half-savage state? Is this so? A great national question is
+involved. The French government know, by experience, the importance of a
+true knowledge of "Les Classes Dangereuses."
+
+Now, if any of these applicants have become wanderers, or have migrated
+to distant towns where charities abound, or have been cut off by
+sickness, or have remained in a state of semi-starvation, the statistics
+would remain the same. Besides, these statistics embrace two periods;
+the present time, when an extremely rigid system of out-door relief is
+in action; and a past time, when the out-door management was loose,
+irregular, and rotten; and for the diminution of expenditure, arising
+from a sound system of out-door relief, no allowance has been made, the
+whole benefit of the economy being referred to the workhouse test.
+
+It is probable much of the evil has been stayed, from the circumstance
+that the "system" has been carried into effect by human agency. A
+certificate of illness from the medical officer would exempt the
+individual from the operation of the rule. Now, the seeds of disease are
+oftentimes deeply hidden in the bodily frame; and the alleged throbbing
+or shooting pain, although the symptoms may not be seen, may have an
+existence, and be certified accordingly.
+
+Then the relieving-officer, after relieving the case as one of sudden
+and urgent necessity to-day, may see the applicant again upon his next
+visit; and knowing that a case is urgent after forty-eight hours'
+fasting, and may be considered sudden, if two days' work only was
+obtained when four days was expected, he may be relieved on the same
+plea again, and again, and again. In point of fact, the relief is an
+allowance.
+
+If this be the practice, a bad mode of out-door relief has grown into
+use, the worst peculiarities of the old method being involved in it. It
+is irregular, partial, and dependent on personal partialities and
+prejudices; and, if persisted in, would revive old times, when the
+overseer gave away, in the first place, to the bold, the insidious, and
+the designing, and modest merit was left to pick up the crumbs.
+
+The result of an inquiry into the two other classes into which England
+is parochially divided would probably be, that many evils have been
+removed or lessened, that others have remained untouched, that much good
+has been secured, and that new abuses have crept in.
+
+Take the Union of small parishes. An improvement has certainly been
+effected by the Union of these. A city or town, because it happened to
+be composed of a large number of small parishes, having no perceptible
+boundaries, but, in virtue of ancient usage or statute-law, was governed
+by so many independent petty powers. It does not require much study to
+ascertain what abuses would be likely to arise, or from what quarter
+they would probably come. It is likely that the round of petty magnates
+would be a small and cozy party; that a man, the moment he became
+initiated, would begin to ascend the ladder of fortune. Jobbery would
+flourish. Such things are not peculiar to England. In Spain and France
+they have been matter of observation. Read the following extract from
+Fabrice's account of the masters he served:--"Le Seigneur Manuel
+Ordonnez, mon maitre, est un homme d'une piete profonde. On dit que, des
+sa jeunesse, n'ayant en vue que le _bien_ des pauvres, il s'y est
+attache avec un zele infatigable. Aussi ses soins ne sont-ils pas
+demeures sans recompense: tout lui a prospere. Quelle benediction! En
+faisant les affaires des pauvres, il s'est enriche."
+
+These abuses belong to the past, but their existence should not be
+forgotten. Pauperism would flourish. For a system of management,
+proverbially jealous of having its affairs exposed to the gaze of the
+ignorant vulgar, could not look with too curious an eye into the
+circumstances of those who applied for relief. The beadle who flourished
+in those days did not, as some affirm, derive his authority from his
+cocked hat or his gilded coat, but from the real power he exercised.
+
+The overseers were elected with their will, or against it. They often
+served in a perpetual circle. The duty of relieving the poor was too
+often left to subordinate irresponsible officers, whose duties were
+neither expressed nor recognised. Their most arduous task was to keep
+their superior out of hot water. But what kind of cases were relieved,
+and under what circumstances, and what kind of cases were refused, and
+under what circumstances, is now mere matter--matter of tradition, and
+will become a mystery in the course of a few years. Many poor were
+relieved; but the bold, the idle, and the squalid had the best chance.
+Honest, humble poverty approached the overseer's door with fear and
+trembling, and the slightest rebuff or harsh word, which an importune
+application might occasion, would be sufficient to make her leave the
+door unrelieved. While the destitute confirmed pauper would annoy,
+insult, and extract relief, by the scandal of so much squalid
+destitution lying and crouching about the overseer's door.
+
+Now what change has taken place? These parishes have been formed into
+Unions. The churchwardens and overseers of each parish form part of a
+Board of management. This Board of management is completed by the
+addition of a class hitherto unknown in parish matters, viz. the
+guardians who are elected from the parishioners, on grounds in which
+wealth, station, and public importance are elements. All repairs and
+alterations, and the supply of provisions, are subject to contract, and
+open to competition. The parish plumber can no longer make his fortune
+by the repair of the parish pump. All disbursements are recorded, and
+subjected to rigid inspection, and all receipts are duly accounted for.
+
+But the poor, how do they fare? It is necessary to state, with reference
+to this point, that the peculiar politico-economic theories which have
+had such frequent expression in the letters, reports, and orders of the
+Poor-Law Commissioners, have also had their influence upon all persons
+connected with the administration of relief. The idea was, that a severe
+"house test" would nearly destroy pauperism. This dream, however, is
+passing away, and a more humane set of opinions are being engendered.
+
+The circumstances of a city Union are widely different from those of the
+rural Union; and, therefore, many suggestions and strictures which have
+been made against the mode of administering relief in the latter are
+inapplicable to the former. In the rural Union, the chief difficulty is,
+that a long distance must be travelled before the application to the
+relieving-officer can be made, and relief obtained. And it becomes a
+matter of importance to know to what extent the local officers are able
+to perform their duty. In the Union of small parishes, these
+difficulties cannot exist, for the whole diameter may be traversed in
+half-an-hour. Then a relief office is built. It is situated in a poor
+neighbourhood. It is open a certain number of hours in each day; an
+officer is in attendance; and the bread and meat, and other kind of
+food, are in the building. These facts are known to the poor, to the
+magistrates, and to the police. The individual power of the overseer in
+these little parishes falls daily into disuetude. The poor man can
+obtain relief most readily at the office. He need not wait for the
+leisure moment of an overseer--deeply engaged in his private affairs.
+The poor know this, and do not apply to him. Occasionally an application
+is made to an overseer, and if he wish the case to be relieved, his most
+convenient practical course, is to submit the case to the
+relieving-officer, by a note, and then to put a question to the chairman
+at the next board-day.
+
+It will be found that the evil to be apprehended is, that relief in
+certain cases may be too easily obtained, and a class of paupers
+improperly encouraged. This, however, does not necessarily proceed from
+the Union, but from certain other wise notions respecting mendicancy and
+vagrancy.
+
+A certain part of every workhouse is separated from the rest of the
+building, and appropriated to wayfarers. Formerly, at the close of day,
+a number of persons usually applied to the officers for lodging for the
+night. They were questioned as to their mode of livelihood, their object
+in travelling, the distance they had travelled, and the route; and these
+answers were tested by any means at hand. If the result was
+satisfactory, they were admitted, and allowed to pursue their way at an
+early hour in the morning, with an allowance of food. If the result was
+doubtful, or they were convicted of deceit, their application was either
+deferred, refused, or they were required to do work for the relief
+given. Then questions of age, sex, and degrees of health were
+considered. Now, relief precedes inquiry; and as these persons are
+relieved but once, no inquiry is made, and is in fact impossible. Now,
+if a man appears before an officer apparently destitute, he must be
+relieved forthwith. If the man is not relieved, the relieving-officer's
+situation and character are in jeopardy. And so the workhouse at night
+has become open house to all comers. The wards are filled with a strange
+group of beings. The very scum, not of the poor, but the vicious, are to
+be found in these wards. The man who attends these dens does his duty in
+the midst of revilings and cursings, and at the risk of his life. The
+poor man who is really "tramping" in search of work, and has not been
+able to get the threepence for his night's lodging, has not the benefit
+of this change. Fevers and other contagious diseases are likely to be
+generated and spread. Some inquiry has been made into this subject, but
+is by no means exhausted. Further inquiry should be made, and the
+connexion between vagrancy and a strict workhouse system should not be
+overlooked.
+
+The third class into which the parishes and Unions of England have been
+divided in this article, viz. that of populous single parishes, differs
+from that which comprises Unions of small parishes in but few
+particulars. These parishes are generally very populous, and cover a
+small area. The duty of administering relief has always been heavy and
+onerous. The mode of management has generally been determined by local
+acts. A board of management has always existed. In some cases the
+overseers have been elected and paid, because much experience, and the
+devotion of much time, is necessary for the due performance of the
+duties. In other instances, unpaid overseers hold the responsibility,
+and are assisted by subordinate officers. Many of these parishes have
+defied the power of the Commissioners, and retained their independent
+authority. The Boards are composed of men of standing and business
+habits. They are generally well acquainted with the poor, and know much
+better how the relief fund should be expended, than those who see them
+only through the imperfect media of reports and statistics. Many
+novelties in management, enforced on Unions by the Commissioners, have
+been voluntarily adopted, and many time-honoured fictions have been
+exploded. In general, the proceedings of the Commissioners have not been
+to them satisfactory. The new project of district asylums for the
+reception of wayfarers may be given as an example.
+
+These parishes, however, should not escape the inquiry; and a useful
+direction might be given to it, if the subject of classifications in
+workhouses were to be considered in connexion with these populous
+places. Not that special evils exist, but because the subject of
+classification on moral grounds might be more conveniently considered,
+and more severely tested.
+
+We think that an improved classification in workhouses, in which moral
+consideration might be allowed to form an element, might be attempted.
+Very decided opinions have been expressed to the contrary. It is
+generally believed, and has been declared by high authorities, that the
+poor fund is a statutable fund, raised by compulsion, for the relief of
+destitution; and, therefore, the statutable purpose of the fund has
+reference only to the fact of destitution, and not to moral qualities.
+That this may be true in cases of _sudden_ necessity is not denied; but
+with respect to those cases where relief is likely to be permanent--as
+old age--or in those cases in which a period must elapse before the
+relief is withdrawn, the moral character of the individual must, and
+does, form a leading circumstance in the treatment. It is not said that
+the fact of giving or refusing relief should depend on moral
+considerations, but that the mode or manner should be determined by
+them. Take a case. A widow with a family, in the first month of her
+widowhood, applies for relief. During the first three months of her
+husband's illness, his savings were adequate to his necessities. And
+during the last three months, the weekly voluntary gathering of his
+brother workmen, or the allowance from his club, has sufficed; and he
+died without destitution actually coming to his door. His remains have
+been conveyed to the grave; and, with the balance of money from the
+friendly society, or trades' club, she has been supported to the end of
+the first month of her widowhood.
+
+The other case is also a widow. But, as a wife, she was unthrifty and
+drunken, and she has not changed, for her sobriety was more than
+suspected on the day of the funeral. Here, there are no savings, no
+donations from friends, no allowance from a club. Her husband lived and
+died a pauper, was buried as a pauper, and his widow has determined to
+make the most of her destitution, and extract the utmost farthing from
+the reluctant guardians. Each of these cases must be relieved. As
+regards the fact of destitution, the latter case is the worst; but the
+frugal widow suffers the greatest deprivation. To the common observer,
+the state of the bad is one of pure misery, and the state of the other
+simply quiet, frugal, lowliness of condition. The fact, however, really
+is, that the good widow suffers the most keenly; and, excepting certain
+little matters of decency and cleanliness, is really the most destitute.
+The cry, "What will become of my children?" implies in itself a large
+amount of suffering. The thought scarcely occurs to the mind of the
+other. The treatment of these cases must be, and is different; and the
+difference is founded on moral grounds. In one case, if the relief were
+in money, it would be instantly transmitted into gin. Relief in kind
+must be resorted to, and be given in small quantities, and frequently;
+and even then she must be watched, or the bread would never reach the
+mouths of her children. In the other case, a liberal allowance in money,
+given in the first month of her widowhood, would be expended carefully,
+and if given promptly, before her "little home" has been broken up, she
+may be able in a few months to insure a livelihood, and become
+independent of the parish. These cases represent extremes. There is
+every variety of shade between them; and sometimes the case presents so
+mingled a yarn of laziness, and bodily weakness, ignorance, cunning, and
+imprudence, that the guardians scarcely know the proper treatment.
+Boards of guardians have frequently to deal with such cases, and do,
+without expressing it in words, dispose of them on moral grounds,
+although those in high places may be too much occupied with statistics
+and generalities to be aware of the fact.
+
+The question, how far moral considerations can be allowed in the
+classification of workhouses, is one of difficulty, and all opinions and
+suggestions require to be cautiously and guardedly stated. This cannot
+be done now. It may, however, be thought that, in suggesting a moral
+classification, we are getting rid of some of our objections to the
+"strict workhouse system." We may therefore say, that while we think a
+sound system of out-door relief is the preferable mode of dealing with
+poverty and pauperism, yet we believe the workhouse to be a necessary
+adjunct. Under the most favourable circumstances, the Union-house or
+workhouse is a moral pest-house; but, in the large manufacturing town or
+populous metropolitan parish, it is a necessary evil. In cities, where
+wretchedness is seen in its most squalid condition, and where crime
+assumes its most varied and darkest hues, there must always be a
+multitude of human beings whose necessities the public charities cannot
+reach. There are diseases which hospitals will not admit, because they
+can end only in speedy dissolution, or because they are incurable and
+lingering. There are cases, compounded of deceit and misery, which
+private charity passes by. There are aged men and women who have either
+outlived their children or their affection, or who saw them depart many
+years since to foreign lands as emigrants, soldiers, sailors, or
+convicts. And there are young children whose parents have been cut off
+by fever. There are the children of sin and shame. There is the young
+woman, overtaken in her downward career by horrible diseases, and who is
+now pitilessly turned from the door of her who taught her to sin for
+money. There is the vagrant, the debauched, and the criminal, who are
+approaching the end of their career. There are those who, by unexpected
+circumstances, have been deprived of a shelter. And there are those who
+will not work, who have absconded, and whose wives and children are
+without home or food. For all these, and many more, an asylum must
+exist, and this asylum is the workhouse. Is it quite clear that this
+collection of human beings, representing so many varieties of virtue and
+vice, cannot be divided and distributed over the building on principles
+of classification, in which other elements than those of age, sex, and
+healthiness might be admitted? The subject is worthy of full
+investigation.
+
+The subject of out-door relief might also be considered by the
+committee, not so much with a view to ascertain the actual mode in which
+it is dispensed, as to obtain suggestions from subordinate officers of
+improvement in its administration. The stoker of steam-engine can point
+out defects, and suggest simple remedies, which might escape the utmost
+penetration and official research of the principal engineer. This
+subject may be most conveniently considered under this head, because, in
+populous parishes, out-door relief is a prominent feature. In many
+cases, an apparently trivial change, which might be treated very
+contemptuously as a mere affair of detail, would lead to important
+reforms. In the report upon the Andover case, certain stringent remarks
+appear upon the neglect of the relieving-officer in not filling up the
+columns in his report-book headed "wages." Now, to those engaged in the
+administration of relief, the omission is not considered a great fault,
+it being in fact an omission of a mere form. Refer to the application
+and report-book, and the pauper description-book, prepared by the
+Commissioners, and the use of which _is enforced in all Unions_. They
+consist in a series of narrow columns. Each column is headed by an
+interrogatory, and appears to require a very brief answer. Refer to the
+column headed "weekly earning," &c. In this column, it is the duty of
+the relieving-officer to enter the amount of wages earned by the pauper.
+Now, in most populous parishes, the mode of living of those who receive
+relief is so irregular and precarious, as to preclude the possibility of
+ascertaining the amount of their earnings. The number of carpenters,
+bricklayers, smiths, and masons who receive relief is almost incredibly
+few. There are many who style themselves carpenters, &c. who have no
+knowledge of the trade. The bulk of the relieved poor consists of such a
+group as this--jobbing-smiths and carpenters, who are generally old or
+unskilful; aged men and women, and infirm persons, who do certain kinds
+of rough needlework, take care of children and sick people. There are
+cases where the head of the family is sickly, and whose employ is
+occasional. There are widows who do needlework by the piece--not for
+tradesmen, but for those who have received the work for those who
+received it from the tradesmen. There are those who wash and charr by
+the half or quarter of a day. There are men who make money-boxes,
+cigar-cases, children's toys, list-shoes, and cloth caps, and send their
+wives and children to sell them in the streets. If the weather is fine,
+they go singly; if the night be rainy, they form a miserable group at
+the corner of great thoroughfares. There are men who frequent quays,
+docks, markets, and coach-offices. There are those who sell in the
+streets, fruit, vegetables, and fish. There are those who sweep
+crossings, and pick up bones, rags, and excrement; and there are those
+who say they do nothing; and the most searching inquiry is at fault, and
+yet they appear to thrive. In this multitude, there are thousands who do
+not apply for parochial relief once in ten years. Now, try to fix the
+wages of those who really compose the mass of pauperism in towns. Who
+can conscientiously do it? The most correct statement must be erroneous.
+By frequent visitation, the officer acquires an intimate knowledge of
+their condition. When the Board are disposing of the out-relief cases,
+it is by this knowledge the Board are guided. The column of brief
+answers, read by the clerk, are so many algebraic symbols to the
+majority, and convey no particular meaning; and this explains the
+conduct of the Andover Guardians, which is otherwise inexplicable. They
+must have had some data before them in dealing with cases, and the
+earnings of the paupers could not possibly be omitted. There is no doubt
+that the report-book was tacitly considered as a form necessary to be
+filled up, because there were orders to that effect, but as having no
+practical utility. And yet, how easily might the evil have been avoided!
+The individual who devised and drew up the form should have thought less
+of its statistical completeness, and more of its practical use. He
+should have seated himself in the Boardroom, while the business of the
+week was being transacted, a silent but observant spectator; and then,
+with his mind imbued with the fact, he might have drawn up a form of
+report-book which would have been useful, statistically and practically.
+The principle of the book would have been that of the merchant's ledger,
+in which, upon reference to a particular folio, an account of business
+transactions with a person during many years may be seen at a glance.
+Its construction would be obvious, and its chief feature might be easily
+shown. It would be a book of the largest size. Each case would have its
+own double page. On the left side, columns, as at present, might appear;
+and on the right would appear a most circumstantial account of the
+pauper's circumstances. If this page had been commenced in 1836, and
+Mary Miles had received relief, either continuously or from time to
+time, until 1846, the page would probably be filled; and its contents
+being read by the clerk upon each appearance of the pauper before the
+Board, a minute account of the character and circumstances of the case
+would be disclosed, together with the several amounts of relief ordered
+or refused, and the several opinions of the Board, as recorded at
+different times, which would enable the Board to dispense with the
+verbal statements of the relieving-officer. At present, a case, however
+often relieved, is essentially a new one. The Board of Guardians is a
+changing body; the individuals composing it may not attend regularly;
+and thus the relieving-officer becomes the only person conversant with
+the facts and merits of the case, and he is enabled, or compelled, to
+exercise a degree of authority or influence which is highly inexpedient.
+
+How easily may these and other evils be remedied! But how, and by whom?
+This brings us back to our starting-point. An inquiry must be instituted
+into the actual working of the existing machinery. It must be conducted
+in a sober spirit, and without reference to theories; not in a reckless
+spirit of destruction, but of improvement. The question is, What
+remedial measures or improvement can be adopted in the administration of
+the English Poor-Laws? And if this paper has shown any imperfections,
+suggested any improvement, or should give the inquiry a useful
+direction, its object would be gained.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[47] "By sudden and urgent necessity, the Commissioners understand any
+case of destitution requiring instant relief, before the person can be
+received into the workhouse; as, for example, when a person is deprived
+of the usual means of support, by means of fire, or storm, or
+inundation, or robbery, or riot, or any other similar cause, which he
+could not control, where it had occurred, and which it would have been
+impossible or very difficult for him to foresee and prevent."--_Eighth
+Report of the Poor-Law Commissioners._ App. A.; No. 2.
+
+
+
+
+PRUSSIAN MILITARY MEMOIRS.
+
+
+     _Wanderungen eines alten Soldaten_, von WILHELM BARON VON RAHDEN,
+     ehemaligem Hauptmann in Koenigl. Preuss. und Konigl. Niederlaend.
+     Diensten, designirtem Capitain im Kaiserl. Russ. Generalstabe,
+     zuletzt Brigade-General im Genie-Corps der Spanisch-Carlistischen
+     Armee von Aragon und Valencia. Erster Theil. Befreiungs Kreig von
+     1813, 1814, and 1815. Berlin: 1846.
+
+
+Military memoirs are a popular class of literature. If few non-military
+men make them their chief study, still fewer do not upon occasion
+willingly take them up and dip with pleasure into their animated pages.
+The meekest and most pacific, those in whose composition no spark of the
+belligerent and pugnacious is discernible, yet dwell with interest upon
+the strivings, dangers, and exploits of more martial spirits. Even the
+softer sex, whilst gracefully shuddering at the bloodshed and horrors of
+war, will ofttimes seriously incline to read of the disastrous chances,
+moving accidents, and hair-breadth 'scapes that checker a soldier's
+career. The poetical and the picturesque of military life appeal to the
+imagination, and act as counterpoise to the massacres and sufferings
+that painfully shock the feelings. Amidst the wave and rustle of silken
+banners, the glitter and clash of steel, the clang of the brazen
+trumpet, and hurra of the flushed victor, the blood that buys the
+triumph and soaks the turf vanishes or is overlooked; the moans of those
+who die upon the field, linger in hospital, or pine in stern captivity,
+are faintly heard, if not wholly drowned. The pomp and pageantry of war,
+the high aspirations and heroic deeds of warriors, too often make us
+forget the countless miseries the strife entails--the peaceful peasant's
+ravaged homestead, the orphan's tears, the widow's desolation.
+
+Although the public mind dwells upon military matters less in England
+than in France and Germany, neither of these countries has, during the
+thirty years' peace, been more prolific than our own in books of a
+military character. We speak not of strategical works, but of the
+pleasant and sometimes valuable narratives of individual adventure that
+have flowed in abundance from the pens of soldiers of every class and
+grade. Not a branch of the service, from the amphibious corps of the
+marines to the aristocratic cohorts of the guards, but has paid tribute,
+in many cases a most liberal one, to the fund of military literature.
+The sergeant and the general, the lieutenant and the lieutenant-colonel,
+the showy hussar and the ponderous dragoon, the active rifleman and the
+stately grenadier--men of all ranks and arms--have, upon hanging up the
+sabre, taken up the pen, and laboured more or less successfully to add
+their mite to the stores of history and stock of entertainment. The
+change from the excitement and bustle of active service to the monotony
+and inertion of peacetime, is indeed great, and renders occupation
+essential to stave off ennui. In ruder days than the present, the
+dice-box and pottle-pot were almost sole resources. In the rare
+intervals of repose afforded by a more stirring and warlike age, the
+soldier knew no other remedies, against the _taedium vitae_ that assailed
+him. When "wars were all over, and swords were all idle," "the veteran
+grew crusty as he yawned in the hall," and he drank. Now it is
+otherwise. Refinement has driven out debauchery, and the unoccupied
+_militaire_, superior in breeding and education to his brother in arms
+of a former century, often fills up his leisure by telling of the
+battles, sieges, and fortunes he has passed; reciting them, not, like
+Othello, verbally and to win a lady's favour, but in more permanent
+black and white, for the instruction and amusement of his fellows.
+
+Whilst paying a well-merited tribute to the talents of our English
+military authors, we willingly acknowledge the claims of men, who,
+although born in another clime, and speaking a different tongue, are
+yet allied to us by blood, have fought under the same standard, and bled
+in the same cause. One of these, a German officer who shared the
+reverses and triumphs of the three eventful years, 1813 to 1815,
+beginning at Lutzen and ending with Waterloo, has recently published a
+volume of memoirs. It contains much of interest, and well deserves a
+notice in our pages.
+
+William Baron von Rahden is a native of Silesia. His father, an officer
+in the Prussian service, was separated from his wife, after ten years'
+wedlock, by one of those divorces so easily procurable in Germany, and
+returned to Courland, his native country, leaving his children to their
+mother's care. At the age of six years, William, the second son, was
+adopted by a Silesian nobleman, a soldier by profession, who had served
+under Frederick the Great, and who, although he had long left the
+service, still retained in full force his military feelings and
+characteristics. The apartments of his country house were hung with
+portraits of his warlike ancestors; the officers of the neighbouring
+garrison were his constant guests. Thus it is not surprising that young
+Rahden's first associations and aspirations were all military, and that
+he eagerly looked forward to the day when he should don the uniform and
+signalise himself amongst his country's defenders. His wishes were early
+gratified. When only ten years old, he was sent to the military school
+at Kalisch.
+
+The novitiate of a Prussian officer at the commencement of the present
+century was a severe ordeal, the road to rank any thing but a flowery
+path, and it was often with extreme unwillingness that the noble
+families of South Prussia yielded their sons to the tender mercies of
+the Kalisch college. The boys had frequently to be hunted out in the
+forests, where, through terror of the drill or in obedience to their
+parents, they had sought refuge, and when caught they were conducted in
+troops to their destination. On reaching the Prosna, a little river near
+Kalisch, they were stripped naked, their hair was cut close, and they
+were then driven into the water, whence, after a thorough washing, they
+emerged upon the opposite bank, there to be metamorphosed into Prussian
+warriors. The same operation, with the exception of the bath in the
+Prosna, was undergone by the willing recruits. Baron von Rahden gives a
+humorous account of the equipment of these infant soldiers, and of his
+own appearance in particular.
+
+"The little lad of ten years old, broader than he was long, with his
+closely cropped head, upon the hinder part of which a bunch of hair was
+left, whereto to fasten a tail eight or ten inches long, and with a
+stiff stock over which his red cheeks puffed out like cushions, was
+altogether a most comical figure. The old uniform coats originally blue,
+but now all faded and threadbare, with facings of a brick-dust colour
+and great leaden buttons, never fitted the young bodies to which they
+were allotted; they were always either too long and broad, or too narrow
+and short. The same was the case with the other portions of the uniform,
+which were handed down from one generation of cadets to another, without
+reference to any thing but the number affixed to them. I got No. 24; I
+was heir to some lanky long-legged urchin, into whose narrow garments I
+had to squeeze my unwieldy figure. A yellow waistcoat of immoderate
+length, short white breeches, fastened a great deal too tight below the
+knee, grey woollen stockings and half-boots, composed the costume, which
+was completed by a little three-cornered hat, pressed low down over the
+eyes, with the view of imparting somewhat of the stern aspect of a
+veteran corporal to the red and white face of the juvenile wearer."
+
+Such was the clothing of Prussia's future defenders. Their fare was of
+corresponding quality; abundant, but coarse in the extreme. The harsh
+and unswerving enactments of the great Frederic had as yet been but
+little amended. Moreover, by the system of military economy existing in
+1804, both food and raiment were lawfully made a source of profit to the
+captain of this company of cadets. The director of the establishment
+Major Von Berg, was an excellent man, zealous for the improvement of his
+pupils, and striving his utmost to instil into them a military spirit.
+Under his superintendence strict discipline was maintained, and
+instruction advanced apace.
+
+The year 1806 brought the French into Prussia. Marshal Ney visited
+Kalisch, and placed a score of cadets in the newly-formed Polish
+regiments. In due time the others, as they were given to understand,
+were to be similarly disposed of. Young Rahden wrote to his adopted
+father, begging to be removed from the college, lest he should be made
+to serve with the enemies of his country. But the old officer looked
+further forward than the impatient boy; he knew that it was no time for
+the youth of Prussia to abandon the military career; that the day would
+come when their country would claim their services. His reply was
+prompt, brief, and decided. "I will not take you home," he wrote; "for
+then you will learn nothing. Be a Polish or a French cadet, I care not;
+only become an honourable soldier, and all that is in my power will I do
+for you. But do not come to me like our young officers from Jena; for if
+you do, you will get neither bread nor water, but a full measure of
+disgrace. Your faithful father, T." This letter made a strong impression
+upon Von Rahden, and he nerved himself to endure what he now viewed as
+inevitable. For another year he remained at Kalisch, until, in December
+1807, news came of the approach of Prince Ferdinand of Pless, who had
+thrown himself, with a few thousand men, between the French army, then
+on its march to Poland, and the Bavarians and Wurtembergers under Jerome
+Buonaparte. This intelligence caused universal alarm in the college of
+Kalisch, now become French.
+
+"On the broad road in front of our barracks, large bodies of Polish
+boors, in coarse linen frocks, were drilled for the service of Napoleon
+by officers in Prussian uniforms; certainly a singular mixture. At the
+cry--'The Prussians are coming!' they all ran away, the officers the
+very first, and this might have given me an inkling of the reasons and
+motives of my father's severe letter. Under cover of the general
+confusion, a Prussian artilleryman muffled me and six other Silesian
+cadets in the linen frocks of the recruits, and hurried us off through
+field and forest, over bog and sand, to the Prince of Pless, whom we
+fell in with after thirty-six hours' wanderings. We were all weary to
+death. Nevertheless, five of my companions were immediately placed
+amongst the troops, who continued their route without delay; only myself
+and a certain Von M----, still younger than me, were left behind, as
+wholly unable to proceed. Of what passed during the next six weeks, I
+have not the slightest recollection. I afterwards learned that I had
+been seized with a violent nervous fever, the result of fatigue and
+excitement, and that I was discovered by a Bavarian officer in a Jew
+tavern near Medzibor, close to the frontier. The uniform beneath my
+smock-frock, and a small pocket-book, told my name and profession, and
+under a flag of truce I was sent into Breslaw, then besieged, to my
+mother, whom I had not seen for seven years."
+
+After two years passed in idleness, young Von Rahden was attached as
+bombardier to the artillery at Glatz, and found himself under the
+command of a certain Lieutenant Holsche, an officer of impetuous
+bravery, but somewhat rough and hasty, and apt to show slight respect to
+his superiors. At that time, 1809, the Duke of Brunswick was recruiting
+at Nachod in Bohemia, within two German miles of Glatz, his famous black
+corps, the death's-head and _memento mori_ men--the Corps of Revenge, as
+it was popularly called in Germany. Numbers of Prussians, officers of
+all arms, left their homes in Silesia, where they vegetated on a scanty
+half-pay, to swell his battalions; and even from the garrison of Glatz
+officers and soldiers daily deserted to him, eager to exchange inaction
+for activity. Subsequently, many of these were tried and severely
+punished for their infringement of discipline, and over-eagerness in the
+cause of oppressed Germany, but the year 1813 again found them foremost
+in the ranks of their country's defenders.
+
+On a certain morning, subsequent to Von Rahden's arrival at Glatz, the
+young artillery cadets were assembled on the parade-ground outside the
+gates of the fortress, and went through their exercise with four light
+guns, drawn, as was then the custom, by recruits instead of horses.
+Holsche, who was also known as the "Straw-bonnet" commandant, from his
+desperate defence of a detached work of the fort of Silberberg, which
+bore that name, was present. Although usually free and jocose with his
+subordinates, on that day he was grave and preoccupied, and twisted his
+black mustache with a thoughtful air. It was an oppressive and stormy
+morning, and distant thunder mingled with the sound of cannon, which the
+wind brought over from Bohemia.
+
+"By a succession of marches and flank movements, Holsche took us through
+the river Neisse, which flowed at the extremity of the parade-ground,
+and was then almost dry. We proceeded across the country, and finally
+halted in a shady meadow. Here the word of command brought us round the
+lieutenant, who addressed us in a suppressed voice:--'Children,' said
+he, pointing towards Bohemia, 'yonder will I lead you; there you will be
+received with open arms. There, horses, not men, draw the guns, and many
+of you will be made sergeants and even officers. Will you follow me?' A
+loud and unanimous hurra was the reply. For a quarter of an hour on we
+went, over hedge and ditch, at a rapid pace. A heavy rain soaked the
+earth and rendered it slippery, the wheels of the gun-carriages cut deep
+into the ground, until we panted and nearly fell from our exertions to
+get them along. Suddenly the word was given to halt. 'Boys,' cried the
+lieutenant, 'many of you are heartily sick of this work; that I plainly
+see. Listen, therefore! I will not have it said that I compelled or
+over-persuaded any one. He who chooses may return, not to the town, but
+home to his mother. You children, in particular,' he added, stepping up
+to the first gun, to which five young lads, of whom I was the least,
+were attached as bombardiers, 'you children _must_ remain behind.'
+Against this decision we all protested. We would not go back, we
+screamed at the top of our voices. Holsche seemed to reflect. After a
+short pause, the tallest and stoutest fellow in the whole battery came
+to the front, and in a voice broken by sobs, begged the lieutenant to
+let him go home to his mother. 'Oho!' shouted Holsche, 'have I caught
+you, you buttermilk hero? Boys!' he continued, addressing himself to all
+of us, 'how could you believe that my first proposal was a serious one?
+I only wished to ascertain how many cowards there were amongst you.
+Thank God, there is but one! Help me to laugh at the fellow!' A triple
+shout of laughter followed the command; then 'Right about' was the word,
+and in an hour's time, weary and wet through, we were again in our
+barracks."
+
+The pluck and hardihood displayed on this occasion by the boy-bombardier
+won the favour of Holsche, who took him into the society of the
+officers, gave him private lessons in mathematics, and did all he could
+to bring him forward in his profession. But, soon afterwards, Rahden's
+destination was altered, and, instead of continuing in the artillery, he
+was appointed to the second regiment of Silesian infantry, now the
+eleventh of the Prussian line. In this regiment he made his first
+campaigns, and served for nearly twenty years. In the course of the war
+he frequently fell in with his friend Holsche, and we shall again hear
+of that eccentric but gallant officer.
+
+The year 1813 found Von Rahden, then nineteen years of age, holding a
+commission as second lieutenant in the regiment above named, and
+indulging in brilliant day-dreams, in which a general's epaulets, laurel
+crowns, and crosses of honour, made a conspicuous figure. But a very
+small share of these illusions was destined to realisation. For the
+time, however, and until experience dissipated them, they served to
+stimulate the young soldier to exertion, and to support him under
+hardship and suffering. Such stimulus, however, was scarcely needed. The
+hour was come for Germany to start from her long slumber of depression,
+and to send forth her sons, even to the very last, to victory or death.
+The disasters of the French in Russia served as signal for her uprising.
+
+"The great events which the fiery sign in the heavens (the comet of
+1811) was supposed to forerun, came to pass in the last months of the
+following year. The French bulletin of the 5th December 1812, announced
+the terrible fate of the Grande Armee, and removed the previously
+existing doubt, whether it were possible to humble the invincible
+Emperor and his presumptuous legions. It was a sad fate for veteran
+soldiers, grown grey in the harness, to be frozen to death, or, numbed
+and unable to use their weapons, to be defencelessly murdered. Such was
+the lot of the French, and although they were then our bitterest foes,
+to-day we may well wish that they had met a death more suitable to brave
+men. At Malo-Jaroslawetz, at Krasnoi, and by the Beresina, whole
+battalions of those frozen heroes were shot down, unable to resist. Do
+the Russians still commemorate such triumphs? Hardly, one would fain
+believe. No man of honour, in our sense of the word, would now command
+such massacres; for only when our foes are in full possession of their
+physical and moral strength, is victory glorious. But at that time I
+lacked the five-and-thirty years' experience that has enabled me to
+arrive at these conclusions; I was almost a child, and heartily did I
+rejoice that the whole of the Grande Armee was captured, slain, or
+frozen. The joy I felt was universal, if that may serve my excuse.
+
+"Like some wasted and ghastly spectre, hung around with rags, its few
+rescued eagles shrouded in crape, the remains of the great French army
+recrossed the German frontier. Sympathy they could scarce expect in
+Germany; pity they found, and friendly arms and fostering care received
+the unfortunates. So great a mishap might well obliterate hostile
+feelings; and truly, it is revolting to read, in the publications of the
+time, that 'at N---- or B---- the patriotic inhabitants drove the French
+from their doors, refusing them bread and all refreshment.' Then,
+however, I rejoiced at such barbarity, which appeared to me quite
+natural and right. One thing particularly astonished me; it was, that
+amongst the thirty thousand fugitives, there were enough marshals,
+generals, and staff-officers to supply the whole army before its
+reverses. Either they had better horses to escape upon, or better cloaks
+and furs to wrap themselves in; thus not very conscientiously fulfilling
+the duty of every officer, which is to share, in all respects, the
+dangers and fatigues of his subordinates."[48]
+
+The hopes and desires of every Prussian were now concentrated on one
+single object--the freedom of the Fatherland. Breslaw again became the
+focus of the whole kingdom. From all sides thousands of volunteers
+poured in, and the flower of Prussia's youth joyfully exchanged the
+comforts and superfluities of home for the perils and privations of a
+campaigner's life. Universities and schools were deserted; the last
+remaining son buckled on hunting-knife and shouldered rifle and went
+forth to the strife, whilst the tender mother and anxious father no
+longer sought to restrain the ardour of the Benjamin of their home and
+hearts. All were ready to sacrifice their best and dearest for their
+country's liberation. Women became heroines; men stripped themselves of
+their earthly wealth for the furtherance of the one great end. In
+Breslaw the enthusiasm was at the hottest. In an idle hour, Von Rahden
+had sauntered to the college, the Aula Leopoldina, and stood at an open
+window listening to a lecture on anthropology, delivered by a young, but
+already celebrated professor. Little enough of the learned discourse was
+intelligible to the juvenile lieutenant, but still he listened, when
+suddenly the stillness in the school was broken by the clang of wind
+instruments.
+
+The people shouted joyful hurras, casements were thrown open, and
+thronged with women waving their handkerchiefs. Professor and scholars
+hurried to the windows and into the street. What had happened? It was
+soon known. A score of couriers, blowing furious blasts upon their small
+post-horns, dashed through the town-gates, and the next instant a shout
+of "War! War!" burst from ten thousand throats. The couriers brought
+intelligence of the alliance just contracted at Kalisch between the
+Emperor Alexander and the King of Prussia.
+
+When the clamour and rejoicing amongst the students had a little
+subsided, their teacher again addressed them. All were silent. Twisting
+a small silver pencil-case between his thin fingers, he began as
+follows: "My young friends! It would be difficult to resume the thread
+of a lecture thus abruptly broken by the sound of the war-trumpet. At
+this moment our country demands of us other things than a quiet abode in
+the halls of study. I propose to you, therefore, that we all, without
+exception, at once join the ranks of our country's defenders, and
+henceforward wield the sword instead of the pen." This patriotic
+proposal was received with joyous applause. Professor Steffens and
+hundreds of his hearers left the lecture-room, exchanged the university
+gown for the uniform, and from that day were the pith and marrow of the
+black band of Lutzow. It is matter of history how Henry Steffens, at the
+head of his wild Jaegers, greatly distinguished himself in the field, won
+the Iron Cross, and by his animated eloquence and noble example, drew
+thousands of brave defenders around the standard of German independence.
+Thirty-two years later, at Berlin, Baron von Rahden followed his mortal
+remains to their last resting-place.
+
+Other examples of devotion, less known but not less touching, are cited
+in the volume before us. When the King of Prussia's celebrated
+proclamation "TO MY PEOPLE," had raised German enthusiasm to its highest
+pitch, and the noble-hearted women of Silesia sent their jewels to the
+public treasury, replacing them by iron ornaments, a young girl at
+Breslaw, who had nothing of value to contribute, cut off the luxuriant
+golden tresses that adorned her graceful head, and sold them, that she
+might add her mite to the patriotic fund. The purchaser gave a high
+price, but yet made an enormous profit; for no sooner was the story
+known, than hundreds of those then arming for the fight flew to obtain a
+golden hair-ring, to wear as a talisman in the battle-field. This
+heroine, Baron von Rahden believes, was a Fraulein von Scheliha, a name
+noted in the annals of Prussian patriotism. The three sons of a Herr von
+Scheliha, officers in various regiments, fell in the campaign of 1813.
+Their mother and only sister died of broken hearts, and the father,
+bowed down under his grief, sold his estate and country-house, which now
+only served to remind him of his losses. The King of Prussia sent him
+the Iron Cross; and that and the sympathy of all who knew his sad
+history, were the only remaining consolations of the bereaved old man. A
+Silesian count, named Reichenbach, wrote to the King in the following
+terms: "If it please your majesty to allow me, I will send five thousand
+measures of corn and my draught oxen to the military stores for rations,
+and my best horses to the ---- regiment of cavalry; I will equip all the
+men on my estates capable of bearing arms, and they shall join the ----
+regiment of infantry, and I will pay ten thousand thalers into the
+military chest. For my three sons I crave admission into the army as
+volunteers. And, finally, I humbly implore of your majesty that I
+myself; who, although advanced in years, am strong and willing, may be
+permitted to march by their side, to teach then to fight and, if needs
+be, to die. Meanwhile, my wife and daughters shall remain at home to
+prepare lint, sew bandages, and nurse the sick and wounded."
+
+A Major Reichenbach commanded Von Rahden's battalion, and under his
+guidance the young lieutenant first smelled powder. It was at Lutzen, a
+bloody fight, and no bad initiation for an unfledged soldier. Although
+modest and reserved when speaking of his own exploits, it is not
+difficult to discern that on this, as on many subsequent occasions, the
+baron bore himself right gallantly. At eleven o'clock the army of the
+Allies stood in order of battle, Von Rahden's battalion, which formed
+part of General Kleist's division, in the centre, and well to the front.
+At a distance of six or eight hundred paces, the hostile masses moved to
+and fro, alternately enveloped in clouds of dust, and disappearing
+behind trees and houses. The fight began with artillery. "The first
+round-shot whizzed close over the heads of the battalion, and buried
+itself in the ground a few hundred paces in our rear. A second
+immediately followed, carrying away a few bayonets and the drum-major's
+cane. Each time the whole battalion, as if by word of command, bobbed
+their heads, and the men pressed closer together. In front of us sat our
+commandant, Count Reichenbach, reining in his splendid English roan,
+which snorted and curveted with impatience. The count had not bowed his
+head; he had made the Rhine campaigns, and a cannon-ball was nothing new
+to him. He turned to the battalion, slapping his leg with his right
+hand, whilst a comical twitching of his nose and at the corner of his
+mouth betrayed his discontent. 'Men!' said he, 'balls that whistle do
+not hit, so it is useless to fear them. Henceforward, let no one dare to
+stoop.' Hardly had the words left his lips when a third shot passed
+close over his head and dashed into the battalion. This time very few
+made the respectful salutation which had occasioned the count's reproof,
+but astonishment and horror were visible on every countenance when we
+saw our dear comrades struck down by our side.
+
+"After an hour's cannonade the infantry advanced. Skirmishers were
+thrown out, and the musketry came into play; and truly, often as I have
+been in action, such firing as at Lutzen I never since heard. From about
+mid-day till nine at night, one uninterrupted roll; not even for a
+moment were single shots to be distinguished. My old comrades will bear
+witness to the truth of this.
+
+"Our light company hastened forward as skirmishers, Lieutenant Merkatz
+led them on, and, with waving sword and a joyful shout, rushed towards
+the foe, full a hundred paces in front of his men. Soon the wounded
+straggled, and were carried past us by dozens--amongst others Anselme,
+captain of the company. A rifle-ball had shattered his right shoulder.
+When I saw him, twenty-five years later, as a general, he still carried
+his arm in a sling, fragments of bone frequently came away, and his
+sufferings were very great. Such wounds as his no gold, or title, or
+decorations can repay; in the consciousness of having done one's duty
+the only compensation is to be found."
+
+Von Rahden was soon called upon to replace a wounded officer, and he
+hurried to the front. Before he reached the skirmishers, he met the dead
+body of the young prince of Hesse-Homburg, who served as staff-officer
+in the first regiment of Silesian infantry. He had entered action as he
+would have gone to parade, in full dress, with a star upon his breast,
+and wearing all the insignia of his rank. General Ziethen remonstrated
+with him on the imprudence of thus rendering himself a conspicuous mark,
+but he was deaf to the warning, and refused to take off his star.
+"This," said he, "is the soldier's most glorious parade-ground." The
+next moment a ball struck him, and he fell mortally wounded from his
+horse.
+
+We shall not follow Baron Von Rahden through the bloody day of Lutzen,
+in the course of which he received a wound, not sufficiently severe,
+however, to compel him to leave the field. Neither of that action, nor
+of any subsequent one, does he give a general account, but professes
+merely to relate what he himself saw. As a subaltern officer, his sphere
+of observation was, of course, very limited. He recites his own
+adventures and the proceedings of his battalion, or, at most, of the
+division to which it was attached, and is careful to name those officers
+who particularly distinguished themselves. He urges the surviving
+veterans of those eventful campaigns to follow his example, and publish
+their reminiscences, as a means of rescuing from unmerited oblivion the
+names of many who especially signalised themselves whilst defending the
+holy cause of German independence. It was a period prolific in heroes;
+and if the manoeuvres and discipline of the Prussian army had been
+more in proportion with the gallant spirit that animated the majority of
+its members, doubtless the struggle would have been briefer. As it was,
+the campaign of 1813 opened with a reverse which it was vainly
+endeavoured to cloak by mendacious bulletins. "The nobly fought and
+gloriously won action of Gross-Groeschen," said the official accounts of
+the battle of Lutzen. But stubborn facts soon refuted the well-intended
+but injudicious falsehoods, propounded to maintain the moral courage of
+the nation. The French entered Dresden, driving out the rear-guard of
+the retreating Allies, who, on the evening of the 12th of May,
+established their camp, or rather their bivouac, for tents they had
+none, near Bautzen, and fortified their position by intrenchments and
+redoubts. On the 20th the fight began; 28,000 Prussians and 70,000
+Russians, so says the baron, against 150,000 French. A large
+disproportion; and, moreover, the troops of the Allies were not made the
+most of by their commanders. General Kleist's corps, consisting of but
+5000 men, was left from ten in the morning till late in the afternoon to
+defend itself unassisted against over-powering numbers of the French.
+And most gallant their defence was. They fought before the eyes of both
+armies, on the heights of Burk, which served as a stage for the
+exhibition of their courage, and of the calm skill of their commander.
+Von Rahden records the fact, that the Emperor Alexander sent several
+times to Kleist to express his praise and admiration; and that his last
+message was, that he could kiss Kleist's feet (a thorough Russian
+testimony of respect) for his splendid behaviour with the advanced
+guard. At length large bodies of the French having moved up to support
+the assailants, a reinforcement was sent to Kleist to cover his retreat.
+It consisted of Von Rahden's battalion, which, on the retrograde
+movement being commenced, was for some time completely isolated, and
+bore the whole brunt of the fight. Orders were given to clear a
+corn-field which afforded shelter to the enemy. Here is a spirited
+description of the fight that ensued.
+
+"I led the skirmishes of the first and second company. We entered the
+field, and instantly found ourselves within fifteen or twenty paces of
+the French marines, whom Napoleon had attached to the army, and whom we
+recognised by the red lace on their shakos. We were so near each other,
+that when our opponents fired I felt the heat of the burnt powder. The
+battalion was about fifty paces behind us, but on rather higher ground.
+It deployed into line, and fired a volley over our heads, which some of
+the bullets missed by a trifle. A very unpleasant sensation and critical
+moment; and many of my men showed an eagerness to get out of this double
+fire, or at least to shelter themselves from it as much as possible. The
+bugler tried to run; I caught him by the coat skirt, and ordered him to
+sound the assembly, meaning to retire with my skirmishers to the right
+flank of the battalion. He obeyed, clapped his bugle to his lips, and
+began a quavering call. Suddenly the sounds ceased, and the bugler fell
+backwards, spitting and sputtering with his mouth, stamping and striking
+out with his feet and hands; then, jumping up, he ran off like a madman.
+A bullet had entered the sound-hole of his bugle. At the same moment I
+felt a hard rap on the right hip, and was knocked down. It was a
+canister-shot; the blood poured out in streams, and, before I could join
+the battalion, my boot was full of it. My comrades were hard at work;
+after a few volleys, they kept up an incessant file-fire. They were
+drawn up in line, only two deep, the third rank having been taken for
+skirmishers. Luckily the enemy had no cavalry at hand, or it would have
+been all up with us, for we should never have been able to form a
+square. It was all that the officers and serrafiles could do to keep the
+men in their places. The French infantry surrounded us on three sides,
+but they kept behind the hedges, and amongst the high corn, and showed
+no disposition to come to close quarters, when the bayonet and but-end
+would have told their tale. On the other hand, from the adjacent heights
+the artillery mowed us down with their canister. The fight lasted about
+an hour; half a one more, and to a certainty we should all have been
+annihilated or prisoners, for we were wholly unsupported. Sporschil and
+other writers have said that Blucher sent General Kleist a reinforcement
+of three thousand infantry. To that I reply that our battalion was at
+most six hundred strong, and I did not see another infantry soldier in
+the field. The other troops had retired far across the plain. Suddenly
+the earth shook beneath our feet, and two magnificent divisions of
+Russian cuirassiers charged to the rescue. The French infantry sought
+the shelter of their adjacent battery, and we retreated wearily and
+slowly towards our lines. The sun, which had shone brightly the whole
+day, had already set when we reached a small village, and again extended
+our skirmishers behind the walls and hedges. Once more the earth
+trembled; and, with unusual rapidity for an orderly retreat, back came
+the brilliant cuirassiers, with bloody heads, and in most awful
+confusion. The French infantry and artillery had given them a rough
+reception. A few hostile squadrons followed, and, as soon as the
+Russians were out of the way, I opened fire with my skirmishers; but I
+was ordered to cease, for the distance was too great, and it was mere
+waste of ammunition."
+
+Von Rahden's hurt was but a flesh wound, and did not prevent his sharing
+in the next day's fight, and in the retreat which concluded it. He was
+then obliged to go into hospital, and only on the last day of June
+rejoined his regiment in cantonments between Strehlen and Breslaw. At
+the latter town he visited his mother. She had mourned his death, of
+which she had received a false account from a soldier of his regiment,
+who had seen him struck down by a bullet at Lutzen, and had himself been
+wounded and carried from the field before Von Rahden regained
+consciousness and rejoined his corps.
+
+The truce which, during the summer of 1813, afforded a brief repose to
+the contending armies, was over, and the cause of the Allies
+strengthened by the accession of Austria. Hostilities recommenced; and
+on the 27th August we find our young lieutenant again distinguishing
+himself, at the head of his sharpshooters, in the gardens of Dresden.
+Several wet days, bad quarters, and short commons, had pulled down the
+strength and lowered the spirits of the Allied troops. Exhausted and
+discouraged, they showed little appetite for the bloody banquet to which
+they were invited. Suddenly a hurra, but no very joyous one, ran through
+the ranks. The soldiers had been ordered to utter it, in honour of the
+Emperor Alexander and King of Prussia, who now, with their numerous and
+brilliant staff, rode along the whole line of battle, doubtless with the
+intention of raising the sunken spirits of the men. Close in front of
+the baron's battalion the two monarchs halted; and there it was that
+General Moreau was mortally wounded, at Alexander's side, by a French
+cannon-shot. The following details of his death are from the work of a
+well-known Russian military author, General
+Michailefski-Danielefski:--"Moreau was close to the Emperor Alexander,
+who stood beside an Austrian battery, against which the French kept up a
+heavy fire. He requested the Russian sovereign to accompany him to
+another eminence, whence a better view of the battle-field was
+obtainable. 'Let your majesty trust to my experience,' said Moreau, and
+turning his horse, he rode on, the emperor following. They had proceeded
+but a few paces, when a cannon-ball smashed General Moreau's right foot,
+passed completely through his horse, tore away his left calf, and
+injured the knee. All present hurried to assist the wounded man. His
+first words, on recovering consciousness, were--'I am dying; but how
+sweet it is to die for the right cause, and under the eyes of so great a
+monarch!' A litter was formed of Cossack lances; Moreau was laid upon
+it, wrapped in his cloak, and carried to Koitz, the nearest village.
+There he underwent, with the courage and firmness of a veteran soldier,
+the amputation of both legs. The last bandage was being fastened, when
+two round-shot struck the house, and knocked down a corner of the very
+room in which he lay. He was conveyed to Laun, in Bohemia, and there
+died, on the 2d of September. Such was the end of the hero of
+Hohenlinden."
+
+General Michailofski, it must be observed, has been accused by Sporschil
+of stretching the truth a little, when by so doing he could pay a
+compliment to his deceased master. The adulatory words which he puts
+into Moreau's mouth, may therefore never have been uttered by that
+unfortunate officer. Some little inexactitudes in the account above
+quoted are corrected by Captain Von Rahden. Moreau's litter was composed
+of muskets, and not of lances; he was taken to Raecknitz, and not to
+Koitz; and so forth. Upon the 2d of September, Von Rahden and eighteen
+other Prussian officers, stood beside the bed whereon Moreau had just
+expired, and divided amongst them a black silk waistcoat that had been
+worn by the deceased warrior. "I still treasure up my shred of silk,"
+says the baron, "as a soldierly relic, and as I should a tatter of a
+banner that had long waved honourably aloft, and at last tragically
+fallen. In these days few care about such memorials, and a railway share
+is deemed more valuable. Practically true; but horribly unpoetical!"
+
+In 1813, one battle followed hard upon the heels of the other. It was a
+war of giants, and small breathing-time was given. The echoes of the
+fight had scarcely died away at Dresden, when they were reawakened in
+the fertile vale of Toeplitz. The action of Kulm was a glorious one for
+the Allies. On the first day, the 29th of August, the Russians, under
+Ostermann Tolstoy, reaped the largest share of laurels; on the 30th,
+Kleist and the Prussians nobly distinguished themselves. The latter,
+after burning their baggage, made a forced march over the mountains, and
+fell upon the enemy's rear on the afternoon of the second day's
+engagement. Here Von Rahden was again opposed to his old and gallant
+acquaintances the French marines, who, refusing to retreat, were
+completely exterminated. The action over, his battalion took up a
+position near Arbesau, with their front towards Kulm. On the opposite
+side of the road a Hungarian regiment was drawn up.
+
+"The sun had set, and distant objects grew indistinct in the twilight,
+when we suddenly saw large masses of troops approach us. These were the
+French prisoners, numbering, it was said, eight or ten thousand. First
+came General Vandamme, on horseback, his head bound round with a white
+cloth: a Cossack's lance had grazed his forehead. Close behind him were
+several generals, (Haxo and Guyot;) and then, at a short interval, came
+twenty or thirty colonels and staff-officers. On the right of these
+marched an old iron-grey colonel, with two heavy silver epaulets
+projecting forwards from under his light-blue great-coat, the cross of
+the Legion of Honour on his breast, a huge chain with a bunch of gold
+seals and keys dangling from his fob. He had been captured by very
+forbearing foes, and he strode proudly and confidently along. He was
+about ten paces from the head of our battalion, which was drawn up in
+column of sections, when suddenly three or four of our Hungarian
+neighbours leaped the ditch, and one of them, with the speed of light,
+snatched watch and seals from the French colonel's pocket. Captain Von
+Korth, who commanded our No. 1 company, observed this, sprang forward,
+knocked the blue-breeched Hungarians right and left, took the watch from
+them, and restored it to its owner. The latter, with the ease of a
+thorough Frenchman, offered it, with a few obliging words, to Captain
+Von Korth, who refused it by a decided gesture, and hastened back to his
+company. All this occurred whilst the French prisoners marched slowly
+by, and the captain had not passed the battalion more than ten or
+fifteen paces, when he turned about, and with the cry of "_Vive le brave
+capitaine Prussien!_" threw chain and seals into the middle of our
+company. The watch he had detached and put in his pocket. Von Korth
+offered ten and even fifteen _louis d'ors_ for the trinkets, but could
+never discover who had got them; whoever it was, he perhaps feared to be
+compelled to restore them without indemnification."
+
+"The Emperor Alexander received Vandamme, when that general was brought
+before him as prisoner, with great coolness, but nevertheless promised
+to render his captivity as light as possible. Notwithstanding that
+assurance, Vandamme was sent to Siberia. On his way thither, the proud
+and unfeeling man encountered many a hard word and cruel taunt, the
+which I do not mean to justify, although he had richly earned them by
+his numerous acts of injustice and oppression. In the spring of 1807,
+he had had his headquarters in the pretty little town of Frankenstein in
+Silesia, and, amongst various other extortions, had compelled the
+authorities to supply him with whole sackfuls of the delicious red
+filberts which grow in that neighbourhood. When, upon his way to the
+frozen steppes, he chanced to halt for a night in this same town of
+Frankenstein, the magistrates sent him a huge sack of his favourite
+nuts, with a most submissive message, to the effect that they well
+remembered his Excellency's partiality to filberts, and that they begged
+leave to offer him a supply, in hopes that the cracking of them might
+beguile the time, and occupy his leisure in Siberia."
+
+At Kulm the captain of Von Rahden's company was slain. He had ridden up
+to a French column, taking it, as was supposed, for a Russian one, and
+was killed by three of the enemy's officers before he found out his
+mistake. Each wound was mortal; one of his assailants shot him in the
+breast, another drove his sword through his body, and the third nearly
+severed his head from his shoulders with a sabre-cut. The day after the
+battle, before sunrise, Von Rahden awakened a non-commissioned officer
+and three men, and went to seek and bury the corpse. It was already
+stripped of every thing but the shirt and uniform coat; they dug a
+shallow grave under a pear-tree, and interred it. The mournful task was
+just completed when a peasant came by. Von Rahden called him, showed him
+the captain's grave, and asked if he might rely upon its not being
+ploughed up. "Herr Preusse," was the answer, "I promise you that it
+shall not; for the ground is mine, and beneath this tree your captain
+shall rest undisturbed." The promise was faithfully kept. In August
+1845, the baron revisited the spot. The tree still stood, and the
+soldier's humble grave had been respected.
+
+Whilst wandering over the field of battle, followed by Zaenker, his
+sergeant, Von Rahden heard a suppressed moaning, and found amongst the
+brushwood, close to the bank of a little rivulet, a sorely wounded
+French soldier. The unfortunate fellow had been hit in three or four
+places. One ball had entered behind his eyes, which projected, bloody
+and swollen, from their sockets, another had shattered his right hand,
+and a third had broken the bones of the leg. He could neither see, nor
+move, nor die; he lay in the broad glare of the sun, parched with
+thirst, listening to the ripple of the stream, which he was unable to
+reach. In heart-rending tones he implored a drink of water.
+Six-and-thirty hours had he lain there, he said, suffering agonies from
+heat, and thirst, and wounds. "In an instant Zaenker threw down his
+knapsack, filled his canteen, and handed it to the unhappy Frenchman,
+who drank as if he would never leave off. When at last satisfied, he
+said very calmly, 'Stop, friend! one more favour; blow my brains out!' I
+looked at Zaenker, and made a sign with my hand, as much as to say, 'Is
+your gun loaded?' Zaenker drew his ramrod, ran it into the barrel quite
+noiselessly, so that the wounded man might not hear, and nodded his head
+affirmatively. Without a word, I pointed to a thicket about twenty paces
+off, giving him to understand that he was not to fire till I had reached
+it, and, hurrying away, I left him alone with the Frenchman. Ten minutes
+passed without a report, and then, on turning a corner of the wood, I
+came face to face with Zaenker. 'I can't do it, lieutenant,' said he.
+'Thrice I levelled my rifle, but could not pull the trigger.' He had
+left the poor French sergeant-major--such four gold chevrons on his
+coat-sleeve denoted him to be--a canteen full of water, had arranged a
+few boughs above his head to shield him from the sun, and as soon as we
+reached the camp, he hastened to the field hospital to point out the
+spot where the wounded man lay, and procure surgical assistance."
+
+The battle of Kulm was lost by the French through the negligence of
+Vandamme, who omitted to occupy the defiles in his rear--an
+extraordinary blunder, for which a far younger soldier might well be
+blamed. The triumph was complete, and, in conjunction with those at the
+Katzbach and Gross-Beeren, greatly raised the spirits of the Allies. At
+Kulm, the French fought, as usual, most gallantly, but for once they
+were outmanoeuvred. A brilliant exploit of three or four hundred
+chasseurs, belonging to Corbineau's light cavalry division, is worthy
+of mention. Sabre in hand, they cut their way completely through
+Kleist's corps, and did immense injury to the Allies, especially to the
+artillery. Of themselves, few, if any, escaped alive. "Not only," says
+Baron Von Rahden, "did they ride down several battalions at the lower
+end of the defile, and cut to pieces and scatter to the winds the staff
+and escort of the general, which were halted upon the road, but they
+totally annihilated our artillery for the time, inasmuch as they threw
+the guns into the ditches, and killed nearly all the men and horses. By
+this example one sees what resolute men on horseback, with good swords
+in their hands, and bold hearts in their bosoms, are able to
+accomplish." In a letter of Prince Augustus of Prussia, we find that
+"the artillery suffered so great a loss at Kulm, that there are still
+(this was written in the middle of September, fifteen days after the
+action) eighteen officers, eighty non-commissioned officers, one hundred
+and twenty-six bombardiers, seven hundred and eighteen gunners, besides
+bandsmen and surgeons, wanting to complete the strength." In both days'
+fight the present King of the Belgians greatly distinguished himself. He
+was then in the Russian service, and, on the 29th, fought bravely at the
+head of his cavalry division. On the 30th, the Emperor Alexander sent
+him to bring up the Austrian cavalry reserves, and the judgment with
+which he performed this duty was productive of the happiest results.
+
+The Russian guards fought nobly at Kulm, and held the valley of Toeplitz
+one whole day against four times their numbers. To reward their valour,
+the King of Prussia gave them the Kulm Cross, as it was called, which
+was composed of black shining leather with a framework of silver. The
+Prussians were greatly annoyed at its close resemblance to the first and
+best class of the Iron Cross, which order had been instituted a few
+months previously, and was sparingly bestowed, for instances of
+extraordinary personal daring, upon those only who fought under Prussian
+colours. It was of iron with a silver setting, and could scarcely be
+distinguished from the Kulm cross. "Many thousands of us Prussians,"
+says the Baron, "fought for years, poured out our blood, and threw away
+our lives, in vain strivings after a distinction which the Muscovite
+earned in a few hours. For who would notice whether it was leather or
+iron? The colour and form were the same, and only the initiated knew the
+difference, which was but nominal. In the severe winter of 1829-30, when
+travelling in a Russian sledge and through a thorough Russian
+snow-storm, along the shores of the Peipus lake, I passed a company of
+soldiers wrapped in their grey coats. On the right of the company were
+ten or twelve Knights of the Iron Cross, as it appeared to me, and of
+the first class of that order. This astonished me so much the more, that
+in Prussia it was an unheard-of thing for more than one or two private
+soldiers in a regiment to achieve this high distinction. I started up,
+and rubbed my eyes, and thought I dreamed. At Dorpat I was informed that
+several hundred men from the Semenofskoi regiment of guards, (the heroes
+of Kulm,) had been drafted into the provincial militia as a punishment
+for having shared in a revolt at St Petersburg."
+
+On the 14th of October occurred the battle of cavalry in the plains
+between Gueldengossa, Groebern, and Liebertwolkwitz, where the Allied
+horse, fifteen thousand strong, encountered ten to twelve thousand
+French dragoons, led by the King of Naples, who once, during that day,
+nearly fell into the hands of his foes. The incident is narrated by Von
+Schoening in his history of the third Prussian regiment of dragoons, then
+known as the Neumark dragoons. "It was about two hours after daybreak;
+the regiment had made several successful charges, and at last obtained a
+moment's breathing-time. The dust had somewhat subsided; the French
+cavalry stood motionless, only their general, followed by his staff,
+rode, encouraging the men, as it seemed, along the foremost line, just
+opposite to the Neumark dragoons. Suddenly a young lieutenant, Guido von
+Lippe by name, who thought he recognised Murat in the enemy's leader,
+galloped up to the colonel. 'I must and will take him!' cried he; and,
+without waiting for a Yes or a No, dashed forward at the top of his
+horse's speed, followed by a few dragoons who had been detached from the
+ranks as skirmishers. At the same time the colonel ordered the charge to
+be sounded. A most brilliant charge it was, but nothing more was seen of
+Von Lippe and his companions. Two days afterwards, his corpse was found
+by his servant, who recognised it amongst a heap of dead by the scars of
+the yet scarcely healed wounds received at Lutzen. A sabre-cut and a
+thrust through the body had destroyed life." An interesting confirmation
+of this story may be read in Von Odeleben's "Campaign of Napoleon in
+Saxony in the year 1813," p. 328. "He (Murat) accompanied by a very
+small retinue, so greatly exposed himself, that at last one of the
+enemy's squadrons, recognising him by his striking dress, and by the
+staff that surrounded him, regularly gave him chase. One officer in
+particular made a furious dash at the king, who, by the sudden facing
+about of his escort, found himself the last man, a little in the rear,
+and with only one horseman by his side. In the dazzling anticipation of
+a royal prisoner, the eager pursuer called to him several times, 'Halt,
+King, halt!' At that moment a crown was at stake. The officer had
+already received a sabre-cut from Murat's solitary attendant, and as he
+did not regard it, but still pressed forward, the latter ran him through
+the body. He fell dead from his saddle, and the next day his horse was
+mounted by the king's faithful defender, from whose lips I received
+these details. Their truth has been confirmed to me from other sources.
+Murat made his rescuer his equerry, and promised him a pension. The
+Emperor gave him the cross of the legion of honour."
+
+The second Silesian regiment suffered terribly at the great battle of
+Leipzig. Von Rahden's battalion, in particular, was reduced at the close
+of the last day's fight to one hundred and twenty effective men,
+commanded by a lieutenant, the only unwounded officer. Kleist's
+division, of which it formed part, had sustained severe losses in every
+action since the truce, and after Leipzig it was found to have melted
+down to one-third of its original strength. Disease also broke out in
+its ranks. To check this, to recruit the numbers, and repose the men,
+the division was sent into quarters. Von Rahden's regiment went to the
+duchy of Meiningen, and his battalion was quartered in the town of that
+name. The friendly and hospitable reception here given to the victors of
+Kulm and Leipzig was well calculated to make them forget past hardships
+and sufferings. The widowed Duchess of Meiningen gave frequent balls and
+entertainments, to which officers of all grades found ready admittance.
+The reigning duke was then a boy; his two sisters, charming young women,
+were most gracious and condescending. In those warlike days, the
+laurel-wreath was as good a crown as any other, and raised even the
+humble subaltern to the society of princes.
+
+"It chanced one evening," says the Baron, "that our major, Count
+Reichenbach, stood up to dance a quadrille with the Princess Adelaide of
+Meiningen. His toilet was not well suited to the ball-room; his boots
+were heavy, the floor was slippery, and he several times tripped. At
+last he fairly fell, dragging his partner with him. His right arm was in
+a sling, and useless from wounds received at Lutzen, and some short time
+elapsed before the princess was raised from her recumbent position by
+the ladies and gentlemen of the court, and conducted into an adjoining
+apartment. With rueful countenance, and twisting his red mustache from
+vexation, Count Reichenbach tried to lose himself in the crowd, and to
+escape the annoyance of being stared at and pointed out as the man who
+had thrown down the beautiful young princess. It was easy to see that he
+would rather have stormed a dozen hostile batteries than have made so
+unlucky a _debut_ in the royal ball-room. In a short quarter of an hour,
+however, when the fuss caused by the accident had nearly subsided, the
+princess reappeared, looking more charming than ever, and sought about
+until she discovered poor Count Reichenbach, who had got into a corner
+near the stove. With the most captivating grace, she invited him to
+return to the dance, saying, loud enough for all around to hear, 'that
+she honoured a brave Prussian soldier whose breast was adorned with the
+Iron Cross, and whose badly-wounded arm had not prevented his fighting
+the fight of liberation at Leipzig, and that with all her heart she
+would begin the dance again with him.' The Count's triumph was complete;
+the court prudes and parasites, who a moment before had looked down upon
+him from the height of their compassion, now rivalled each other in
+amiability. With a well-pleased smile the Count stroked his great beard,
+led the princess to the quadrille, and danced it in first-rate style."
+The reader will have recognised our excellent Queen Dowager in the
+heroine of the charming trait which an old soldier thus bluntly
+narrates. The kind heart and patriotic spirit of the German Princess
+were good presage of the benevolence and many virtues of the English
+Queen. "When, in May 1836," continues Captain Von Rahden, "I was
+presented, as captain in the Dutch service, to the Princess Adelaide,
+then Queen of England, at St James's Palace, her majesty perfectly
+remembered the incident I have here narrated to my readers. To her
+inquiries after Count Reichenbach, I unfortunately had to reply that he
+was long since dead."
+
+In January 1814, the Baron's regiment left Meiningen, crossed the Rhine,
+joined the great Silesian army under old Blucher, and began the campaign
+in France. The actions of Montmirail, Mery sur Seine, La Ferte sous
+Jouarre, and various other encounters, followed in rapid succession.
+Hard knocks for the Allies, many of them. But all Napoleon's brilliant
+generalship was in vain; equally in vain did his young troops emulate
+the deeds of those iron veterans whose bones lay bleaching on the
+Beresina's banks, and in the passes of the Sierra Morena. The month of
+February was passed in constant fighting, and was perhaps the most
+interesting period of the campaigns of 1813-14. On the 13th, the
+Prussian advanced guard, Ziethen's division, was attacked by superior
+numbers and completely beaten at Montmirail. Von Rahden's battalion was
+one of those which had to cover the retreat of the routed troops, and
+check the advance of the exulting enemy. Retiring slowly and in good
+order, the rearmost of the whole army, it reached the village of Etoges,
+when it was assailed by a prodigious mass of French cavalry. But the
+horsemen could make no impression on the steady ranks of Count
+Reichenbach's infantry.
+
+"Here the hostile dragoons, formed in columns of squadrons and
+regiments, charged us at least twelve or fifteen times, always without
+success. Each time Count Reichenbach let them approach to within fifty
+or sixty paces, then ordered a halt, formed square, and opened a heavy
+and well-sustained fire, which quickly drove back the enemy. As soon as
+they retired, I and my skirmishers sprang forward, and peppered them
+till they again came to the charge, when we hurried back to the
+battalion. Count Reichenbach himself never entered the square, but
+during the charges took his station on the left flank, which could not
+fire, because it faced the road along which our artillery marched. Our
+gallant commander gave his orders with the same calm coolness and
+precision as on the parade ground. His voice and our volleys were the
+only sounds heard, and truly that was one of the most glorious
+afternoons of Count Reichenbach's life. Our western neighbours love to
+celebrate the deeds of their warriors by paint-brush and graver; our
+heroes are forgotten, but for the occasional written reminiscences of
+some old soldier, witness of their valiant deeds. And truly, if Horace
+Vernet has handed Colonel Changarnier down to posterity for standing
+_inside_ his square whilst it received the furious but disorderly charge
+of semi-barbarous horse, he might, methinks, and every soldier and true
+Prussian will share my opinion, find a far worthier subject for his
+pencil in Count Reichenbach, awaiting _outside_ his square the
+formidable attacks of six thousand French cavalrymen.
+
+"It became quite dark, and the enemy ceased to charge. Pity it was! for
+such was the steadiness and discipline of our men, that the defence went
+on like some well-regulated machine, and might have been continued for
+hours longer, or till our last cartridge was burnt. The count seemed
+unusually well pleased. Twirling his mustache with a satisfied chuckle,
+he offered several officers and soldiers a dram from a little flask
+which he habitually carried in his holster, and turned to me with the
+words, 'Well done, my dear Rahden, bravo!' On hearing this praise, short
+and simple as it was, I could have embraced my noble commander for joy,
+and with feelings in my heart which only such men as Reichenbach know
+how to awaken, I resumed my place on the right of the battalion, which
+now marched away."
+
+Gradually the Allies approached Paris. On the 28th March, at the village
+of Claye, only five leagues from the capital, Kleist's division came to
+blows with the French troops under General Compan, who had marched out
+to meet them. As usual, Von Rahden was with the skirmishers, as was also
+another lieutenant of his battalion, a Pole of gigantic frame and
+extraordinary strength, who here met his death. He was rushing forward
+at the head of his men, when a four-pound shot struck him in the breast.
+It went through his body, passing very near the heart, but, strange to
+say, without causing instant death. For most men, half an ounce of lead
+in the breast is an instant quietus; but so prodigious was the strength
+and vitality of this Pole, that he lingered, the baron assures us, full
+six-and-thirty hours.
+
+"We now followed up the French infantry, which hastily retreated to a
+farm-yard surrounded by lofty linden and chestnut trees, and situated on
+a small vine-covered hill. When half-way up the eminence, we saw, upon
+the open space beneath the trees, several companies of the enemy in full
+parade uniform, with bearskin caps, large red epaulets upon their
+shoulders, and white breeches, form themselves into a sort of phalanx,
+which only replied to our fire by single shots. Presently even these
+ceased. Scheliha and myself immediately ordered our men to leave off
+firing; and Scheliha, who spoke French very intelligibly, advanced to
+within thirty paces of the enemy and summoned them to lay down their
+arms, supposing that they intended to yield themselves prisoners. They
+made no reply, but stood firm as a wall. Scheliha repeated his summons:
+a shot was fired at him. This served as a signal to our impatient
+followers, who opened a murderous fire upon the dense mass before them.
+We tried a third time to get the brave Frenchmen to yield; others of our
+battalions had come up, and they were completely cut off; but the sole
+reply we received was a sort of negative murmur, and some of them even
+threatened us with their muskets. Within ten minutes they all lay dead
+or wounded upon the ground; for our men were deaf alike to commands and
+entreaties, and to the voice of mercy. Most painful was it to us
+officers to look on at such a butchery, impotent to prevent it." It
+afterwards appeared that these French grenadiers, who belonged to the
+_Jeune Garde_, had left Paris that morning. By some mismanagement their
+stock of ammunition was insufficient, and having expended it, they
+preferred death, with arms in their hands, to captivity.
+
+At eight o'clock on the thirtieth, Kleist's and York's corps, now
+united, passed the Ourcq canal, and marched along the Pantin road
+towards Paris. Upon that morning they saw old Blucher for the first time
+for more than a month. He seemed on the brink of the grave, and wore a
+woman's bonnet of green silk to protect his eyes, which were dangerously
+inflamed. He was on horseback, but was soon obliged to return to his
+travelling carriage in rear of the army, and to give up the command to
+Barclay de Tolly. "Luckily," says the baron, "the troops knew nothing of
+the substitution." Although it would probably hardly have mattered much,
+for there was little more work to do. For that year this was the last
+day's fight. After some flank movement which took up several hours, the
+allied infantry attacked the village of La Villette, but were repulsed
+by the artillery from the adjacent barrier. The brigade batteries
+loitered in the rear, and Prince Augustus, vexed at their absence, sent
+an aide-de-camp to bring them up. One of them was commanded by
+Lieutenant Holsche, Von Rahden's former instructor at the artillery
+school, of whom we have already related an anecdote. Although an
+undoubtedly brave and circumspect officer, on this occasion he remained
+too far behind the infantry; and Captain Decker,[49] who was dispatched
+to fetch him, was not sorry to be the medium of conveying the Prince's
+sharp message, the less so as he had observed a certain nonchalance and
+want of deference in the artillery lieutenant's manner of receiving the
+orders of his superiors. At a later period, Baron Von Rahden heard from
+Decker himself the following characteristic account of his reception by
+the gallant but eccentric Holsche.
+
+"I came up to the battery," said Decker, "at full gallop. The men were
+dismounted, and their officer stood chatting with his comrades beside a
+newly-made fire. 'Lieutenant Holsche,' said I, rather sharply, 'his
+Royal Highness is exceedingly astonished that you remain idle here, and
+has directed me to command you instantly to advance your battery against
+the enemy.'
+
+"'Indeed?' was Holsche's quiet reply, 'his Royal Highness is
+astonished!' and then, turning to his men with the same calmness of tone
+and manner, 'Stand to your horses! Mount! Battery, march!'
+
+"I thought the pace commanded was not quick enough, and in the same loud
+and imperious voice as before, I observed to Lieutenant Holsche that he
+would not be up in time; he had better move faster. 'Indeed! not quick
+enough?' quietly answered Holsche, and gave the word, 'March, march!' We
+now soon got over the ground and within the enemy's fire, and,
+considering my duty at an end, I pointed out to the Lieutenant the
+direction he should take, and whereabouts he should post his battery.
+But Holsche begged me in the most friendly manner to go on and show him
+exactly where he should halt. I naturally enough complied with his
+request. The nearer we got to the French, the faster became the pace,
+until at last we were in front of our most advanced battalions. The
+bullets whizzed about us on all sides; I once more made a move to turn
+back, and told Holsche he might stop where he was. With the same
+careless air as before, he repeated his request that I would remain, in
+order to be able to tell his Royal Highness where Lieutenant Holsche and
+his battery had halted! What could I do? It was any thing but pleasant
+to share so great a danger, without either necessity or profit; and
+certainly I might very well have turned back, but Holsche, by whose side
+I galloped, fixed his large dark eyes upon my countenance, as though he
+would have read my very soul. We were close to our own skirmishers; on
+we went, right through them, into the middle of the enemy's riflemen,
+who, quite surprised at being charged by a battery, retired in all
+haste. It really seemed as if the artillery was going over to the enemy.
+At two hundred paces from the French columns, however, Holsche halted,
+unlimbered, and gave two discharges from the whole battery, with such
+beautiful precision and astounding effect, that he sent the hostile
+squadrons and battalions to the right about, and even silenced some of
+the heavy guns within the barriers. That done he returned to me, and
+begged me to inform the Prince where I had left Lieutenant Holsche and
+his battery. 'Perhaps,' added he, 'his Royal Highness will again find
+occasion to be astonished; and I shall be very glad of it.' And truly
+the Prince and all of us _were_ astonished at this gallant exploit; it
+had been achieved in sight of the whole army, and had produced a
+glorious and most desirable result."
+
+For this feat Holsche was rewarded with the Iron Cross of the first
+class. He had already at Leipzig gained that of the second, and on
+receiving it his ambition immediately aspired to the higher decoration.
+Many a time had he been heard to vow, that if he obtained it, he would
+have a cross as large as his hand manufactured by the farrier of his
+battery, and wear it upon his breast. To this he pledged his word. The
+manner in which he kept it is thus related by his old friend and pupil.
+
+"We were on our march from Paris to Amiens, when we were informed, one
+beautiful morning, that our brigade battery, under Lieutenant Holsche,
+was in cantonments in the next village. The music at our head, we
+marched through the place in parade time, and paid Holsche military
+honours as ex-commandant of the Straw-bonnet, which title he still
+retained. Intimate acquaintance and sincere respect might well excuse
+this little deviation from the regulations of the service. Our hautboys
+blew a favourite march, to which Holsche himself had once in Glatz
+written words, beginning:--
+
+    'Natz, Natz, Annemarie,
+    Da kommt die Glaetzer Infanterie.'
+
+In his blue military frock, with forage cap and sword, Holsche stood
+upon a small raised patch of turf in front of his quarters, gravely
+saluting in acknowledgment of the honours paid him, which he received
+with as proud a bearing as if he was legitimately entitled to them. This
+did not surprise us, knowing him as we did, but not a little were we
+astonished when we saw an Iron Cross of the first class, as large as a
+plate, fastened upon his left breast. The orders for the battle of Paris
+and the other recent fights in France had just been distributed; Holsche
+was amongst the decorated, and the jovial artilleryman took this
+opportunity to fulfil his oft-repeated vow. Only a few hours before our
+arrival he had had the cross manufactured by his farrier."
+
+This dashing but wrong-headed officer soon afterwards became a captain,
+and subsequently major, but his extravagances, and especially his
+addiction to wine, got him into frequent trouble, until at last he was
+put upon the retired list as lieutenant-colonel, and died at Schweidnitz
+in Silesia.
+
+At six in the evening of the 30th March, the last fight of the campaign
+was over, and aides-de-camp galloped hither and thither, announcing the
+capitulation of Paris. Right pleasant were such sounds to the ears of
+the war-worn soldiers. Infantry grounded their arms, dragoons
+dismounted, artillerymen leaned idly against their pieces; Langeron
+alone, who had begun the storm of Montmartre, would not desist from his
+undertaking. Officers rode after him, waving their white handkerchiefs
+as a signal to cease firing, but without effect. The Russians stormed
+on; and if Langeron attained his end with comparatively small loss, the
+enemy being already in retreat, there were nevertheless four or five
+hundred men sacrificed to his ambition, and that he might have it to say
+that he and his Russians carried Montmartre by storm. Whilst the rest of
+the troops waited till he had attained his end, and congratulated each
+other on the termination of the hardships and privations of the
+preceding three months, a Russian bomb-carriage took fire, the drivers
+left it, and its six powerful horses, scorched and terrified by the
+explosion of the projectiles, ran madly about the field, dragging at
+their heels this artificial volcano. The battalions which they
+approached scared them away by shouts, until the unlucky beasts knew not
+which way to turn. At last, the shells and grenades being all burnt out,
+the horses stood still, and, strange to say, not one of them had
+received the slightest injury.
+
+Terrible was the disappointment of Kleist's and York's divisions, when
+they learned on the morning subsequent to the capitulation that they
+were not to enter Paris; but, after four-and-twenty hours' repose in the
+faubourg Montmartre, where they had passed the previous night, were to
+march from the capital into country quarters. Their motley and
+weather-beaten aspect was the motive of this order--a heart-breaking one
+for the brave officers and soldiers who had borne the heat and burden of
+the day during a severe and bloody campaign, and now found themselves
+excluded on the earthly paradise of their hopes. They had fought and
+suffered more than the Prussian and Russian guards; but the latter were
+smart and richly uniformed, whilst the poor fellows of the line had
+rubbed off and besmirched in many a hard encounter and rainy bivouac
+what little gilding they ever possessed. So long as fighting was the
+order of the day, they were in request; but it was now the turn of
+parades, and on these they would cut but a sorry figure. So "right
+about" was the word, and Amiens the route. A second day's respite was
+allowed them, however; and although they were strictly confined to their
+quarters, lest they should shock the sensitiveness of the Parisian
+_bourgeoisie_ by their ragged breeks, long beards, and diversity of
+equipment, some of the officers obtained leave to go into Paris. Von
+Rahden was amongst these, and, after a dinner at Very's, where his
+Silesian simplicity and campaigning appetite were rather astonished by
+the exiguity of the _plats_ placed before him, whereof he managed to
+consume some five-and-twenty, after admiring the wonders of the Palace
+Royal, and the rich uniforms of almost every nation with which the
+streets were crowded, he betook himself to the Place Vendome to gaze at
+the fallen conqueror's triumphant column. It was surrounded by a mob of
+fickle Parisians, eager to cast down from its high estate the idol they
+so recently had worshipped. One daredevil fellow climbed upon the
+Emperor's shoulders, slung a cord round his neck, dragged up a great
+ship's cable and twisted it several times about the statue. The rabble
+seized the other end of the rope, and with cries of "_a bas ce
+canaille!_" tugged furiously at it. Their efforts were unavailing,
+Napoleon stood firm, until the Allied sovereigns, who, from the window
+of an adjacent house, beheld this disgraceful riot, sent a company of
+Russian grenadiers to disperse the mob. The masses gave way before the
+bayonet, but not till the same man who had fastened the rope, again
+climbed up, and with a white cloth shrouded the statue of the once
+adored Emperor from the eyes of his faithless subjects. It is well known
+that, a few weeks later, the figure was taken down by order of the
+Emperor Alexander, who carried it away as his sole trophy, and gave it a
+place in the winter palace at St Petersburg. When Louis XVIII. returned
+to Paris, a broad white banner, embroidered with three golden lilies,
+waved from the summit of the column; but this in its turn was displaced,
+by the strong south wind that blew from Elba in March 1815, when
+Napoleon re-entered his capital. A municipal deputation waited upon him
+to know what he would please to have placed on the top of the triumphant
+column. "A weathercock" was the little corporal's sarcastic reply. Since
+that day, the lilies and the tricolor have again alternated on the
+magnificent column, until the only thing that ought to surmount it, the
+statue of the most extraordinary man of modern, perhaps of any, times,
+has resumed its proud position, and once more overlooks the capital
+which he did so much to improve and embellish.
+
+"I now wandered to the operahouse," says the baron, "to hear Spontini's
+_Vestale_. The enormous theatre was full to suffocation; in every box
+the Allied uniforms glittered, arms flashed in the bright light, police
+spies loitered and listened, beautiful women waved their kerchiefs and
+joined in the storm of applause, as if that day had been a most glorious
+and triumphant one for France. The consul Licinius, represented, if I
+remember aright, by the celebrated St Priest, was continually
+interrupted in his songs, and called upon for the old national melody
+'Vive Henri Quatre,' which he gave with couplets composed for the
+occasion, some of which, it was said, were improvisations. In the midst
+of this rejoicing, a rough voice made itself heard from the upper
+gallery. '_A bas l'aigle imperial!_' were the words it uttered, and in
+an instant every eye was turned to the Emperor's box, whose purple
+velvet curtains were closely drawn, and to whose front a large and
+richly gilt eagle was affixed. The audience took up the cry and repeated
+again and again--'_A bas l'aigle imperial!_' Presently the curtains were
+torn asunder, a fellow seated himself upon the cushioned parapet, twined
+his legs round the eagle, and knocked, and hammered, till it fell with a
+crash to the ground. Again the royalist ditty was called for, with _ad
+libitum_ couplets, in which the words '_ce diable a quatre_' were only
+too plainly perceptible; the unfortunate consul had to repeat them till
+he was hoarse, and so ended the great comedy performed that day by the
+'Grande Nation.' Most revolting it was, and every right-thinking man
+shuddered at such thorough Gallic indecency."
+
+Baron Von Rahden tells the story of his life well and pleasantly,
+without pretensions to brilliancy and elegance of style, but with
+soldierly frankness and spirit. We have read this first portion of his
+memoirs with pleasure and interest, and may take occasion again to refer
+to its lively and varied contents.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[48] In the third volume of Von Schoening's _History of the Artillery_,
+we find the following extract from an official report of Captain
+Spreuth, an artillery officer, dated Koenigsberg, 18th December 1812.
+"The 'Grand Army' is retreating across the Weichsel, if indeed it may be
+called a retreat; it is more like a total rout or disbandment, for the
+fugitives came without order or baggage. The post-horses are at work day
+and night. From the 16th to the 17th, 71 generals 60 colonels, 1243
+staff and other officers, passed through this place; the majority
+continued their route on foot, being unable to procure horses; the
+officers' baggage is all lost, some of it has been plundered by their
+own men, and we have even seen officers fighting in the streets with the
+common soldiers."
+
+[49] The noted military writer, Carl Von Decker, since General.
+
+
+
+
+ADVICE TO AN INTENDING SERIALIST.
+
+A LETTER TO T. SMITH, ESQ., SCENE-PAINTER AND TRAGEDIAN AT THE
+AMPHITHEATRE.
+
+
+My dear Smith,--Your complaint of my unwarrantable detention of the
+manuscript which, some months ago, you were kind enough to forward for
+my perusal, is founded upon a total misconception of the nature of my
+interim employments. I have not, as you somewhat broadly insinuate, been
+prigging bits of your matchless rhetoric in order to give currency and
+flavour to my own more maudlin articles. The lemon-peel of Smith has not
+entered into the composition of any of my literary puddings; neither
+have I bartered a single fragment of your delectable facetiae for gold. I
+return you the precious bundle as safe and undivulged as when it was
+committed to my custody, and none the worse for the rather extensive
+journey which it has materially contributed to cheer.
+
+The fact is, that I have been sojourning this summer utterly beyond the
+reach of posts. To you, whose peculiar vocation it is to cater for the
+taste of the public, I need hardly remark that novelty is, now-a-days,
+in literature as in every thing else, an indispensable requisite for
+success. People will not endure the iteration of a story, however well
+it may be told. The same locality palls upon their ears, and that style
+of wit which, last year, was sufficient to convulse an audience, may, if
+continued for another session, be branded with the infamy of slang. Even
+our mutual friend Barry, whose jests are the life of the arena, is quite
+aware of this unerring physiological rule. He does not depend upon
+captivating the galleries for ever by his ingenious conundrum of getting
+into an empty quart bottle. His inimitable "be quiet, will ye?" as the
+exasperated Master of the Ring flicks off an imaginary fly from his
+motley inexpressibles, is now reserved as a great point for rare and
+special occasions; and he now lays in a new stock of witticisms at the
+commencement of each campaign, as regularly as you contract for
+lamp-black and ochre when there is an immediate prospect of a grand new
+military spectacle. The want of attention to this rule has, I fear,
+operated prejudicially upon the fortunes of our agile acquaintance,
+Hervio Nano, whom I last saw devouring raw beef in the character of a
+human Nondescript. Harvey depended too much upon his original popularity
+as the Gnome Fly, and failed through incessant repetition. The public at
+length would not stand the appearance of that eternal blue-bottle. The
+sameness of his entomology was wearisome. He should have varied his
+representations by occasionally assuming the characters of the Spectre
+Spider, or the Black Tarantula of the Tombs.
+
+Now you must know, that for the last three years I have been making my
+living exclusively out of the Swedish novels and the Countess Ida von
+Hahn-Hahn. To Frederike Bremer I owe a prodigious debt of gratitude; for
+she has saved me the trouble--and it is a prodigious bore--of inventing
+plots and characters, as I was compelled to do when the Rhine and the
+Danube were the chosen seats of fiction. For a time the literary plough
+went merrily through the sward of Sweden; nor can I, with any degree of
+conscience, complain of the quality of the crop. But, somehow or other,
+the thing was beginning to grow stale. People lost their relish for the
+perpetual raspberry jam, tart-making, spinning, and the other processes
+of domestic kitchen economy which formed our Scandinavian staple;
+indeed, I had a shrewd suspicion from the first that the market would
+soon be glutted by the introduction of so much linen and flannel. It is
+very difficult to keep up a permanent interest in favour of a heroine in
+homespun, and the storeroom is but a queer locality for the interchange
+of lovers' sighs. I therefore was not surprised, last spring, to find my
+publishers somewhat shy of entering into terms for a new translation of
+"_Snorra Gorvundstrul; or, The Barmaid of Strundschensvoe_," and, in
+the true spirit of British enterprise, I resolved to carry my flag
+elsewhere.
+
+On looking over the map of the world, with the view of selecting a novel
+field, I was astonished to find that almost every compartment was
+already occupied by one of our literary brethren. There is in all Europe
+scarce a diocese left unsung, and, like romance, civilisation is making
+rapid strides towards both the east and the west. In this dilemma I
+bethought me of Iceland as a virgin soil. Victor Hugo, it is true, had
+made some advances towards it in one of his earlier productions; but, if
+I recollect right, even that daring pioneer of letters did not penetrate
+beyond Norway, and laid the scene of his stirring narrative somewhere
+about the wilds of Drontheim. The bold dexterity with which he has
+transferred the Morgue from Paris to the most artic city of the world,
+has always commanded my most entire admiration. It is a stroke of
+machinery equal to any which you, my dear Smith, have ever introduced
+into a pantomime; and I question whether it was much surpassed by the
+transit of the Holy Chapel to Loretto. In like manner I had intended to
+transport a good deal of ready-made London ware to Iceland; or
+rather--if that will make my meaning clearer--to take my idea both of
+the scenery and characters from the Surrey Zoological Gardens, wherein
+last year I had the privilege of witnessing a superb eruption of Mount
+Hecla. On more mature reflection, however, I thought it might be as well
+to take an actual survey of the regions which I intend henceforward to
+occupy as my own especial domain; and--having, moreover, certain reasons
+which shall be nameless, for a temporary evacuation of the metropolis--I
+engaged a passage in a northern whaler, and have only just returned
+after an absence of half a year. Yes, Smith! Incredible as it may appear
+to you, I have actually been in Iceland, seen Hecla in a state of
+conflagration; and it was by that lurid light, while my mutton was
+boiling in the Geyser, that I first unfolded your manuscript, and read
+the introductory chapters of "SILAS SPAVINHITCH; _or, Rides around the
+Circus with Widdicomb and Co._"
+
+I trust, therefore, that after this explanation, you will discontinue
+the epithet of "beast," and the corresponding expletives which you have
+used rather liberally in your last two epistles. When you consider the
+matter calmly, I think you will admit that you have suffered no very
+material loss in consequence of the unavoidable delay; and, as to the
+public, I am quite sure that they will devour Silas more greedily about
+Christmas, than if he had made his appearance, all booted and spurred,
+in the very height of the dog-days. You will also have the opportunity,
+as your serial is not yet completed, of reflecting upon the justice of
+the hints which I now venture to offer for your future guidance--hints,
+derived not only from my observation of the works of others, but from
+some little personal experience in that kind of popular composition;
+and, should you agree with me in any of the views hereinafter expressed,
+you may perhaps be tempted to act upon them in the revision and
+completion of your extremely interesting work. First, then, let me say a
+few words regarding the purpose and the nature of that sort of
+_feuilleton_ which we now denominate the serial.
+
+Do not be alarmed, Smith. I am not going to conglomerate your faculties
+by any Aristotelian exposition. You are a man of by far too much
+practical sense to be humbugged by such outworn pedantry, and your own
+particular purpose in penning Silas is of course most distinctly
+apparent. You want to sack as many of the public shillings as possible.
+That is the great motive which lies at the foundation of all literary or
+general exertion, and the man who does not confess it broadly and openly
+is an ass. If your study of Fitzball has not been too exclusive, you may
+perhaps recollect the lines of Byron:--
+
+    "No! when the sons of song descend to trade,
+     Their bays are sear, their former laurels fade,
+     Let such forego the poet's sacred name,
+     Who rack their brains for lucre, not for fame;
+     Low may they sink to merited contempt,
+     And scorn remunerate the mean attempt!
+     Such be their meed, such still the just reward
+     Of prostituted muse and hireling bard!"
+
+Now these, although they have passed current in the world for some
+thirty years, are in reality poor lines, and the sentiment they intend
+to inculcate is contemptible. Byron lived long enough to know the value
+of money, as his correspondence with the late Mr Murray most abundantly
+testifies--indeed, I question whether any author ever beat him at the
+art of chaffering. If it be a legitimate matter of reproach against an
+author that he writes for money, then heaven help the integrity of every
+profession and trade in this great and enlightened kingdom! What else,
+in the name of common sense, should he write for? Fame? Thank you! Fame
+may be all very well in its way, but it butters no parsnips; and, if I
+am to be famous, I would much rather case my renown in fine linen than
+in filthy dowlas. Let people say what they please, the best criterion of
+every article is its marketable value, and no man on the face of this
+earth will work without a reasonable wage.
+
+Your first and great purpose, therefore, is to make money, and to make
+as much as you can. But then there is another kind of purpose, which, if
+I was sure you could comprehend me, I should call the intrinsic one, and
+which must be considered very seriously before you obtrude yourself upon
+the public. In other words, what is to be the general tendency of your
+work? "Fun," I think I hear you reply, "and all manner of sky-larking."
+Very good. But then, my dear friend, you must consider that there is a
+sort of method even in grimacing. There is a gentleman connected with
+your establishment, who is popularly reported to possess the inestimable
+talent of turning his head inside out. I never saw him perform that
+cephalic operation, but I have heard it highly spoken of by others who
+have enjoyed the privilege. But this it is obvious, though a very
+admirable and effective incident, could hardly be taken as the
+groundwork of a five-act play, or even a three-act melodrama; and, in
+like manner, your fun and sky-larking must have something of a positive
+tendency. I don't mean to insinuate that there is no story in Silas
+Spavinhitch. He is, if I recollect aright, the younger son of a
+nobleman, who falls in love--at Astley's, of course--with Signora
+Estrella di Canterini, the peerless Amazon of the ring. He forsakes his
+ancestral halls, abjures Parliament, and enlists in the cavalry of the
+Hippodrome. In that gallant and distinguished corps he rises to an
+unusual rank, utterly eclipses Herr Pferdenshuf, more commonly known by
+the title of the Suabian acrobat--wins the heart of the Signora by
+taming Centaur, the fierce Arabian stallion; and gains the notice and
+favour of royalty itself, by leaping the Mammoth horse over nineteen
+consecutive bars. Your manuscript ends at the point where Spavinhitch,
+having accidentally discovered that the beautiful Canterini is the
+daughter of Abd-el-Kader by a Sicilian princess, resolves to embark for
+Africa with the whole chivalry of the Surrey side, and, by driving the
+French from Algiers, to substantiate his claim upon the Emir for his
+daughter's hand. There is plenty incident here; but, to say the truth, I
+don't quite see my way out of it. Are you going to take history into
+your own hands, and write in the spirit of prophecy? The experiment is,
+to say the least of it, dangerous; and, had I been you, I should have
+preferred an earlier period for my tale, as there obviously could have
+been no difficulty in making Spavinhitch and his cavaliers take a
+leading part in the decisive charge at Waterloo.
+
+Your serial, therefore, so far as I can discover, belongs to the
+military-romantic school, and is intended to command admiration by what
+we may call a series of scenic effects. I an not much surprised at this.
+Your experience has lain so much in the line of gorgeous spectacle, and,
+indeed, you have borne a part in so many of those magnificent tableaux
+in which blue fire, real cannon, charging squadrons, and the
+transparency of Britannia are predominant, that it was hardly to be
+expected that the current of your ideas would have flowed in a humbler
+channel. At the same time, you must forgive me for saying, that I think
+the line is a dangerous one. Putting tendency altogether aside, you
+cannot but recollect that a great many writers have already
+distinguished themselves by narratives of military adventure. Of these,
+by far the best and most spirited is Charles Lever. I don't know whether
+he ever was in the army, or bore the banner of the Enniskillens; but I
+say deliberately, that he has taken the shine out of all military
+writers from the days of Julius Caesar downwards. There is a rollocking
+buoyancy about his battles which to me is perfectly irresistible. In one
+chapter you have the lads of the fighting Fifty-fifth bivouacking under
+the cork-trees of Spain, with no end of spatchcocks and sherry--telling
+numerous anecdotes of their early loves, none the worse because the
+gentleman is invariably disappointed in his pursuit of the
+well-jointured widow--or arranging for a speedy duel with that ogre of
+the army, the saturnine and heavy dragoon. In the next, you have them
+raging like lions in the very thick of the fight, pouring withering
+volleys into the shattered columns of the Frenchmen--engaged in
+single-handed combats with the most famous marshals of the empire, and
+not unfrequently leaving marks of their prowess upon the persons of
+Massena or Murat. Lever, in fact, sticks at nothing. His heroes
+indiscriminately hob-a-nob with Wellington, or perform somersets at
+leap-frog over the shoulders of the astounded Bonaparte; and, though
+somewhat given to miscellaneous flirtation, they all, in the twentieth
+number, are married to remarkably nice girls, with lots of money and
+accommodating papas, who die as soon as they are desired. It may be
+objected to this delightful writer--and a better never mixed a
+tumbler--that he is, if any thing, too helter-skelter in his narratives;
+that the officers of the British army do not, as an invariable rule, go
+into action in a state of _delirium tremens_; and that O'Shaughnessy, in
+particular, is rather too fond of furbishing up, for the entertainment
+of the mess, certain stories which have been current for the last fifty
+years in Tipperary. These, however, are very minor points of criticism,
+and such as need not interfere with our admiration of this light lancer
+of literature, who always writes like a true and a high-minded
+gentleman.
+
+Now, my dear Smith, I must own that I have some fear of your success
+when opposed to such a competitor. You have not been in the army--that
+is, the regulars--and I should say that you were more conversant in
+theory and in practice with firing from platforms than firing in
+platoons. I have indeed seen you, in the character of Soult, lead
+several desperate charges across the stage, with consummate dramatic
+effect. Your single combat with Gomersal as Picton, was no doubt a
+masterpiece of its kind; for in the course of it you brought out as many
+sparks from the blades of your basket-hilts, as might have served in the
+aggregate for a very tolerable illumination. Still I question whether
+the style of dialogue you indulged in on that occasion, is quite the
+same as that which is current on a modern battle-field. "Ha! English
+slave! Yield, or thou diest!" is an apostrophe more appropriate to the
+middle ages than the present century; and although the patriotism of the
+following answer by your excellent opponent is undeniable, its propriety
+may be liable to censure. Crossing the stage at four tremendous strides,
+the glorious Gomersal replied, "Yield, saidst thou? Never! I tell thee,
+Frenchman, that whilst the broad banner of Britain floats over the
+regions on which the day-star never sets--while peace and plenty brood
+like guardian angels over the shores of my own dear native isle--whilst
+her sons are brave, and her daughters virtuous--whilst the British lion
+reposes on his shadow in perfect stillness--whilst with thunders from
+our native oak we quell the floods below--I tell thee, base satellite of
+a tyrant, that an Englishman never will surrender!" In the applause
+which followed this declaration, your remark, that several centuries
+beheld you from the top of a canvass pyramid, was partially lost upon
+the audience; but to it you went tooth and nail for at least a quarter
+of an hour; and I must confess that the manner in which you traversed
+the stage on your left knee, parrying all the while the strokes of your
+infuriated adversary, was highly creditable to your proficiency in the
+broadsword and gymnastic exercises.
+
+But all this, Smith, will not enable you to write a military serial. I
+therefore hope, that on consideration you will abandon the Algiers
+expedition, and keep Silas in his native island, where, if you will
+follow my advice, you will find quite enough for him to do in the way of
+incident and occupation.
+
+Now let us return to the question of tendency. Once upon a time, it was
+a trite rule by which all romance writers were guided, that in the
+_denoument_ of their plots, virtue was invariably rewarded, and vice as
+invariably punished. This gave a kind of moral tone to their writings,
+which was not without its effect upon our grandfathers and grandmothers,
+many of whom were inclined to consider all works of fiction as direct
+emanations from Beelzebub. The next generation became gradually less
+nice and scrupulous, demanded more spice in their pottage, and attached
+less importance to the prominence of an ethical precept. At last we
+became, strictly speaking, a good deal blackguardised in our taste.
+Ruffianism in the middle ages bears about it a stamp of feudality which
+goes far to disguise its lawlessness, and even to excuse its immorality.
+When a German knight of the empire sacks and burns some peaceful and
+unoffending village--when a Bohemian marauder of noble birth bears off
+some shrieking damsel from her paternal castle, having previously
+slitted the weasand of her brother, and then weds her in a subterranean
+chapel--or when a roaring red-bearded Highlander drives his dirk into a
+gauger, or chucks a score of Sassenachs, tied back to back, with a few
+hundredweight of greywacke at their heels, into the loch--we think less
+of the enormity of the deeds than of the disagreeable habits of the
+times. It does not follow that either German, Bohemian, or Celt, were
+otherwise bad company or disagreeable companions over a flagon of
+Rhenish, a roasted boar, or a gallon or so of usquebae. But when you come
+to the Newgate Callendar for subjects, I must say that we are getting
+rather low. I do not know what your feelings upon the subject may be,
+but I, for one, would certainly hesitate before accepting an invitation
+to the town residence of Mr Fagin; neither should I feel at all
+comfortable if required to plant my legs beneath the mahogany in company
+with Messrs Dodger, Bates, and the rest of their vivacious associates.
+However fond I may be of female society, Miss Nancy is not quite the
+sort of person I should fancy to look in upon of an evening about
+tea-time; and as for Bill Sykes, that infernal dog of his would be quite
+enough to prevent any advances of intimacy between us. In fact, Smith,
+although you may think the confession a squeamish one, I am not in the
+habit of selecting my acquaintance from the inhabitants of St Giles, and
+on every possible occasion I should eschew accepting their
+hospitalities.
+
+I have, therefore, little opportunity of judging whether the characters
+depicted by some of our later serialists, are exact copies from nature
+or the reverse. I have, however, heard several young ladies declare them
+to be extremely natural, though I confess to have been somewhat puzzled
+as to their means of accurate information. But I may be allowed _en
+passant_ to remark, that it seems difficult to imagine what kind of
+pleasure can be derived from the description of a scene, which, if
+actually contemplated by the reader, would inspire him with loathing and
+disgust, or from conversations in which the brutal alternates with the
+positive obscene. The fetid den of the Jew, the stinking cellar of the
+thief, the squalid attic of the prostitute, are not haunts for honest
+men, and the less that we know of them the better. Such places no doubt
+exist--the more is the pity; but so do dunghills, and a hundred other
+filthy things, which the imagination shudders at whenever they are
+forced upon it,--for the man who willingly and deliberately dwells upon
+such subjects, is, notwithstanding all pretext, in heart and soul a
+nightman! Don't tell me about close painting after nature. Nature is
+not always to be painted as she really is. Would you hang up such
+paintings in your drawing-room? If not, why suffer them in print to lie
+upon your drawing-room tables? What are Eugene Sue and his English
+competitors, but coarser and more prurient Ostades?
+
+Oh, but there is a moral in these things! No doubt of it. There is a
+moral in all sin and misery, as there is in all virtue and happiness.
+There is a moral every where, and the veriest bungler cannot fail to
+seize it. But is that a reason why the minds of our sons and daughters
+should be polluted by what is notoriously the nearest thing to contact
+with absolute vice--namely, vivid and graphic descriptions of it by
+writers of undenied ability? Did _Life in London_, or the exploits of
+Tom, Jerry, and Logic, make the youth of the metropolis more staid, or
+inspire them with a wholesome horror of dissipation? Did the memoirs of
+Casanova ever reclaim a rake--the autobiography of David Haggart convert
+an aspiring pickpocket--or the daring feats of Jack Sheppard arrest one
+candidate for the gallows? These are the major cases; but look at the
+minor ones. What are the favourite haunts of the heroes in even the most
+blameless of our serials? Pot-houses--cigariums--green-rooms of
+theatres--hells--spunging-houses--garrets--and the scullery! Nice and
+improving all this--isn't it, Smith?--for the young and rising
+generation! No need now for surreptitious works, entitled, "A Guide to
+the Larks of London," or so forth, which used formerly to issue from the
+virgin press of Holywell Street. Almost any serial will give hints
+enough to an acute boy, if he wishes to gain an initiative knowledge of
+subjects more especially beneath the cognisance of the police. They will
+at least guide him to the door with the red lamp burning over it, and
+only one plank betwixt its iniquity and the open street. And all this is
+for a moral! Heaven knows, Smith, I am no Puritan; but when I think upon
+the men who now call themselves the lights of the age, and look back
+upon the past, I am absolutely sick at heart, and could almost wish for
+a return of the days of Mrs Radcliffe and the Castle of Otranto.
+
+Now, my dear fellow, as I know you to be a thoroughly good-hearted
+man--not overgiven to liquor, although your estimate of beer is a just
+one--a constant husband, and, moreover, the father of five or six
+promising olive-branches, I do not for a moment suppose that you are
+likely to inweave any such tendencies in your tale. You would consider
+it low to make a prominent character of a scavenger; and although some
+dozen idiots who call themselves philanthropists would brand you as an
+aristocrat for entertaining any such opinion, I think you are decidedly
+in the right. But there is another tendency towards which I suspect you
+are more likely to incline. You are a bit of a Radical, and, like all
+men of genius, you pique yourself on elbowing upwards. So far well. The
+great ladder, or rather staircase of ambition, is open to all of us, and
+it is fortunately broader than it is high. It is not the least too
+narrow to prevent any one from approaching it, and after you have taken
+the first step, there is nothing more than stamina and perseverance
+required. But then I do not see that it is necessary to be perpetually
+plucking at the coat-tails, or seizing hold of the ankles of those who
+are before. Such conduct is quite as indecorous, and indeed ungenerous,
+as it would be to kick back, and systematically to smite with your heel
+the unprotected foreheads of your followers. Nor would I be perpetually
+pitching brickbats upwards, in order to show my own independence; or
+raising a howl of injustice, because another fellow was considerably
+elevated above me. In the social system, Smith, as it stands at present,
+has always stood, and will continue to stand long after Astley's is
+forgotten, it is not necessary that every one should commence at the
+lowest round of the staircase. Their respective fathers and progenitors
+have secured an advantageous start for many. They have achieved, as the
+case may be, either rank or fame, or honour, or wealth, or credit--and
+these possessions they are surely entitled to leave as an inheritance of
+their offspring. If we want to rise higher in the social scale than
+they did, we must make exertions for ourselves; if we are indolent, we
+must be contented to remain where we are, though at imminent risk of
+descending. But you, I take it for granted, and indeed the most of us
+who owe little to ancestral enterprise and are in fact men of the
+masses, are struggling forward towards one or other of the good things
+specified above, and no doubt we shall in time attain them. In the
+meanwhile, however, is it just--nay, is it wise--that we should mar our
+own expectancies, and depreciate the value of the prizes which we covet,
+by abusing not only the persons but the position of those above us? How
+are they to blame? Are they any the worse that they stand, whether
+adventitiously or not, at a point which we are endeavouring to reach? Am
+I necessarily a miscreant because I am born rich, and you a martyr
+because you are poor? I do not quite follow the argument. If there is
+any one to blame, you will find their names written on the leaves of
+your own family-tree; but I don't see that on that account you have any
+right to execrate me or my ancestors.
+
+I am the more anxious to caution you against putting any such rubbish
+into your pages, because I fear you have contracted some sort of
+intimacy with a knot of utilitarian ninnyhammers. The last time I had
+the pleasure of meeting you at the Ducrow's Head, there was a
+seedy-looking, ill-conditioned fellow seated on your right, who, between
+his frequent draughts of porter, (which you paid for,) did nothing but
+abuse the upper classes as tyrants, fools, and systematical grinders of
+the poor. I took the liberty, as you may remember, of slightly differing
+from some of his wholesale positions; whereupon your friend, regarding
+me with a cadaverous sneer, was pleased to mutter something about a
+sycophant, the tenor of which I did not precisely comprehend. Now,
+unless I am shrewdly mistaken, this was one of the earnest men--fellows
+who are continually bawling on people to go forward--who set themselves
+up for popular teachers, and maunder about "a oneness of purpose,"
+"intellectual elevation," "aspirations after reality," and suchlike
+drivel, as though they were absolute Solons, not blockheads of the
+muddiest water. And I was sorry to observe that you rather seemed to
+agree with the rusty patriot in some of his most sweeping strictures,
+and evinced an inclination to adopt his theory of the coming Utopia,
+which, judging from the odour that pervaded his apostolic person and
+raiment, must bear a strong resemblance to a modern gin-shop. Now,
+Smith, this will not do. There may be inequalities in this world, and
+there may also be injustice; but it is a very great mistake to hold that
+one-half of the population of these islands is living in profligate ease
+upon the compulsory labour of the other. I am not going to write you a
+treatise upon political economy; but I ask you to reflect for a moment,
+and you will see how ludicrous is the charge. This style of thinking,
+or, what is worse, this style of writing, is positively the most
+mischievous production of the present day. Disguised under the specious
+aspect of philanthropy, it fosters self-conceit and discontent, robs
+honest industry of that satisfaction which is its best reward, and,
+instead of removing, absolutely creates invidious class-distinctions.
+And I will tell you from what this spirit arises--it is the working of
+the meanest envy.
+
+There never was a time when talent, and genius, and ability, had so fair
+a field as now. The power of the press is developed to an extent which
+almost renders exaggeration impossible, and yet it is still upon the
+increase. A thousand minds are now at work, where a few were formerly
+employed. We have become a nation of readers and of writers. The
+rudiments of education, whatever may be said of its higher branches, are
+generally distributed throughout the masses--so much so, indeed, that
+without them no man can hope to ascend one step in the social scale.
+This is a great, though an imperfect gain, and, like all such, it has
+its evils.
+
+Of these not the least is the astounding growth of quackery. It assails
+us every where, and on every side; and, with consummate impudence, it
+asserts its mission to teach. Look at the shoals of itinerant lecturers
+which at this moment are swarming through the land. No department of
+science is too deep, no political question too abstruse, for their
+capacity. They have their own theories on the subjects of philosophy and
+religion--of which theories I shall merely remark, that they differ in
+many essentials from the standards both of church and college--and these
+they communicate to their audience with the least possible regard to
+reservation. Had you ever the pleasure, Smith, of meeting one of these
+gentlemen amongst the amenities of private life? I have upon various
+occasions enjoyed that luxury; and, so far as I am capable of judging,
+the Pericles of the platform appeared to me a coarse-minded, illiterate,
+and ignorant Cockney, with the manners and effrontery of a bagman. Such
+are the class of men who affect to regenerate the people with the
+tongue, and who are listened to even with avidity, because impudence,
+like charity, can cover a multitude of defects; and thus they stand,
+like so many sons of Telamon, each secure behind the shelter of his
+brazen shield. As to the pen-regenerators, they are at least equally
+numerous. I do not speak of the established press, the respectability
+and talent of which is undeniable; but of the minor crew, who earn their
+bread partly by fostering discontent, and partly by pandering to the
+worst of human passions. The merest whelp, who can write a decent
+paragraph, considers himself, now-a-days, entitled to assume the airs of
+an Aristarchus, and will pronounce opinions, _ex cathedra_, upon every
+question, no matter of what importance, for he too is a teacher of the
+people!
+
+This is the lowest sort of quackery; but there are also higher degrees.
+Our literature, of what ought to be the better sort, has by no means
+escaped the infection. In former times, men who devoted themselves to
+the active pursuit of letters, brought to the task not only high talent,
+but deep and measured thought, and an accumulated fund of acquirement.
+They studied long before they wrote, and attempted no subject until they
+had thoroughly and comprehensively mastered its details. But we live
+under a new system. There is no want of talent, though it be of a
+rambling and disjointed kind; but we look in vain for marks of the
+previous study. Our authors deny the necessity or advantage of an
+apprenticeship, and set up for masters before they have learned the
+rudiments of their art, and they dispense altogether with reflection.
+Few men now think before they write. The consequence is, that a great
+proportion of our modern literature is of the very flimsiest
+description--vivid, sometimes, and not without sparkles of genuine
+humour; but so ill constructed as to preclude the possibility of its
+long existence. No one is entitled to reject models, unless he has
+studied them, and detected their faults; but this is considered by far
+too tedious a process for modern ingenuity. We are thus inundated with a
+host of clever writers, each relying upon his peculiar and native
+ability, jesting--for that is the humour of the time--against each
+other, and all of them forsaking nature, and running deplorably into
+caricature.
+
+These are the men who make the loudest outcry against the social system,
+and who appear to be imbued with an intense hatred of the aristocracy,
+and indeed with every one of our time-honoured institutions. This I know
+has been denied; but, in proof of my assertion, I appeal to their
+published works. Read any one of them through, and I ask you if you do
+not rise from it with a sort of conviction, that you must search for the
+cardinal virtues solely in the habitations of the poor--that the rich
+are hard, selfish, griping, and tyrannical--and that the nobility are
+either fools, spendthrifts, or debauchees? Is it so, as a general rule,
+in actual life? Far from it. I do not need to be told of the virtue and
+industry which grace the poor man's lot; for we all feel and know it,
+and God forbid that it should be otherwise. But we know also that there
+is as great, if not greater temptation in the hovel than in the palace,
+with fewer counteracting effects from education and principle to
+withstand it; and it is an insult to our understanding to be told, that
+fortune and station are in effect but other words for tyranny,
+callousness, and crime.
+
+The fact is, that most of these authors know nothing whatever of the
+society which they affect to describe, but which in truth they grossly
+libel. Their starting-point is usually not a high one; but by dint of
+some talent--in certain cases naturally great--and a vivacity of style,
+joined with a good deal of drollery and power of bizarre description,
+they at last gain a portion of the public favour, and become in a manner
+notables. This is as it should be; and such progress is always
+honourable. Having arrived at this point, not without a certain degree
+of intoxication consequent upon success, our author begins to look about
+him and to consider his own position--and he finds that position to be
+both new and anomalous. On the one hand he has become a lion. The
+newspapers are full of his praises; his works are dramatized at the
+minor theatres; he is pointed at in the streets, and his publisher is
+clamorous for copy. At small literary reunions he is the cynosure of all
+eyes. And so his organ of self-esteem continues to expand day by day,
+until he fancies himself entitled to a statue near the altar in the
+Temple of Fame--not very far, perhaps, from those of Shakspeare, of
+Spencer, or of Scott. One little drop of gall, however, is mingled in
+the nectar of his cup. He does not receive that consideration which he
+thinks himself entitled to from the higher classes. Peers do not wait
+upon him with pressing invitations to their country-seats; nor does he
+receive any direct intimation of the propriety of presenting himself at
+Court. This appears to him not only strange but grossly unfair. He is
+one of nature's aristocracy--at least so he thinks; and yet he is
+regarded with indifference by the body of the class aristocrats! Why is
+this? He knows they have heard of his name; he is convinced that they
+have read his works, and been mightily tickled thereby; yet how is it
+that they show no manner of thirst whatever for his society? In vain he
+lays in scores of apple-green satin waistcoats, florid cravats, and a
+wilderness of mosaic jewellery--in vain he makes himself conspicuous
+wherever he can--he is looked at, to be sure; but the right hand of
+fellowship is withheld. Gradually he becomes savage and indignant. No
+man is better aware than he is, that not one scion of the existing
+aristocracy could write a serial or a novel at all to be compared to
+his; and yet Lord John and Lord Frederick--both of them literary men
+too--do not insist upon walking with him in the streets, and never once
+offer to introduce him to the bosom of their respective families! Our
+friend becomes rapidly bilious; is seized with a moral jaundice; and
+vows that, in his next work, he will do his uttermost to show up that
+confounded aristocracy. And he keeps his vow.
+
+Now, Smith, to say the least of it, this is remarkably silly conduct,
+and it argues but little for the intellect and the temper of the man. It
+is quite true that the English aristocracy, generally speaking, do not
+consider themselves bound to associate with every successful candidate
+for the public favour; but they neither despise him nor rob him of one
+tittle of his due. The higher classes of society are no more exclusive
+than the lower. Each circle is formed upon principles peculiar to
+itself, amongst which are undoubtedly similarity of interest, of
+position, and of taste; and it is quite right that it should be so. You
+will understand this more clearly if I bring the case home to yourself.
+I shall suppose that the success of Silas Spavinhitch is something
+absolutely triumphant--that it sells by tens and hundreds of thousands,
+and that the treasury of your publisher is bursting with the accumulated
+silver. You find yourself, in short, the great literary lion of the
+day--the intellectual workman who has produced the consummate
+masterpiece of the age. What, under such circumstances, would be your
+wisest line of conduct? I should decidedly say, to establish an account
+at your banker's, enjoy yourself reasonably with your friends, make Mrs
+Smith and your children as happy as possible, and tackle to another
+serial without deviating from the tenor of your way. I would not, if I
+were you, drop old acquaintances, or insist clamorously upon having new
+ones. I should look upon myself, not as a very great man, but as a very
+fortunate one; and I would not step an inch from my path to exchange
+compliments with King or with Kaisar. Don't you think such conduct
+would be more rational than quarrelling with society because you are not
+worshipped as a sort of demi-god? Is the Duke of Devonshire obliged to
+ask you to dinner, because you are the author of Silas Spavinhitch? Take
+my word for it, Smith, you would feel excessively uncomfortable if any
+such invitation came. I think I see you at a ducal table, with an
+immense fellow in livery behind you, utterly bewildered as to how you
+should behave yourself, and quite as much astounded as Abon Hassan when
+hailed by Mesrour, chief of the eunuchs, as the true Commander of the
+Faithful! How gladly would you not exchange these _souffles_ and
+_salmis_ for a rump-steak and onions in the back-parlour of the Ducrow's
+Head! Far rather would you be imbibing porter with Widdicomb than
+drinking hermitage with his Grace--and O!--horror of horrors! you have
+capsized something with a French name into the lap of the dowager next
+you, and your head swims round with a touch of temporary apoplexy, as
+you observe the snigger on the countenance of the opposite lackey, who,
+menial as he is, considers himself at bottom quite as much of a
+gentleman, and as conspicuous a public character as yourself.
+
+And--mercy on me!--what would you make of yourself at a ball? You are a
+good-looking fellow, Smith, and nature has been bountiful to you in
+calf; but I would not advise you to sport that plum-coloured coat and
+azure waistcoat of an evening. Believe me, that though you may pass
+muster in such a garb most creditably on the Surrey side, there are
+people in Grosvenor Square who will unhesitatingly pronounce you a
+tiger. And pray, whom are you going to dance with? You confess to
+yourself, whilst working on those relentless and impracticable kids,
+that you do not know a single soul in the saloon except the man who
+brought you there, and he has speedily abandoned you. That staid,
+haughty-looking lady with the diamonds, is a Countess in her own right,
+and those two fair girls with the auburn ringlets are her daughters, the
+flower of the English nobility, and the name they bear is conspicuous in
+history to the Conquest. Had you not better walk up to the noble matron,
+announce yourself as the author of Silas Spavinhitch, and request an
+introduction to Lady Edith or Lady Maude? You would just as soon consent
+to swing yourself like Fra Diavolo on the slack-rope! And suppose that
+you were actually introduced to Lady Maude, how would you contrive to
+amuse her? With anecdotes of the back slums, or the green-room, or the
+witticisms of medical students? Would you tell her funny stories about
+the loves of the bagmen, or recreations with a migratory giantess in the
+interior of a provincial caravan? Do you think that, with dulcet prattle
+of this sort, you could manage to efface the impression made long ago
+upon her virgin heart by that handsome young guardsman, who is now
+regarding you with a glance prophetic of a coming flagellation? Surely,
+you misguided creature, you are not going to expose yourself by dancing?
+Yes, you are! You once danced a polka with little Laura Wilkins on the
+boards at Astley's, and ever since that time you have been labouring
+under the delusion that you are a consummate Vestris. So you claw your
+shrinking partner round the waist, and set off, prancing like the pony
+that performs a pas-seul upon its hinder legs; and after bouncing
+against several couples in your rash and erratic career, you are
+arrested by the spur of a dragoon, which rips up your inexpressibles,
+lacerates your ankle, and stretches you on the broad of your back upon
+the floor, to the intense and unextinguishable delight of the assembled
+British aristocracy.
+
+Or, by way of a change, what would you say to go down with your
+acquaintance, Lord Walter, to Melton? You ride well--that is, upon
+several horses, with one foot upon the crupper of the first, and the
+other upon the shoulder of the fourth. But a hunting-field is another
+matter. I think I see you attempting to assume a light and jaunty air in
+the saddle; your long towsy hair flowing gracefully over the collar of
+your spotless pink; and the nattiest of conical castors secured by a
+ribband upon the head which imagined the tale of Spavinhitch. You have
+not any very distinct idea of what is going to take place; but you
+resolve to demean yourself like a man, and cover your confusion with a
+cigar. The hounds are thrown into cover. There is a yelping and the
+scouring of many brushes among the furze; a red hairy creature bolts out
+close beside you, and, with a bray of insane triumph, you commence to
+canter after him, utterly regardless of the cries of your
+fellow-sportsmen, entreating you to hold hard. In a couple of minutes
+more, you are in the middle of the hounds, knocking out the brains of
+one, crushing the spine of another, and fracturing the legs of a third.
+A shout of anger rises behind; no matter--on you go. Accidents will
+happen in the best regulated hunting-fields--and what business had these
+stupid brutes to get under your horse's legs? Otherwise, you are
+undeniably a-head of the field; and won't you show those tip-top fellows
+how a serialist can go the pace? But your delusion is drawing to an end.
+There is a clattering of hoofs, and a resonant oath behind you--and
+smack over your devoted shoulders comes the avenging whip of the
+huntsman, frantic at the loss of his most favourite hounds, and
+execrating you for a clumsy tailor. "Serve him right, Jem! Give it him
+again!" cries the Master of the hounds--a very different person from
+your old friend the Master of the Ring--as the scarlet crowd rushes by;
+and again and again, with intensest anguish, you writhe beneath the
+thong wielded by the brawny groom--and, after sufficient chastisement,
+sneak home to anoint your aching back, and depart, ere the sportsmen
+return, for your own Paddingtonian domicile.
+
+Now, Smith, are you not convinced that it would be the height of folly
+to expose yourself to any such unpleasant occurrences? To be sure you
+are; and yet there are some dozen of men, no better situated than
+yourself, who would barter their ears for the chance of being made such
+laughingstocks for life. The innate good sense and fine feeling of the
+upper classes, prevents these persons from assuming so extremely false
+and ridiculous a position, and yet this consideration is rewarded by the
+most foul and malignant abuse. It is high time that these gentlemen
+should be brought to their senses, and be taught the real value of
+themselves and of their writings. Personally they are objectionable and
+offensive--relatively they are bores--and, in a literary point of view,
+they have done much more to lower than to elevate the artistic standard
+of the age. Their affectation of philanthropy and maudlin sentiment is
+too shallow to deceive any one who is possessed of the ordinary
+intellect of a man; and in point of wit and humour, which is their
+stronghold, the best of them is far inferior to Paul de Kock, whose
+works are nearly monopolized for perusal by the _flaneurs_ and the
+_grisettes_ of Paris.
+
+Take my advice then, and have nothing to say to the earnest and
+oneness-of-purpose men. They are not only weak but wicked; and they will
+lead you most lamentably astray. Let us now look a little into your
+style, which, after all, is a matter of some importance in a serial.
+
+On the whole, I like it. It is nervous, terse, and epigrammatic--a
+little too high-flown at times; but I was fully prepared for that. What
+I admire most, however, is your fine feeling of humanity--the instinct,
+as it were, and dumb life which you manage to extract from inanimate
+objects as well as from articulately-speaking men. Your very furniture
+has a kind of automatonic life; you can make an old chest of drawers
+wink waggishly from the corner, and a boot-jack in your hands becomes a
+fellow of infinite fancy. This is all very pleasant and delightful;
+though I think, upon the whole, you give us a little too much of it, for
+I cannot fancy myself quite comfortable in a room with every article of
+the furniture maintaining a sort of espionage upon my doings. Then as to
+your antiquarianism you are perfect. Your description of "the old
+deserted stable, with the old rusty harness hanging upon the old decayed
+nails, so honey-combed, as it were, by the tooth of time, that you
+wondered how they possibly could support the weight; while across the
+span of an old discoloured stirrup, a great spider had thrown his web,
+and now lay waiting in the middle of it, a great hairy bag of venom, for
+the approach of some unlucky fly, like a usurer on the watch for a
+spendthrift,"--that description, I say, almost brought tears to my eyes.
+The catalogue, also, which you give us of the decayed curry-combs all
+clogged with grease, the shankless besoms, the worm-eaten corn-chest,
+and all the other paraphernalia of the desolate stable, is as finely
+graphic as any thing which I ever remember to have read.
+
+But your best scene is the opening one, in which you introduce us to the
+aerial dwelling of Estrella di Canterini, in Lambeth. I do not wish to
+flatter you, my dear fellow; but I hold it to be a perfect piece of
+composition, and I cannot resist the temptation of transcribing a very
+few sentences:--
+
+"It was the kitten that began it, and not the cat. It isn't no use
+saying it was the cat, because I was there, and I saw it and know it;
+and if I don't know it, how should any body else be able to tell about
+it, if you please? So I say again it was the kitten that began it, and
+the way it all happened was this.
+
+"There was a little bit, a small tiny string of blue worsted--no! I am
+wrong, for when I think again the string was pink--which was hanging
+down from a little ball that lay on the lap of a tall dark girl with
+large lustrous eyes, who was looking into the fire as intently as if she
+expected to see a salamander in the middle of it. Huggs, the old cat,
+was lying at her feet, coiled up with her tail under her, enjoying, to
+all appearance, a comfortable snooze: but she wasn't asleep, for all the
+time that she was pretending to shut her eyes, she was watching the
+movements of a smart little kitten, just six weeks old, who was pouncing
+upon, and then letting go, like an imaginary mouse, a little roll of
+paper, which, between ourselves, bore a strong resemblance to two or
+three others which occupied a more elevated position, being, in fact,
+placed in a festoon or sort of fancy-garland round the head of the dark
+girl who was so steadfastly gazing into the fire. But this sort of thing
+didn't last long; for the kitten, after making a violent pounce, shook
+its head and sneezed, as if it had been pricked by a pin, which was the
+case, and then cried mew, as much as to say, 'You nasty thing! if I had
+known that you were going to hurt me, I wouldn't have played with you so
+long; so go away, you greasy little rag!' And then the kitten put on a
+look of importance, as if its feelings had been injured in the nicest
+points, and then walked up demurely to Huggs, and began to pat her
+whiskers, as if it wanted, which it probably did, to tell her all about
+it. But Huggs didn't get up, or open her great green eyes, but lay still
+upon the rug, purring gently, as though she were dreaming that she had
+got into a dairy, and that there was nobody to interfere at all between
+her and the bowls of cream. So the smart little kitten gave another pat,
+and a harder one than the last, which might have roused Huggs, had it
+not observed at that moment the little pink string of worsted. Now the
+end of the little pink string reached down to within a foot of the
+floor, so that the smart little kitten could easily reach it; so the
+smart little kitten wagged its tail and stood up upon its hind-paws, and
+caught hold of the little pink string by the end, and gave it such a
+pull, that the worsted ball rolled off the girl's knee and fell upon the
+head of Huggs, who made believe to think that it was a rat, and got up
+and jumped after it, and the kitten ran too, and gave another mew, as
+much as to say, that the worsted was its own finding out, and that Huggs
+shouldn't have it at all. All this wasn't done without noise; so the
+tall girl looked round, and seeing her worsted ball roll away, and Huggs
+and the kitten after it, she said in a slightly foreign accent,
+
+"'Worrit that Huggs!'
+
+"All this while there was sitting at the other side of the fire, a young
+girl, a great deal younger than the other; in fact, a little, very
+little child, who was sucking a dried damson in her mouth, and looked as
+if she would have liked to have swallowed it, but didn't do it, for fear
+of the stone. Now Huggs was the particular pet of the little girl, who
+wouldn't have her abused on any account, and she said,
+
+"''Twor'n't Huggs, aunt Strelly, 'twore the kitten!'
+
+" 'Eliza Puddifoot!' replied the other, in a somewhat raucous and
+melo-dramatic tone--'Eliza Puddifoot! I is perticklarly surprised, I is,
+that you comes for to offer to contradick me. I knows better what's what
+than you, and all I says is, that there 'ere Huggs goes packing out of
+the windor!'
+
+"The child--she was a very little one--burst into a flood of tears."
+
+Now, that is what I call fine writing, and no mistake. There is a
+breadth--a depth--a sort of _chiaroscuro_, about the picture which
+betrays the hand of a master, and shows how deeply you have studied in a
+school which has no equal in modern, and never had a parallel in former
+times.
+
+Almost equal to this is your sketch of the soiree at Mr Grindlejerkin's,
+which is written with a close observance of character, and, at the same
+time, an ease and playfulness which cannot fail of attracting a large
+share of the popular regard. Your hero, Mr Spavinhitch, has
+distinguished himself so much by throwing a somerset through a blazing
+hoop, that at last he receives the honour of an invitation to the
+hospitalities of the Master of the Ring.
+
+"I can tell you, that an uncommonly fine man Mr Grindlejerkin was, with
+a stout Roman nose, only a little warty, and black whiskers curling
+under his chin, and a smart little imperial that gave quite a cock to
+his countenance, and made him altogether look a good deal like a hero.
+He was dressed in bright bottle-green, was Mr Grindlejerkin--that is, in
+so far as regarded his coat, which was garnished with large silver
+buttons and a horse's head upon them: but his trousers were of a
+light-blue colour, a little faded or so, and creased, as if they had
+been sent out a good deal to the washing, and had come home without
+having been pressed carefully through the mangle. He had evidently been
+drinking, had Mr Grindlejerkin, for he leaned against the fireplace in a
+sort of vibratory manner, as if he were not very sure of his own
+equilibrium, and couldn't trust it. However, he did his best to welcome
+Silas, which he did with an air of patronising affability, as if he
+wished him to understand that he was not to be considered as letting
+himself down by inviting a voltigeur to his table.
+
+"'Now, Mr Spavinhitch,' said Mr Grindlejerkin, 'glad to see you, sir, or
+any other rising member of the profession. May I perish of the
+string-halt, sir, if I do not consider you an eminent addition to the
+Ring! Your last vault through the hoops, sir, was extraordinary; upon my
+credentials, quite! It reminded me much of my late esteemed friend
+Goggletrumkins. Ah, what a man that was! Did you know Goggletrumkins, Mr
+Spavinhitch?'
+
+"Silas modestly repudiated that honour.
+
+"'Ah, sir, you should have known him!' replied the stately Master of the
+Ring. 'That was indeed a man, sir; the gem of the British arena. His
+Life-guardsman Shaw, sir, was one of the finest things in nature: quite
+statuesque, sir; it was enough to inspire a nation. You are, perhaps,
+not aware, sir, that he used to sit as a model for the Wellington
+statues?'
+
+"'Indeed!' said Silas.
+
+"'He did, sir,' continued Mr Grindlejerkin solemnly, 'and the boast of
+Astley's now lives in imperishable marble. But I forgot: you do not know
+my lady. Mrs Grindlejerkin, my cherub--Mr Spavinhitch, one of our most
+distinguished recruits.'
+
+"Mrs Grindlejerkin was a tall lady, with black treacly hair, a good deal
+younger than her lord, to whom she had been only recently united. She
+was married off the stage, which she had ornamented since she was three
+years old, when she used to appear as a little fairy crawling out of
+paste-board tulips, and frighten, by the magic of her rod, some older
+imps in green, who used to shoulder their legs like muskets, and go
+through all sorts of strange diabolical manoeuvres. Miss Clara Tiggs,
+such was her virgin name, then rose to the rank of the angels, and might
+be seen any evening flying across the stage with little gauze winglets
+fastened to her back, by aid of which it is not likely that she could
+have flown very far, if it had not been for the cross-wires and the cord
+attached to her waist. But she looked very pretty, did Clara Tiggs, as
+she fluttered from the side-wings like an exaggerated butterfly, and
+rained down white paper flowers upon the heads of imploring lovers. But
+she soon got too heavy for that business, and having no natural genius
+for tragedy, and being rather too splayfooted for the ballet, and too
+stiff-jointed for the hippodrome, she became one of those young ladies
+in white, who always walk before the queens in melodramatic spectacles,
+and who keep in pairs, and look like the most loving and affectionate
+creatures in the world, because they always are holding one another's
+hands. And it possibly might be this appearance of sisterly devotion
+which induced Mr Grindlejerkin to pay his addresses to Miss Clara Tiggs;
+for Miss Clara Tiggs never appeared in public except linked to Miss
+Emily Whax, another nice young lady, who was always dressed in white,
+and who carried around her neck a locket, which was supposed to contain
+the hair of a certain officer who always took a considerable number of
+tickets for her benefit. Such was Mrs Grindlejerkin, who now saluted Mr
+Spavinhitch with a pleasant smile.
+
+"'Clara, my own dear love,' said Mr Grindlejerkin after a pause, 'can
+you tell me what we are to have for supper?'
+
+"'La! Mr Grindlejerkin,' replied the lady, 'how should I know?
+Sassengers and pettitoes, I suppose. It's very odd,' continued she,
+addressing Silas--'it's very odd, but Mr Grindlejerkin always _does_ ask
+me what he is to have for supper!'
+
+"Silas didn't think it was odd at all, for the same idea had just been
+floating through his mind; but as he did not think it would be right to
+say so, he merely smiled, whereupon Mrs Grindlejerkin, who was a
+good-natured body in the main, smiled too, and Mr Grindlejerkin began to
+smile, but checked himself, and didn't, because it might have been
+thought that he was letting down his dignity. So he contented himself
+with ringing the bell, and directed the servant-girl who answered it,
+rather ferociously, to bring him a tumbler of rum-and-water.
+
+"'Ha! Bingo, my buck, how are you?' cried the Master of the Ring to the
+principal clown, who now entered the apartment, and who, being a
+personage of much consideration and importance in the theatrical
+circles, might be addressed with any kind of familiarity without a
+compromise of official reserve. 'How are ye, Bingo? Well and herty, eh?
+Won't you take a drop of summat?'
+
+"'I will,' replied the clown in a melancholy voice, well corresponding
+to his features, which, when the paint was washed off, were haggard and
+malagugrious in the extreme. 'I will; but I am not well. Spasms in the
+heart, kidneys, merry-thought, and liver. A silent sorrow here. Age
+brings care. I thank you. Stop. I like it stiff.'
+
+"'That's my rum 'un!' said Mr Grindlejerkin. 'Drown dull care in
+Jamaikey. But here is the Signora Estrella. Madame, you are most
+welcome!'
+
+"Silas felt the blood rise to his temples. And so at last he could meet
+her, the lady of his heart, the bright star of his boyish existence, not
+in the feverish whirl of the arena, beneath the glare of gas, surrounded
+by clouds of sawdust and the gazing eyes of thousands, but in the calm
+sanctuary of private life, where, at least if he could find the courage,
+he might pour forth the incense of his soul, and tell her how madly, how
+desolatingly he had begun to love her--no, not begun, for it seemed to
+him as if he had loved her long before he ever saw her: as if the love
+of her were something implanted in his bosom before yet he knew what it
+was to undergo the agonies of teething; long before, like a roasting
+oyster, he lay in his silken cradle, and squared with tiny and
+ineffectual fists at the approaching phantoms of time, existence, and
+futurity. It seemed to him as though the doll, with which, when a very
+little child, he had played, had just the same dark lustrous eyes, with
+something bead-like and mysterious in their expression, which lent such
+an inexpressible fascination to the countenance of the beautiful
+Canterini. That doll! he had fondled it a thousand times in his baby
+arms: had called it his duck, his dolly, his wifikin, and numerous other
+terms of childish prattle and endearment: had grown jealous of it,
+because, when his little brother kissed it, it did not cry out or show
+any symptoms of anger, and so, in a mad moment of rage and remorse, he
+had struck the waxen features against a mantelpiece, and shivered them
+into innumerable fragments. What would he not have given at that moment
+to have recalled the doll! But it could not be. The fragments had been
+long, long ago swept into the dust-hole of oblivion, and though they
+might afterwards have been carried out and scattered over the fresh
+green fields, where there are trees, and cows, and little singing-birds,
+and flowers, they could not be--oh no, never--reunited! But the lady,
+the Signora! no rude hand had marred the wax of that countenance; for
+though very, very pale, there still lingered beneath her eyes a touch of
+the enchanting carmine.
+
+"'The Signora,' said Mr Bingo. 'Fine woman. Grass though. Decidedly
+grass. All flesh is, you know.' And with this remark the mimic resumed
+his tumbler.
+
+"The Signora turned her dark lustrous eyes upon Silas, and instantly
+encountered his ardent and devoted gaze. She did not shrink from it;
+true love never does, for it is always bold if not happy; but she grew a
+shade paler as she accepted that involuntary homage, and, with a
+graceful wave of her hand, she sunk upon a calico sofa.
+
+"'The sassengers is dished!' said the pudding-faced servant-maid; and
+the whole party, now increased by the addition of Mr Jonas Fitzjunk, who
+did the nautical heroes, and Whang Gobretsjee Jeehohupsejee, the Brahmin
+conjurer, who talked English with a strong Aberdeen accent, besides one
+or two other notables, adjourned to the supper-room.
+
+"'Signora, sassenger?' said Mr Grindlejerkin.
+
+"'If you pleases; underdone and graveyless,' replied the beautiful
+foreigner.
+
+"'Oh, that I were that sausage, that so I might touch those ripe and
+tempting lips!' thought Silas, as he reached across the Brahmin for the
+pickles.
+
+"'Can the buddy no tak' a care!' cried Jeehohupsejee; 'fat's he gauen to
+dee wi' the wee joug?'
+
+"'Hush, conjurer!' cried Bingo. 'Eat. Swallow. That's your sort. Life is
+short. Victuals become cold.'
+
+"'Mr Grindlejerkin!' screamed the helpmate of that gentleman suddenly
+from the lower end of the table. 'Mr Grindlejerkin! I wish you would
+come here and stop Mr Fitzjunk from winking at me!'
+
+"'Mr Fitzjunk!' thundered the Master of the Ring, 'do you know, sir,
+that that lady has the honour to be my wife? What do you mean by this
+conduct, sir? How dare you wink?'
+
+"'Avast there, messmate!' said Fitzjunk, who always spoke as if he were
+in command of a Battersea steamer. 'Avast there! None of your
+fresh-water and loblolly-boy terms, if you please. Shiver my binnacle,
+if things haven't come to a pretty pass, when an old British sailor
+can't throw out a signal of distress to one of the prettiest craft that
+ever showed her sky-scrapers where Neptune's billows roll!'
+
+"'Oh, Mr Fitzjunk! but you _did_ wink at me!' said Mrs Grindlejerkin,
+considerably mollified by the compliment.
+
+"'I knows I did,' replied the representative of the British navy. 'The
+more by token, as how I ha'n't got nothing here to stow away into my
+locker; so I shut up one deadlight twice, and burned a blue fire for a
+cargo of pettitoes to heave to.'
+
+"'Was that all, sir?' said Mr Grindlejerkin, still rather sternly.
+
+"'Ay, ay, sir!' replied the tar.
+
+"'Then I shall be happy to drown all unkindness in a pot of porter,
+sir.'
+
+"'Good!' said Mr Bingo, 'Right. Harmony preserved. Glad to join you. Cup
+of existence. Gall at bottom.'
+
+"'I beg your pardink, sir,' said the Signora looking full at Silas, who
+was seated exactly opposite--'I beg your pardink, sir, but vos you
+pleased to vish anythink?'
+
+"'No, lady!' replied Silas blushing scarlet. 'No, lady, not I--That
+is--'
+
+"'O, very vell!' observed the Signora; 'it don't much sicknify; only I
+thought you might vant somethink, 'cos you vos a treadin' on my toes!'"
+
+I shall not, my dear Smith, pursue this delightful scene any further.
+It is enough to substantiate your claim--and I am sure the public will
+coincide with me in this opinion--to a very high place amongst the
+domestic and sentimental writers of the age. You have, and I think most
+wisely, undertaken to frame a new code of grammar and of construction
+for yourself; and the light and airy effect of this happy innovation is
+conspicuous not only in every page, but in almost every sentence of your
+work. There is no slipslop here--only a fine, manly disregard of syntax,
+which is infinitely attractive; and I cannot doubt that you are destined
+to become the founder of a far higher and more enduring school of
+composition, than that which was approved of and employed by the fathers
+of our English literature.
+
+You work will be translated, Smith, into French and German, and other
+European languages. I am sincerely glad of it. It is supposed abroad
+that a popular author must depict both broadly and minutely the manners
+of his particular nation--that his sketches of character have reference
+not only to individuals, but to the idiosyncrasy of the country in which
+he dwells. Your works, therefore, will be received in the saloons of
+Paris and Vienna--it may be of St Petersburg--as conveying accurate
+pictures of our everyday English life; and I need hardly remark how much
+that impression must tend to elevate our national character in the eyes
+of an intelligent foreigner. Labouring under old and absurd prejudices,
+he perhaps at present believes that we are a sober, unmercurial people,
+given to domestic habits, to the accumulation of wealth, and to our own
+internal improvements. It is reserved for you, Smith, to couch his
+visionary eye. You will convince him that a great part of our existence
+is spent about the doors of theatres, in tap-rooms, pot-houses, and
+other haunts, which I need not stay to particularize. You will prove to
+him that the British constitution rests upon no sure foundation, and
+that it is based upon injustice and tyranny. Above all, he will learn
+from you the true tone which pervades society, and the altered style of
+conversation and morals which is universally current among us. In minor
+things, he will discover, what few authors have taken pains to show, the
+excessive fondness of our nation for a pure Saxon nomenclature. He will
+learn that such names as Seymour, and Howard, and Percy--nay, even our
+old familiars, Jones and Robinson--are altogether proscribed among us,
+and that a new race has sprung up in their stead, rejoicing in the
+euphonious appellations of Tox and Wox, Whibble, Toozle, Whopper,
+Sniggleshaw, Guzzlerit, Gingerthorpe, Mugswitch, Smungle, Yelkins,
+Fizgig, Parksnap, Grubsby, Shoutowker, Hogswash, and Quiltirogus. He
+will also learn that our magistrates, unlike the starched official
+dignitaries of France, are not ashamed to partake, in the public
+streets, of tripe with a common workman--and a hundred other little
+particulars, which throw a vast light into the chinks and crevices of
+our social system.
+
+I therefore, Smith, have the highest satisfaction in greeting you, not
+only as an accomplished author, but as a great national benefactor. Go
+on, my dear fellow, steadfastly and cheerfully, as you have begun. The
+glories of our country were all very well in their way, but the subject
+is a hackneyed one, and it is scarcely worth while to revive it. Be it
+yours to chronicle the weaknesses and peculiarities of that society
+which you frequent--no man can do it better. Draw on for ever with the
+same felicitous pencil. Do not fear to repeat yourself over and over
+again; to indulge in the same style of one-sided caricature; and to harp
+upon the same string of pathos so long as it will vibrate pleasantly to
+the public ear. What we want, after all, is sale, and I am sure that you
+will not be disappointed. Use these hints as freely as you please, in
+the composition of that part of Silas Spavinhitch which is not yet
+completed; and be assured that I have offered them not in an arrogant
+spirit, but, as some of our friends would say, with an earnest tendency
+and a serious oneness of purpose. Good-by, my dear Smith! It is a
+positive pain to me to break off this letter, but I must conclude.
+Adieu! and pray, for all our sakes and your own, take care of yourself.
+
+
+
+
+A NEW SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY.
+
+
+ON A STONE.
+
+I have been toiling up this long steep road, under that broiling sun,
+for more than an hour; my cabriolet is I know not where. The last time I
+saw it was at the turn of the road, full half-a-mile behind me, and the
+lean postilion trying to put something comfortable into that lanky
+carcase of his at the auberge. "Ici on loge a pied et a cheval;" so said
+the sign: why did not I, who was literally _a pied_, stop and enjoy
+myself a little? whereas I stalked proudly by: and now that rogue of the
+big boots and the powdered queue, and the short jacket and the noisy
+whip, is getting still more and more slowness out of his sorry horses,
+and is the man _a cheval_, treated by the busy little woman of the house
+as her worthiest customer. The Marquis will be at least two hours in
+advance of me: I shall not see Madame till night: positively I will run
+down the hill again and pull that rascal off his horse. Am I not paying
+for the accommodation of posting? have I not a right to get on? do I not
+fee him like a prince? I'll try a shout at him.
+
+"Hilloa! hilloa! come along there!"--I might as well shout in the middle
+of the Atlantic; and as for running back again, why, I shall have to
+come over the same ground once more: the tariff shall be his fate: not a
+liard more: and I'll write him down in the post-book; I will crush the
+reptile: I'll annihilate him!
+
+Here, sit thee down, man: art thou not come hither to enjoy thyself? why
+this impatience? why this anxiety to go over ground in a hurry which, a
+few hours ago, thou wouldst have given many a crown to visit at thy
+leisure? Sit thee down and look around thee: hurry no man's cattle, and
+fret not thyself out of thy propriety.
+
+And, truly, 'tis a wondrous spot! what a wide extent of grassy slopes
+and barren rocky wastes! how white and hard and rough the road; how
+smooth the hill-side; how blue the distant landscape; how more than blue
+the cloudless sky! Look onwards towards the distant east; why, you can
+see almost across France to the Jura: what endless ridges of mountains,
+one above the other, like the billows of the green sea: what boundless
+plains between! But turn, for a moment, to the hills on either side of
+you; look at those wild copses of fir and stunted oak making good their
+'vantage ground wherever the scanty vegetation will allow them; and
+above, look at the little round clumps of box-trees, dotting the
+mountain-breast with their shadows, and relieving the dull uniformity of
+its surface. So dark are they that you might take them for black cattle
+at a distance; but that, ever and anon, the sun brings out from them a
+bright green tint, and dispels the illusion.
+
+Here, then, on this stone, am I resting, hundreds of miles away from my
+dull fatherland; where I have left behind me nought but pride and ennui,
+and heart-corroding cares, and soul-harrowing occupations. I have
+quitted that dense, black, throng of men, whose minds, pent up in the
+narrow circle of their insular limits, are intent on one thing only--and
+that thing, money! Thou land of the rich and the poor; of the lord and
+the slave; of the noble and the upstart; chosen home of labour and
+never-ending care; I have bid thee adieu: my face is to the world; my
+lot is on the waters of boundless life; and I am free to choose my
+dwelling wherever the clime suits my fancy, and my wishes tally with the
+clime. In this dry and barren valley, amidst those lofty hills, where
+once fire and sulphur and burning rocks poured forth as the only
+elements, and where the melted lava flowed along the face of the earth
+like an unloosed torrent; in this lonely spot, where few living beings
+are seen, and yet where the vast reproductive energies of the world
+have been so widely developed--even here, let me commune a while with
+nature and with myself.
+
+Thou mysterious power of expansion, whatever thou art, whether some
+igneous form existing within the womb of Earth, and demonstrating
+thyself ere our tiny planet revolved in its present orb--or whether some
+product of the combination of chemical fluids originating flames, and
+melting this prison-house with fervent heat--say when didst thou
+convulse this fair land, and raise up from the circumjacent plains these
+mountain-masses that now tower over my head? For I see around me the
+traces not of one, but of four separate convulsions; and I can pursue in
+fancy the long lapse of ages which have served to modify the crude forms
+of thy products, and to change the various classes of animated life
+which have lived and died at the feet of these vast steeps. First come
+thy granitic ebullitions, slow, lumpy, and amorphous--partly
+incandescent, yet glowing with heat that cooled not for ages;--and then,
+when these rude ribs of the earth had been worn and channeled by
+atmospheric action, through time too vast to be reckoned, they split
+again with a mighty rending up of their innermost frame, and thy power,
+fell spirit of destruction! thrust forth the great chain of the Monts
+Dor, and the Cantal. There thou raisedst them stratum above stratum of
+volcanic rock; and scoriae and boiling mud, and lava, and porphyry, and
+basalt, and light pumice, tier above tier, till the seven-thousandth
+foot above Old Ocean's level had been reached; and then thou restedst
+from thy labours awhile, rejoicing in thy force, and proud of the chaos
+thou hadst occasioned. But not to slumber long; for, glad to have made a
+new mineral combination, thou didst thrust forth at the northern point
+of thy work the great trachytic mass of the Puy de Dome: there it stands
+with its solid hump of felspathic crystals, a vast watch-tower of
+creation--white and purple within, glassy-green without. And then burst
+out the full hubbub of this mischief--twenty vast craters vomiting forth
+molten rocks and cinders and the deep lava-stream, and throwing their
+products leagues upon leagues, afar into the fair country:--twenty Etnas
+thundering away at the same time, and answered by twenty more in the
+Vivaraix, and the infernal chorus kept up by as many in the Cantal:--all
+the batteries of the Plutonic artillery launching forth destruction at
+once from the summits of their primaeval bastions. Well was it for man
+that he existed not when this Titanic warfare was going on, and when
+these hills, like those of ancient Thessaly, were heaped, each upon
+each, up to heaven's portal! If Europe then existed, it must have been
+shaken to its furthest bounds:--Hecla must have answered to the distant
+roar; and even the old Ural must have heaved its unwieldy sides.
+
+And now, what see we? A sea of volcanic waves; dark
+lava-currents--rough, black, and fresh as though vomited but
+yesterday:--vast chasms, red and burnt, and cinders, as though the fire
+which raised them were not yet extinguished. Why, from the Puy de Parion
+I could swear that smoke must rise at times, and that sulphurous vapours
+must still keep it in perpetual desolation. Yes, though winter's rains
+and snows visit this volcanic chain full sharply, and though the
+gigantic sawing force of frost disintegrates the softer portions of
+this, the Fire-king's Home, yet there they stand--and so they shall
+stand, till nature be again convulsed, the imperishable monuments, the
+stupendous demonstrations, of the Creator's illimitable energy. Yes, let
+the Almighty but touch these hills again, and they shall smoke!
+
+Thou dull, senseless stone, with thy numberless crystals variegating and
+glittering on the hard resting-place that I have chosen, whence came
+those minerals that combined to form thee? Did they exist, pell-mell,
+beneath, in the vast Tartaric depths, ready to assimilate themselves on
+the first signal of eruption? or did they arise suddenly,
+instantaneously, on the first darting of the electric current that
+summoned their different atoms into new forms of existence? Whence came
+this green olivine?--whence this plate of specular iron?--whence this
+quartz and felspar; and all these other minerals I see around me? Thou
+rude product of the great infernal Foundery, thy very existence is a
+problem--much more the formation of thy component parts.
+
+Stone! thou art not more varied in thy aspect--not less intelligible in
+thy constitution--not harder, not more unfeeling, than the heart of man!
+I would sooner have thee for my companion and my bosom friend, than any
+of that melancholy, solemn-faced crowd of hypocrites I have left behind
+me. Refuse me not thy rough welcome: thou art, for the time being, my
+couch: thou art even warmed by my contact: hast thou, then, some
+sympathy with the wanderer? Thou dull, crystallised block, I will think
+of thee, and will remember thy solid virtues, when the uncongenial
+offices of man shall plague me no more!
+
+
+THE PHILOSOPHER.
+
+"Monsieur!" said the postilion: "Monsieur!" he repeated; and he looked
+round wistfully to see if any one was at hand. Now, I hate to be
+interrupted in a reverie; and, indeed, I was so absorbed in the
+wheelings of a kite over my head, that I was thinking of any thing but
+of my lazy guide and my rolling wheels. A loud
+clack--clack--slap--tap--crack--crack of the whip, flourished over his
+head with all the gusto and the _savoir-craquer_ of a true postilion,
+brought me to myself. "Monsieur, I have been waiting your orders here
+for half an hour."
+
+The coolness with which the fellow lied, disarmed me of my wrath in a
+minute: I had else docked him of his pigtail, or broken the wooden sides
+of his boots for him. But he had such an imperturbable air of
+self-satisfaction, and he thrust his thumb so knowingly into his little
+black pipe, and this again he plunged with such nonchalance into his
+pocket, that I saw he was a philosopher of the true school--and I
+profited by his example.
+
+"Fellow," said I, "dost know that I have promised myself the pleasure of
+passing half an hour with M. de Montlosier on my road to the baths: and
+that at the rate thou takest me at, I shall not see Mont Dor till
+to-morrow?"
+
+"Don't be afraid, Monsieur: I know the Count's house well: we are not
+more than an hour's drive from it: I go there with some one or other
+every week; and as for Mont-Dor-les-bains, why--that depends on
+Monsieur: if you get there by dark it will do, I suppose--the provisions
+will not all be eaten, nor the beds filled!"
+
+Lucky fellow to live in a world where no greater stimulus to labour
+exists than here! why should we toil and wear ourselves to death as we
+do in England for the mere means of living--and forget the lapse of life
+itself? So, pocketing my dignity, and also pocketing sundry specimens of
+my mute companions the stones, I mounted into the cabriolet--and lost
+myself once more in my thoughts till I arrived at the Ferme de Randan.
+
+Just where the Puy de Vache circles round with two other red hollow
+craters, and at the end of a black sea of lava, stood the philosopher's
+house: a plain low building: half farm half cottage: with a few trees
+and enclosures shutting it in, and two or three acres of garden-ground
+bringing up the rear. There was an air of simplicity about the whole
+exceedingly striking, and the more so if one thought of the
+simple-minded man who dwelt within. My name was announced: my letters of
+introduction presented: and the Comte de Montlosier welcomed me to his
+mountain home.
+
+"You see me here, sir," he said, "quite a farmer; I am tired of the busy
+world: who would not be, after having lived in it so long, and after
+having seen such events? I can here give myself up to my books: I can
+speculate on the wonders of this remarkable district, I can attend to my
+little property--for I have not much remaining--and I can receive my
+friends. You would not believe it, but Dr D---- of Oxford was with me
+last week: he came to look at our volcanoes, and he stayed with me
+several days: a charming little man, sir, and very active in climbing
+over hills. You will excuse me, perhaps, if I do not offer to accompany
+you to the summit of the Puy de Vache: but my servants are at your
+orders: had I as few years over my head as when I first visited
+Arthur's Seat, I would be at your side in all your mountain rambles; but
+age and ease are fond of keeping company."
+
+"Ah, Monsieur le Comte, I came to make your acquaintance; your hills I
+will see at another time."
+
+"Young man, you are wrong: these volcanic mountains are worthy of your
+deepest study; for myself, I am nothing but a broken-down old man. I
+have nothing here attractive to my friends. The spot is full of charms
+for myself, but not for others. I have so many old associations
+connected with it: 'tis my paternal estate: I had to fly from it during
+those terrible days, and I never thought to see it again: but now that I
+find myself once more restored to it, my unwillingness to quit the place
+increases every day. After all, you can learn more about Auvergne from
+your learned countryman, Poulett Scrope, than from me; my little work,
+by the way, is at your service if you will accept it: I am as a lamp
+going out, you find me flickering, and when next you pass this way, the
+light may be extinguished."
+
+"True, sir; and it is from these expiring flames that the brightest
+sparks may be sometimes derived: at any rate I would know from you
+wherewith to trim my own lamp for future days."
+
+"Alas," replied the Count, "the present generation are not willing to
+give credit to the last for all they have witnessed, for all they have
+undergone. Had you, like me, seen all the phases of the Revolution, from
+the time when I was sent as a deputy to the States-General from
+Auvergne, to the Reign of Terror, and then the time of exile, and if you
+could have felt the joys of returning to your longlost home again, you
+might indeed look back on your life with emotion--let me say with
+gratitude."
+
+"Did you know many members of the literary and scientific world previous
+to the Revolution?"
+
+"Oh yes, I was acquainted with Condorcet, Lavoisier, and many others of
+that stamp. Who shall say that, in the deaths of those great men, France
+did not lose more than she gained by all her boasted freedom? Ah yes,
+the men of those days were giants in intellect! there was a force of
+originality in them, a vividness of thought and expression, which we
+shall never witness again: and, allow me to say, there was a dignity
+surrounding them, and accompanying them, which, with all our pretended
+liberality and respect for science, we are far from attributing to their
+followers now. Those of us, the actors in some of those tremendous
+scenes who still survive, are but as the blasted oaks of the forest
+after the hurricane has swept by. Some few remain erect; but withered,
+scorched, and leafless: all the rest are prostrate, snapped off at the
+root--many in the full vigour of vegetation: all now rotting on the
+ground. It was a national tempest--a tornado--an earthquake; it was like
+an eruption from the very volcano in whose bosom we are now sitting and
+talking. The world never has seen, and perhaps never shall see, any
+thing half so terrible as our Revolution. My young friend, excuse me;
+perhaps you are a politician--and you are newly arrived in France:
+things are tending to something ominous even at the present day. M. de
+Polignac has just been summoned to office: the king is an easy good
+man--a perfect gentleman--and an honest one, too; but there are people
+near the throne who would be glad to see it tottering, and who are ready
+to take advantage of the least false step. Mark my words, sir, another
+year will produce something decisive in the history of France."
+
+"But surely, M. le Comte, every thing is too much consolidated since the
+Restoration of Louis XVIII. to allow of any fresh changes--the French
+nation have all the liberty they can desire."
+
+"Much more, my dear sir, than they either understand or can enjoy
+properly. I am ashamed to say it, but my fellow countrymen are children
+in constitutional matters: every thing depends on the personal character
+of our governors for the time being. And again, we are too ambitious;
+every body wants to rise--by fair means or by foul; but rise he must:
+and every body expects to be a gainer by change. We are, and I am afraid
+we always shall be, fond of playing at revolutions."
+
+"Permit me to think better of the French, sir. I am delighted with their
+country, and I wish them all the happiness that the possession of so
+fine a territory can cause."
+
+"You are right: it is a fine territory: it might be the first
+agricultural country in Europe: there is hardly a square league of
+ground in it that is not suitable to some useful vegetable production.
+We have none of the cold clays nor barren heathtracts of Great Britain;
+our mountains all admit of pasturage to their tops, or are productive of
+wood; and our climate is so genial that even the bare limestone rocks of
+Provence yield, as you are aware, the finest grapes. Here, in the midst
+of the Monts Dor, you will come upon those vast primaeval forests of the
+silver-fir which have never been disturbed from the time of their
+erection, and you will judge for yourself how rich even this district
+really is. Look at our rivers: at our boundless plains, covered with
+corn and wine, and oil: and yet allowed to stand fallow one year in
+three. My good friends in Scotland--for, believe me, I shall ever
+remember with gratitude my stay in Edinburgh--do not farm their lands in
+our slovenly fashion. France, depend upon it, might be made, and I
+believe it will ultimately become, one of the richest and most
+prosperous countries of Europe. The wealth of England is fleeting: when
+you come to lose India and others of your colonies--and 'twill be your
+fate sooner or later, your power will, with your trade, fall to the
+ground: and, like your predecessors in a similar career, the Portuguese
+and the Dutch, you must infallibly become a second or third-rate power.
+France is solid and compact: her wealth lies in her land: you cannot
+break up that: she exists now, and is great without any colony worthy of
+mention: and she cannot but increase. Even Spain, from her mere
+geographical size and position, has a better chance of political
+longevity than England."
+
+"And yet Spain is rather decrepid at present, you will admit, M. le
+Comte."
+
+"True; but a century, you know, is nothing in the life of a
+nation:--England, to speak the truth, was only a second-rate power until
+the reign of George the Second. She has still her social revolution to
+go through: and whatever has been effected for the benefit of this
+country would have come without the Revolution: and it was paying rather
+dear to destroy the whole framework of society for what we should
+certainly have attained by easy and more natural means. It is a fearful
+catastrophe to break up all the old ideas and feelings of a people,
+merely to substitute in their place something new--you know not what:
+better or worse--and most probably the latter. Add to this, that the
+results of the Revolution have fully borne out what I maintain: we are
+neither better nor happier than we should have been had we gone on as
+usual: other countries which have not been revolutionised are just as
+happy and prosperous as we are."
+
+"But then the more equal distribution of property, M. le Comte; has not
+this effected some good?"
+
+"_Some_ it may have caused undoubtedly; but much less than is imagined:
+the effect of it has been only to raise up an aristocracy of money,
+instead of one of birth: and, aristocracy for aristocracy, the former is
+infinitely more overbearing and tyrannical than the latter. Before the
+Revolution, the country was said to be in the hands of the nobles and
+the clergy: what has happened since? It has merely been transferred to
+those of the lawyers and the employes. Every third man you meet, holds
+some place or other under government: and you can hardly transact the
+commonest affairs of life without the aid of the notary or the advocate.
+We cannot boast much of our comparative improvement in morality: for in
+Paris, the prefect of police can inform you, from the registers of
+births, that one in three children now born there is always
+illegitimate."
+
+"Of what good, then, has the Revolution been?"
+
+"My young friend, ask not that question; it was one of those inscrutable
+arrangements of Providence, the aim and extent of which we do not yet
+know. You might as well ask what these puys and volcanoes have done to
+benefit the country, which, no doubt, they once devastated; they may
+even yet break out into activity again, and France may even yet have to
+pass through another social trial. Things have not yet found their level
+amongst us.--But we are getting into a long political and philosophical
+discussion that makes me forget my duties to my guest. I am at least of
+opinion that the volcanoes have done me personally some good; for they
+have formed this wonderful country, and they attract hither many of my
+friends, whom I might otherwise never have seen again. You will
+appreciate them when you arrive at the Baths; and, apropos of this, I am
+coming over there myself in a few days to consult my friend Dr Bertrand.
+This will give me the opportunity of introducing you to several of the
+visitors worth knowing. You will find a gay and gallant crowd there; and
+let me advise you, take care of your heart and your pockets."
+
+"Monsieur, dinner is served," said a domestic, opening the door; so I
+followed the worthy Count into the salle-a-manger.
+
+
+A SHANDRYDAN.
+
+The top of the great plateau of Auvergne looked beautiful the evening I
+reached it--a fine July evening, when the sun had yet three hours to go
+down, and I was about a dozen miles from the village of the Baths. I had
+been vainly flattering myself that something or other might have
+detained M. de Mirepoix's carriage, and that I should have the pleasure
+of viewing this splendid scene in company with Madame. She had so strong
+a taste for the picturesque, that I knew her sympathies would be
+expressed, and I anticipated no small pleasure from eliciting her
+sentiments. To see what is magnificent in the society of one whose
+feelings of the sublime and beautiful emulate your own in intensity,
+multiplies the charm, and elevates the pleasure, by the mutual
+communication of the effects perceived and produced. So I looked out for
+their carriage anxiously.
+
+Nothing met my eye but the long undulating plain stretching like a
+rounded wave or swell of the ocean to the feet of the mountains, and the
+distant blue horizon--to the west nearly as far off as the Garonne--to
+the east as far as the Saone. The plateau was covered with fine grass,
+pastured by large herds of small dark-coloured cattle, goats, and a few
+sheep; wild-flowers grew here and there of fragrant smell, and the tops
+of the vast pine forests peeped up from the ends of the deep ravines
+that run far into the bosom of the still hills. The sky was without a
+cloud, and the sun seemed to gain double glory as he fell towards his
+western bed.
+
+My spirits rose with the scene; I was excited and yet happy; the full
+genial warmth of nature was before me, and around me, and in me. I could
+have danced and sung for joy. I could have stopped there for ever, and I
+wanted somebody to say all this to, and who should re-echo the same to
+me.
+
+There stood the postilion--dull, senseless, brutal animal--he had got
+off his horses, for I was once more out of the cabriolet, and was
+bounding over the turf to look over the edge of a precipice on my right
+hand: there he stood, he had lighted another pipe, and was thinking only
+of a good chopine of wine out of his pour-boire, when he should arrive
+at the village.
+
+"A fine view, mon ami!" said I, at last, in pure despair.
+
+He gave a shrug with his shoulders.
+
+"Very high mountains those," I went on.
+
+He turned round and looked at them; and then tapped his pipe against his
+whip.
+
+"What splendid forests!" I added.
+
+"Monsieur! voyez-vous! it is the most villainous road I know; and if we
+do not push on, we shall not get to Mont Dor before dark. I would not go
+over the bridge at the bottom there in the dark, no Monsieur, not if I
+had the honour to be carrying M. Le Prefet himself. They were never
+found, Monsieur!"
+
+"Who were never found?"
+
+"Why, sir, when Petit-jean was driving M. le Commandant, the last year
+but one--he was going to the Baths for the gout, sir--he did not get
+down to the bridge till near ten at night; there was no parapet then,
+the horses did not know the road, and over they went, roll, roll, all
+the way into the Dor at the bottom; thirty feet, sir, and more, and then
+the cascade to add to that."
+
+"Dreadful! and did no trace remain of the unfortunate traveller and your
+poor friend?"
+
+"Oh, certainly yes! they got well wetted; but they rode the horses into
+the village the same evening."
+
+"Who were lost, then?"
+
+"Petit-jean's new boots, and 'twas the first time he had put them on."
+
+I jumped into the cabriolet; "drive on," said I pettishly, "and go to
+the ----"
+
+"Hi! hardi! Sacre coquin!" and crash went the whip over the off horse's
+flank, enough to cut a steak of his lean sides had there been any flesh
+to spare. In a quarter of an hour we found ourselves going down a steep
+rough road, such as might break the springs of the best carriage,
+chariot, britscha, &c., that ever came out of Long-Acre; and the thumps
+that I got against the sides of my own vehicle, light as it was, made me
+call out for a little less speed, and somewhat more care.
+
+"Don't be afraid, Monsieur! Hi! hardi! heugh!"
+
+I thought it was all over with me; so, holding in my breath, and firmly
+clenching the top of my apron, I looked straight a-head, and made up my
+mind for a pitch over the wall at the bottom, and down through the wood,
+like the commandant and Petit-jean.
+
+Just as we got to the bottom of the hill, we turned a sharp corner, that
+I had not before perceived, and charged, full gallop, right into an old
+shandrydan, that had pulled up, and, with a single horse, was beginning
+to climb the ascent. Our impetus seemed to carry us over the poor animal
+that was straining against its load, for he fell under our two beasts,
+and the shafts of the cabriolet catching the shandrydan under the
+driver's seat, turned it completely topsy-turvy into the midst of the
+road.
+
+Such a shriek, or rather such a chorus of confused cries, came forth
+from the dark sides of that small and closely-shut vehicle!
+
+"Au secours!" "Jesus-Maria!" "Vite, vite!" "Relevez-nous!" "Pour l'amour
+de Dieu!"
+
+They were women's voices:--
+
+"Ah ca, j'etouffe!" said a deep, gruff voice, in the midst of the
+hubbub.
+
+As neither the postilion nor myself were hurt, we were quickly on our
+legs: he trying to get the horses disentangled--for they were kicking
+each other to pieces--and I to aid a thin, meek-looking peasant lad, who
+had been driving the shandrydan, to right the crazy vehicle.
+
+'Twas a square, black-looking thing, covered at top, with no opening
+whatever but a small window in the door behind. It might have been built
+some time in the reign of Louis le Bien-aime, and its cracked leather
+sides and harness seemed as if they had been strangers to oil ever
+since. If people were not very corpulent, four might have squeezed into
+it--not that they would have been comfortable, but they could have got
+in, and would have sat on the opposite seats, without much room to
+spare.
+
+Some honest old Frenchman, thought I to myself, with his wife and
+daughter, and perhaps their maid. Poor man! he is coming from the Baths,
+cured of some painful malady, and now has had the misfortune to run the
+risk of his life--if, indeed, his bones be not broken--and all through
+that etourdi of a postilion. "If I do not report him to the maitre de
+poste!" said I to myself.
+
+"For the love of God, messieurs," said a faint voice, "get us out!"
+
+"The door! the door! open the door then!" said at least three other
+voices, one after the other and all together.
+
+"Je meurs!" wept the bass-voice from the inmost recesses of the
+vehicle--or it might have been from under ground, so deep and sepulchral
+was its tone.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself, monsieur," grumbled the postilion, who had now
+got one of his horses on its legs; "'tis nothing! Come along, you
+varmint!" said he to the poor young peasant, who stood wringing his
+hands and looking distractedly at his whip--'twas broken clean in
+half--"Arrive, te dis-je!--pousse bien la!--la bien! encore! hardi!
+houp!"
+
+The door of the shandrydan burst open, and there emerged, in sadly
+rumpled state, a pitiable confusion of rustled petticoats and tumbled
+headgear, red as the roses on a summer's morn, and dewy as the grass on
+an autumn eve--_six soeurs-de-charite_, all white and black like
+sea-fowl thrown from the shooter's bag--and after them, slowly toiling
+forth and writhing through the door in unwieldy porpoise-guise--M. le
+Cure!
+
+
+
+
+HONOUR TO THE PLOUGH.
+
+    Though clouds o'ercast our native sky,
+      And seem to dim the sun,
+    We will not down in languor lie,
+      Or deem the day is done:
+    The rural arts we loved before
+      No less we'll cherish now;
+    And crown the banquet, as of yore,
+     With Honour to the Plough.
+
+    In these fair fields, whose peaceful spoil
+      To faith and hope are given,
+    We'll seek the prize with honest toil,
+      And leave the rest to Heaven.
+    We'll gird us to our work like men
+      Who own a holy vow,
+    And if in joy we meet again,
+      Give Honour to the Plough.
+
+    Let Art, array'd in magic power,
+      With Labour hand in hand,
+    Go forth, and now in peril's hour
+      Sustain a sinking land.
+    Let never Sloth unnerve the arm,
+      Or Fear the spirit cow;
+    These words alone should work a charm--
+      All Honour to the Plough.
+
+    The heath redress, the meadow drain,
+      The latent swamp explore,
+    And o'er the long-expecting plain
+      Diffuse the quickening store:
+    Then fearless urge the furrow deep
+      Up to the mountain's brow,
+    And when the rich results you reap,
+      Give Honour to the plough.
+
+    So still shall Health by pastures green
+      And nodding harvests roam,
+    And still behind her rustic screen
+      Shall Virtue find a home:
+    And while their bower the muses build
+      Beneath the neighbouring bough,
+    Shall many a grateful verse be fill'd
+      With Honour to the Plough.
+
+
+
+
+LUIGIA DE' MEDICI.
+
+The study of literary history offers an extraordinary charm, when it
+tends to raise the veil, frequently thrown by inattention and
+forgetfulness, over noble and graceful forms, which deserved to excite
+the interest, or even to receive the active thanks of posterity. At such
+moments, we find the mysterious sources of inspiration admired, through
+a long period, for their fulness and sincerity: we go back to the
+forgotten or falsely interpreted causes of celebrated actions, of
+classic writings, of resolutions, whose renown rang through many ages;
+the vagueness of poetic pictures gives place to positive forms; and that
+which appeared but a brilliant phantom is sometimes transformed into a
+living reality.
+
+Among the glorious titles which have borne the name of Michel Angelo
+Buonarotti to so high a pitch of celebrity, the least popular is that
+derived from the composition of his poetical works. The best judges,
+however, regard these productions not only with profound esteem, but yet
+more often with an ardent admiration. Michel Angelo lived during the
+_golden age_ of the Lingua Toscana. Among the poets who filled the
+interval between the publication of the _Orlando_ and that of the
+_Aminta_--first, in order of date, of the _chefs-d'o[eu]vres_ of
+Torquato--not one has raised himself above, nor, perhaps, to the level,
+of Buonarotti. In the study of his writings, we recognise all the
+essential characteristics of his genius, as revealed to the world in his
+marbles, frescos, and the edifices erected by his hand. It is a copious
+poetry--masculine and vigorous--fed with high thoughts--serious and
+severe in the expression. Berni wrote truly of it to Fra Sebastiano--"Ei
+dice cose: voi dite parole!" The poet exists always in entire possession
+of himself: enthusiasm elevates, carries him away, but seduces him
+never. We admire in his mind a constitution firm, healthful, and
+fertile--a constant equilibrium of passion, will, and conception--often
+of fervency--nowhere of delirium. The qualities necessary to the artist
+do no harm to those which make the thinker and good citizen--every
+where, as in the literary laws of ancient Greece, consonance,
+_sophrosyne_, moderation. Michel Angelo, amid the passions and illusions
+of his time, knew how to hold the helm of "that precious bark, which
+singing sailed."[50] Sincere and humble Christian, with a leaning to the
+austere, he succeeded in keeping himself free from all superstition;
+declared republican, he avoided all popular fanaticism, and bore, even
+during the siege of Florence, the _honourable_ hostility of the
+Arrabiati; admirer of Savonarola, he combated the sickly exaggerations
+of the _esprit piagnone_, and remained faithful to the worship of art;
+and last, guest of Leo X., favourite sculptor of Julius II., he never
+suffered himself to be seduced by the Pagan intoxication of the
+Renaissance; from his early youth, the frame, in which he was destined
+to form so many sublime conceptions, was irrevocably determined.
+
+But, in the poetical works of Michel Angelo, as in his works of
+sculpture and design, there is a side of grace and delicacy; the fire of
+a masculine and profound tenderness circulates, so to speak, in all the
+members of this marvellous body. Angelo's regularity of morals was never
+altered by doubts; it acquired, even at an early period, the externals
+of a rigid austerity. But had he, in his youthful years, experienced the
+power of a real love? We have nothing to reply to those who, after an
+attentive perusal of his writings, see in them nothing more than a
+_jeu-d'esprit_ produced by a vain fantasy. But to those who think, with
+us, that truth and force of expression suppose reality and depth of
+sentiment--to those who discover the burning traces of a passion which
+has conquered the heart, and imprinted a new direction on the thoughts
+of the writer, in the precious metal of this classical versification,
+we propose to follow us for a few moments. We shall seek whatever
+historical vestiges have been left of the object of this affection, as
+durable as sincere: we shall afterwards examine the manner in which
+Michel Angelo has expressed it in his rhyme; what order of philosophical
+and religious ideas developed themselves in his mind, in intimate
+connexion with the ardour that penetrated his heart; whatever
+influences, in short, which a love, whose object quitted this life so
+early, appears to have exercised upon the whole duration of a career
+prolonged, with so great _eclat_, for more than sixty years
+afterwards.[51]
+
+The smallest acquaintance with the character of Michel Angelo would lead
+to the belief that, according to the expression of his epoch, he could
+"have fixed his heart nowhere but in a lofty sphere. The conjectures
+which have been formed bore reference to the house of the first citizen
+of Florence and of Italy, at the period of Angelo's entrance on his
+career, to the family of the grandson of Cosmo Pater Patriae," of the man
+to whom the disinterested voice of foreigners and of posterity has
+confirmed all that his contemporaries attributed to him, in the great
+work of the Italian Renaissance--scientific, literary, artistic
+even--namely, the chief and most brilliant honour.
+
+Lorenzo the Magnificent, born in 1450, married Clarice Orsini in 1468.
+There were born from this alliance, besides the children who died in the
+cradle, three sons and four daughters. In 1492, Pietro succeeded to the
+offices and dignity of his father, and lost them in 1494; Giovanni
+mounted the Pontifical throne, and became the illustrious Leo X.;
+Giuliano died Duke of Nemours and "_prince du gouvernement_" of
+Florence. Of the four daughters, Maddalena became the wife of Francesco
+Cybo, Count dell Anguillara, Lucrezia married Giacopo Salviati; and
+Contessina, Piero Ridolfi. Luigia was the youngest, according to certain
+authorities; Count Pompeo Litta, however, in his _Illustri Famiglie
+Italiane_, places her in order of birth immediately after Maddalena.
+Whichever it may be, Clarice Orsini dying in 1488, Lorenzo contracted no
+other alliance, and, at the end of four years, followed his wife to the
+tomb. We have no means of determining the age Luigia had reached at the
+time of this melancholy event; but, as her marriage was then talked of,
+we cannot give her less than from fifteen to sixteen years. Michel
+Angelo, born the 6th March 1475,[52] wanted a month of his seventeenth
+year when he lost the generous protector of his early youth.
+
+It was in 1490 that Angelo first went to live in the house of the
+Magnificent Lorenzo. Apprenticed, the 1st April 1488, to the "master of
+painting," Domenico di Tommasso del Ghirlandajo, he astonished the grave
+and learned artist by his rapid progress and fire of imagination.
+Ghirlandajo, finding his disposition more decided for sculpture than for
+the pencil, hastened to recommend him to Lorenzo, who, in his gardens,
+situated near the convent of Saint Mark, was exerting himself to create
+a school capable of restoring to Florence the glorious days of the
+Ghiberti and the Donatello. It was no easy task for the prince of the
+Florentine government to buy the child of genius from the timorous
+avarice of his father, Lodovico Buonarotti.[53] At length, an office in
+the financial administration of the state, conferred upon the father,
+and a provision of five ducats monthly settled on the son, but of which
+it was agreed that Lodovico should derive the profit, conquered the
+scruples of the old citizen; and Michel Angelo, adopted as it were,
+among the children of Lorenzo, was enabled, at his own pleasure, to
+divide his hours between the practice of his favourite art, and the
+lessons that Pietro, Giovanni, and Giuliano received at "the Platonic
+Academy," of which the illustrious Politiano was director.
+
+This society, of which Lorenzo was the soul as well as the founder,[54]
+reckoned among its members certain individuals, whose names are still
+held in respect by posterity; and many others who, less distinguished or
+less fortunate, exercised, nevertheless, a useful influence on the
+regeneration of good studies, and the diffusion of the knowledge that
+may be derived from the works of antiquity. Among the former, the first
+rank was unanimously given to Politiano, Pico della Mirandola,
+Leon-Battista Alberti, and Marsilio Ficino. Lorenzo required that his
+sons should be present at the learned discourses of the academy. Michel
+Angelo listened to them in company with Pietro, and Cardinal Giovanni,
+and received most flattering consideration from Politiano. The
+subtilties of Grecian metaphysics, and the technical language of logic,
+discouraged Buonarotti's clear and free understanding; but the sublimity
+of conception, and majesty of expression of the Attic Bee, met with
+marvellous affinities in the disposition of the young Florentine. These
+studies developed in Michel Angelo, the poetical genius of which he has
+left admirable proofs in his marbles, his cartoons, and his writings.
+
+It was not only the affectionate interest of Lorenzo, the intimacy with
+his sons, and the generous cares of Politiano, in the house of the
+Medici, which aided the progress, and inflamed the energy of Michel
+Angelo. At this same time, more profound lessons were repeated in an
+austere pulpit, not far from the delicious gardens of Valfondo. Girolamo
+Savonarola, the celebrated dominican of Saint Mark, was at the zenith of
+his reputation; and his influence over the people of Florence, without
+directly thwarting that of Lorenzo, began, nevertheless, to
+counterbalance it. Michel Angelo, says the most exact of his
+biographers, (Vasari, _Vite dei Pittori_,) read "with great veneration"
+the works written by the enthusiastic and eloquent monk. From him he
+learned to seek in the Holy Scriptures for the pure and direct source of
+the highest inspiration; and, during his whole life, Buonarotti had
+constantly in his hand the sacred volume, and the _Divina Comedia_ of
+Dante, which he regarded as a commentary at once philosophical,
+theological, and, above all, poetical upon the former. An ardent love of
+art confined within due bounds the effect which Savonarola's
+exhortations produced upon the true and serious soul of the young
+sculptor; he neither followed the Dominican in his fanatical hostility
+to the artistic and literary Renaissance, then displaying all the riches
+of its spring, nor in the political aberrations which Savonarola, after
+the death of Lorenzo, had the misfortune to display in the public
+squares of Florence, and even in the heart of her councils.
+
+In the midst of a life so full and already fruitful, which the approach
+of a glory almost unequalled illuminated by a few precursive rays,
+Michel Angelo appears to have opened his heart to the sentiment of a
+love as true and elevated as the other emotions which swayed his soul,
+and directed his faculties: Luigia de' Medici seems to have been its
+object. It is, as already remarked, in the poetical compositions,
+forming the first part of Angelo's collection, that we must endeavour to
+find the imperishable memorials of this tenderness, to which the
+illusions even of early youth appear to have never lent, for a single
+moment, any hope of the union with which it might have been crowned.
+Michel Angelo's timid pride combined with his respect and gratitude to
+interdict to him all designation, even indirect, of the woman to whom
+his affections were bound by a chain whose embrace death alone could
+have relaxed. We shall see in the poetry of Buonarotti none of the
+artifice made use of by Petrarch to render the name of _Laura_
+intelligible, which Camoens afterwards employed to celebrate Donna
+_Caterina_, and from which, still later, the unhappy Torquato regretted,
+with much bitterness, to have wandered, when, in the intoxication of his
+illusions, he traced the fatal name of _Eleonora_.
+
+    "Quando sara che d'_Eleonora mia_
+    Potro goder in libertade amore."
+    (_Verse stolen from Tasso and given to the Duke of Ferrara._)
+
+It is but rarely, and with a light touch, that Angelo makes allusion to
+the extreme youth of her whom he loves,--
+
+        ----"il corpo umano
+    Mal segue poi ... d'un _angelletta_ il volo."--(_Sonnetto_ 15.)
+
+Once only he speaks of light hair:--
+
+    "Sovra quel _biondo crin_" ...
+
+    (_Sonnetto ultimo._)
+
+Never does he write a word that can be referred to the difference of
+rank existing between them, to the splendour which had surrounded the
+cradle even of the daughter of the great citizen whom all Italy seems to
+have made the arbiter of her political combinations. Michel Angelo
+speaks only of the touching beauty of her who has subjugated him by
+"that serene grace, certain mark of the nobility and purity of a soul in
+perfect harmony with its Creator;" (_Sonnetto 3, et passim_ in the first
+part.) Never does he give us to understand that his love received the
+least encouragement. It has been thought, however, that Luigia had
+detected the attachment of the youth whose genius had as yet been
+attested by no great work, and that she rewarded it by the tenderest
+friendship. It is certain that, in a transport of gratitude, Angelo
+wrote the beautiful verse--
+
+    "Unico spirto, e da me solo inteso!"
+
+    (_Sonnetto_ 16.)
+
+and that, in another _morceau_, he thanks "those beautiful eyes which
+lend him their sweet light, the genius that raises his own to heaven,
+the support that steadies his tottering steps,"
+
+    "Veggio co'bei vostri occhi un dolce lume." ...
+
+    --(_Sonnetto_ 12.)
+
+But, checking himself immediately in these half-revelations, the poet,
+on the contrary, multiplies the complaints torn from him by the coldness
+and apparent indifference of her whose beauty he celebrates, whom he can
+render immortal. See more particularly Sonnet 21--
+
+    "Perche d'ogni mia speme il verde e spento."
+
+He exclaims even that he has rarely enjoyed the presence on which his
+happiness depends:--"You know neither custom nor opportunity have served
+my affection: it is very rarely that my eyes kindle themselves at the
+fire which burns in yours, guarded by a reserve to which desire scarcely
+dares to approach--
+
+          ----'gli occhi vostri
+    Circonscritti ov' appena il desir vola.'
+
+A single look has made my destiny, and I have seen you, to say truly,
+but once."--(_Madrigale_ 5.)
+
+It has been said that the "divine hand" of Michel Angelo painted the
+portrait of Luigia de' Medici. This is the name given, in reality,
+during the last century, to the head of a young female, "handsome rather
+than really beautiful," writes father Della Valle--a work in which
+Buonarotti's drawing was said to be recognised, with a softer and more
+lively colouring than obtains in the other pictures from his easel.
+Angelo's repugnance to paint portraits is one of the best established
+traits of his character. But he sculptured several--among those
+positively known are that of Julius II., lost in the chateau of Ferrara,
+and another of Gabriel Faerne, preserved in the Museum Capitolinum. We
+know, besides, that he consented to paint the portrait of the noble and
+witty Messer Tomasso de' Cavalieri, (see _Vasari_,) of the natural size;
+but that was a rare favour. "For," said he, "I abhor the obligation to
+copy that which, in nature, is not of infinite beauty." In another
+place, sonnet nineteen, addressing the object of his tenderness, Michel
+Angelo reminds her, that works of art are endowed, so to say, with
+eternal life and youth. "Perhaps," he adds, (_Sonnetto_ 19 ,) "I shall
+be able to prolong thy life and mine beyond the tomb, by employing, if
+thou wilt, colour, or marble, if thou preferest, to fix the lines of our
+features and the resemblance of our affection!"
+
+Again he writes--"While I paint her features, why cannot I convey to her
+face the pallor which disfigures mine, and which comes from her cruelty
+to me?"--(_Madrigale_ 24.) But in some others of Angelo's poems, mention
+is made of a statue, or more probably of a bust, on which the young
+artist worked with an impassioned mixture of zeal and
+faint-heartedness.
+
+"I fear," he says, "to draw from the marble, instead of her image, that
+of my features worn, and void of grace."--(_Madrigale 22._ ) And when he
+drew near the term of his labour--"Behold," he exclaims, "an animated
+stone, which, a thousand years hence, will seem to breathe! What, then,
+ought heaven to do for her, its own work, while the portrait only is
+mine; for her whom the whole world, and not myself alone, regard as a
+goddess rather than a mortal? Nevertheless the stone remains, while she
+is about to depart."--(_Madrigale 39._)
+
+It was probably on this occasion that Michel Angelo wrote those
+charming, and mysterious verses, whose sense it is otherwise difficult
+to determine:-
+
+    "Qui risi e piansi, e con doglia infinita,
+    Da questo sasso vidi far partita
+    Colei ch 'a me mi tolse, e non mi volse."
+    (_Sonnetto 29._)
+
+The bust of Luigia de' Medici, if it really came from the hands of
+Angelo, has shared the fate of many other _chefs-d'oeuvres_, of which
+his contemporaries appear to have spoken with such great enthusiasm,
+only to increase our regret; while the most diligent researches have led
+to no recovery since their disappearance, caused by the disasters that
+visited Florence, and by the culpable negligence which, throughout the
+whole of Italy, followed the period of which Buonarotti was the
+principal ornament.
+
+If it be to the affection of Luigia de' Medici that Angelo's nineteenth
+sonnet[55] really refers, we are led to the belief that this lofty soul,
+temperate in its own hopes, yet imbued with a generous ambition, had
+suffered itself, for a moment, to be carried away by the illusion of a
+permanent happiness; but a blow, as terrible as unforeseen, scattered
+these thoughts. The "Magnificent" Lorenzo, scarcely in his forty-second
+year, sunk at his seat of Careggi, under a short illness, but of which
+he foresaw the inevitable term with great resignation from the earliest
+moment. With Lorenzo de' Medici descended to the tomb all that was yet
+bright in the glory of his family--all that was real in the prosperity
+of Florence--all that was assured in the fortune, or attractive in the
+labours of the young Buonarotti, then only seventeen years of age.
+
+Of the three sons left by Lorenzo, not one was capable of replacing him.
+The Cardinal Giovanni had a cultivated mind, engaging manners, and vast
+ambition; but, overwhelmed already, in spite of his youth,[56] with the
+weight of his benefices and ecclesiastical dignities, he pursued, at the
+Papal Court, the high fortune of which he then foresaw the
+accomplishment. Giuliano, born in 1478, was as yet little more than a
+child, in whom appeared the germ of amiable and even generous qualities,
+spoiled by pride, the hereditary vice of his house. With regard to
+Pietro, the new prince of the government--for he succeeded without
+opposition to the ill-defined and conventional, rather than regularly
+constituted authority which his ancestors and his father had left in his
+possession--he evinced only incapacity, presumption, improvidence, and
+foolish vanity. Aged twenty-one, he had already espoused Alfonsina
+Orsini, and drew a false security from an alliance in which he hoped for
+the support of one of the most warlike and powerful families of southern
+Italy. Michel Angelo felt the necessity of quitting the abode of the
+Medici, where Pietro, of too vulgar a mind to appreciate the artist's
+character, displayed a soul mean enough to make him feel the bitterness
+of protection. He returned to the paternal home; and although he
+continued to show a marked attachment for the legitimate interests of
+the Medici, and was even again sometimes employed--but not in important
+matters--by the younger members of the family, the separation was final,
+and the republican convictions of the young artist developed themselves,
+after that time, at full liberty. Angelo's poetical collection proves to
+us how cruelly his removal, from the house where Lorenzo had entertained
+him with the most agreeable hospitality, affected his heart. In future
+it must become a stranger, at least in looks and conversation, to her
+whom he loved with an inquiet fervour.
+
+     "How, separated from you, shall I ever have the power to guide my
+     life, if I can not, at parting, implore your assistance?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     Lest absence condemn my loyal devotion to forgetfulness, in
+     remembrance of my long affliction, take, Signora, take in pledge a
+     heart which hereafter belongs no more to me."--(_Madrigale 11._ )
+
+And in another place:
+
+     "He who departs from you has no more hope of light: where you are
+     not, there is no more heaven."--(_Madrigale 9._ )
+
+The hour approached, however, when, according to the usage of the
+country, and the relations of her family, Luigia's lot should be
+decided. Various projects of alliance were discussed. The choice
+hesitated between two brothers, descended from Giovanni de' Medici, a
+branch from the dominant house, and of that which took the name of its
+individual ancestor, Lorenzo. The latter, brother of Cosmo, Pater
+Patriae, had, by Ginevra Cavalcanti Piero Francesco, to whom his wife,
+Landomia Acciajuoli, brought two sons, Lorenzo and Giovanni. Both had
+arrived at the age of maturity, and were reckoned among the most
+considerable citizens of Florence. The marriage, however, did not take
+place. It is said that Luigia herself prevented its conclusion, until a
+misunderstanding, caused by some opposition of interests, had definitely
+separated Pietro from the two brothers, more especially from Giovanni,
+upon whom the reigning prince appears principally to have reckoned.
+Others, however, have supposed that the obstacles to the proposed union
+arose only on the part of Giovanni and his brother, who, in fact,
+followed the principal citizens in the opposition, then planned, against
+Pietro's unskilful administration. And last, it has been asserted, that
+Luigia was betrothed to Giovanni, but died before the time fixed for the
+marriage. Among these opinions, Litta appears to incline to the second;
+Roscoe adopts the last. However it may be, it is only certain that,
+alone of all Lorenzo's daughters, Luigia left the paternal house but to
+exchange it for the repose of the tomb.
+
+According to the historians, she died a few days before the catastrophe
+which overturned Pietro's government, and condemned all the descendants
+of Cosmo l'Antico to an exile of sixteen years. It was consequently late
+in the autumn of 1494 that Luigia departed this life. Amid the
+passionate prejudices which prepared, and the convulsions which
+followed, the Florentine revolution, the extinction of the beauteous
+light excited no sensation.
+
+Michel Angelo was not at that moment in Florence. Politiano's death
+seems to have broken the last ties that attached him to the obligations
+contracted in his early youth. His penetrating intelligence warned him
+of the coming fall of the Medici. He neither wished to renounce his
+ancient attachments, nor to give them the predominance over the duties
+of a citizen, to a free state, which it was of the highest importance to
+wean from a blind and dangerous course. In this painful alternative,
+Michel Angelo determined to withdraw for a time. He went first to
+Venice, and afterwards to Bologna, where the warm reception of the
+Aldrovandi kept him during an entire year, and even longer.
+
+According to all appearance, on quitting Florence, Buonarotti was aware
+of Luigia's declining health; and his poetry shows us the courageous
+artist sinking under the burden of his melancholy presentiments:--
+
+     "Be sure, O eyes, that the time is past, that the hour approaches
+     which will close the passage to your regards, even to your tears.
+     Remain, in pity to me, remain open while this divine maiden deigns
+     yet to dwell on this earth. But when the heaven shall open to
+     receive these unique and pure beauties ..., when she shall ascend
+     to the abode of glorified and happy souls, then close; I bid you
+     farewell."--(_Madrigale 40._ )
+
+It was while at Venice, at least so it is believed, that Michel Angelo
+learned the death of Luigia de' Medici. An expression of profound
+sadness and manly resignation pervades the poems which escaped from his
+oppressed soul, already familiarized with grief: he knew "that death and
+love are the two wings which bear man from earth to heaven."
+
+        ... "chi ama, qual chi muore,
+    Non ha da gire al ciel dal mondo altr'ale."
+
+    (Sonnetto: _Dall' aspra piaga._)
+
+There are, in Angelo's collection, four compositions which may be
+regarded as dedicated to the memory of Luigia de Medici; first, the
+sonnet.--"Spirto ben nato," ... in which the poet deplores "the cruel
+law which has not spared tenderness, compassion, mercy--treasures so
+rare, united to so much of beauty and fidelity; then the Sonnets 27, 28,
+and 30, where Michel Angelo, as though emboldened by the irreparable
+calamity which had befallen him, raises the veil under which the
+circumstances and the illusions of his love had hitherto been shrouded,
+for every one, and almost for himself. Now he exclaims:--"Oh, fallacious
+hopes! where shall I now seek thee--liberated soul? Earth has received
+thy beauteous form, and Heaven thy holy thoughts!--(_Sonnetto 27._)....
+This _first love_, which fixed my wandering affections, now overwhelms
+my exhausted soul with an insupportable weight.--(_Sonnetto 28._) ...
+Yes, the brightness of the flame, which nourished while consuming my
+heart, is taken from me by heaven; but one teeming spark remains to me,
+and I would wish to be reduced to ashes only after shining in my turn."
+The sense of the latter triplet is very enigmatical; it is here
+interpreted in accordance with the known character of the poet, and the
+direction which he delayed not to give to his faculties. From this
+moment Angelo, devoted to the threefold worship of God, art, and his
+country, constantly refused to think of other ties. He had, he remarked,
+"espoused the affectionate fantasy which makes of Art a monarch, an
+idol; "my children," he added, "will be the works that I shall leave
+behind me." More than thirty years were to elapse, ere in this heart,
+yet youthful at the approach of age, another woman, and she the first of
+her era, (Vittoria Colonna,) occupied in part the place left vacant by
+Luigia de' Medici.
+
+It is to these few imperfect indications, conjectures, and fugitive
+glimpses, to which the most perspicacious care has not always succeeded
+in giving a positive consistency, that all our knowledge is reduced of
+one of the purest and most amiable forms presented by the historical and
+poetical gallery of Florence, during what is named her _golden age_. But
+what destiny was more worthy than that of Luigia de' Medici to excite a
+generous envy? Orphan from her birth, her life experienced that alone
+which elevates and purifies: hope, grief, and love. No vulgar cares
+abased her thoughts; no bitter experience withered her heart; death, in
+compassion, spared her the spectacle of the reverses of her family, and
+participation in the guilty successes which followed those disasters.
+Delicate and stainless flower, she closed on the eve of the storm that
+would have bathed her in tears and blood! The only evidence remaining to
+us of her is poetry of a fame almost divine--of a purity almost
+religious; and this young maiden, of whom no mention has come down to
+us, in addressing herself to our imagination, borrows the accents of the
+most extraordinary genius possessed by a generation hitherto unequalled
+in achievements of the mind. The place of sepulture of Luigia de' Medici
+is unknown; her remains were most probably deposited, without monumental
+inscription, in the vaults of San Lorenzo, the _gentilizia_ church of
+her house. Among the epitaphs composed by Angelo, without attempting to
+indicate for whom, there is one whose application to Luigia de' Medici
+would be apt and touching. It may be thus translated:--"To earth the
+dust, to heaven the soul, have been returned by death. To him who yet
+loves me, dead, I have bequeathed the thought of my beauty and my glory,
+that he may perpetuate in marble the beautiful mask which I have left."
+
+The editors of Michel Angelo have assumed that this admirable
+composition, as well as those which accompany it under the same title,
+were written for a certain Francesco Bracci. The expression "chi _morta_
+ancor m' ama" is sufficient to refute this singular supposition.
+
+We shall now attempt to give some idea of the poetical compositions from
+which we have not yet quoted, and which we conjecture to have been
+similarly inspired in Michel Angelo by his love for Luigia de' Medici.
+We incline to consider as belonging to the earliest poetic age of the
+great artist, to the epoch of the first and only real love experienced
+by him, all the pieces forming the first part of his work, commencing
+with the celebrated sonnet--
+
+    "Non ha l'ottimo artista," *  *  *
+
+and ending with the thirtieth--
+
+    "Qual meraviglia e se vicino al fuoco."
+    *  *  *
+
+in addition, the sonnet, three _madrigali_, (pieces without division of
+stanzas or couplets,) and one _canzone_, which the editors have placed
+at the head of the collection, entitled by them--"Componimenti men gravi
+e giocosi." The commencement of a new era in Angelo's thoughts and
+poetic style appears to us marked by the composition of the two
+admirable pieces which he dedicated to the memory of Dante Alighieri:--
+
+    "Dal mondo scese ai ciechi abissi;"
+    *  *  *
+
+and
+
+    "Quanto dime si dee non si puo dire."
+
+Michel Angelo _petitioned_ but once: this was that Leo X. would grant
+the ashes of Dante to Florence, where the artist "offered to give a
+becoming burial to the divine poet, in an honourable place in the
+city."--(Condivi, _Vita di Michel Angelo_.)
+
+Previously a stranger to the sentiments of love, the young artist at
+first wonders and fears at their violence:
+
+     "Who, then, has lifted me by main force above myself? How can it be
+     that I am no longer my own? And what is the unknown power which,
+     nearer then myself, influences me; which has more control over me;
+     passes into my soul by the eyes; increases there without limit, and
+     overflows my whole being?"--_Madrigali_, 3, 4.
+
+Soon, however, he no longer doubts upon the character of this
+intoxication; he feels that he loves; he traces in sport the most
+graceful and animated picture of her who has captivated his heart! But
+this pure and ardent soul speedily becomes alarmed at the profound
+agitation in which it sees itself plunged; desires to go back to the
+cause, to recognise its origin, and measure its danger. Michel Angelo
+recognises, in conjunction with the danger, a sublime reward reserved
+for him who shall know how to merit it.
+
+     "The evil which I ought to shun, and the good to which I aspire,
+     are united and hidden in thee, noble and divine beauty! * * * Love,
+     beauty, fortune, or rigour of destiny, it is not you that I can
+     reproach for my sufferings; for in her heart she bears at once
+     compassion and death! Woe to me if my feeble genius succeed only,
+     while consuming itself, in obtaining death from it!"[57]
+
+Yes, dangerous and often fatal is that passion which seems to choose its
+favourite victims among hearts the most generous--intelligence the most
+ample:
+
+     "Very few are the men who raise themselves to the heaven; to him
+     who lives in the fire of love, and drinks of its poison, (for to
+     love is one of life's fatal conditions,) if grace transport him not
+     towards supreme and incorruptible beauties--if all his desires
+     learn not to direct themselves thither--Ah! what miseries overwhelm
+     the condition of lover!"--(_Sonnet_ 10.)
+
+But this declaration has not been applied to all passionate and deep
+affections:
+
+     "No, it is not always a mortal and impious fault to burn with an
+     immense love for a perfect beauty, if this love afterwards leave
+     the heart so softened that the arrows of divine beauty may
+     penetrate it."
+
+     "Love wakens the soul, and lends it
+
+
+     wings for its sublime flight: often its ardour is the first step by
+     which, discontented with earth, the soul remounts towards her
+     Creator."--(_Sonnet_ 8.)
+
+Transported with this thought, in which he feels the passion to which he
+has yielded at once transforming and tranquillising itself, Michel
+Angelo gives to it in his verses the most eloquent and most ingenious
+developments.
+
+     "No, it is not a mortal thing which my eyes perceived, when in them
+     was reflected, for the first time, the light of thine; but in thy
+     look, my soul, inquiet, because it mounts towards its object
+     without repose, has conceived the hope of finding her peace."
+
+     "She ascends, stretching her wings towards the abode from whence
+     she descended! The beauty which charms the eyes calls to her on her
+     flight; but, finding her weak and fugitive, she passes onwards to
+     the universal form, the divine archetype."
+
+This expression, and many others dispersed throughout the collection,
+show that he had profited more than he cared to acknowledge by the
+discourses of the Platonic Academy.
+
+     "Yes, I perceive it; that which must die can offer no repose to the
+     wise man. * * * That which kills the soul is not love; it is the
+     unbridled disorder of the senses. Love can render our souls perfect
+     here below, and yet more in heaven!"--(_Sonnet_ 2.)
+
+And fruther on:
+
+     "From the stars most near to the empyrean, descends sometimes a
+     brightness which attracts our desires towards them: it is that
+     which is called love!"--(_Mad._ 8.)
+
+But this celestial route demands extraordinary efforts on the part of
+him who aspires to travel it:
+
+     "How rash and how unworthy are the understandings, which bring down
+     to the level of the senses this beauty whose approaches aid the
+     true intelligence to remount to the skies. But feeble eyes cannot
+     go from the mortal to the divine;[58] never will they raise
+     themselves to that throne, where, without the grace from on high,
+     it is a vain thought to think of rising."
+
+Michel Angelo believed that he recognised these characteristics, as rare
+as sublime, in the love which pervaded his own heart.
+
+     "The life of my love is not the all in my heart. * * This affection
+     turns to that point where no earthly weakness, no guilty thought,
+     could exist."
+
+     "Love, when my soul left the presence of her Creator, made of her a
+     pure eye, of thee a splendour, and my ardent desire finds it every
+     hour in that which must, alas! one day die of thee."
+
+     "Like as heat and fire, so is the Beautiful inseparable from the
+     Eternal. * * * I see Paradise in thy eyes, and so return there
+     where I loved thee before this life,[59] I recur every hour to
+     consume myself under thy looks."--(_Sonnet_ 6.)
+
+He writes elsewhere, with a singular mixture of affectionate ardour and
+metaphysical boldness,--
+
+     "I know not if this is, in thee, the prolific light from its
+     Supreme Author which my soul feels, or if from the mysterious
+     treasures of her memory some other beauty, earlier perceived,
+     shines with thy aspect in my heart."[60]
+
+     "Or if the brilliant ray of _thy former existence_ is reflected in
+     my soul, leaving behind this kind of painful joy, which perhaps, at
+     this moment, is the cause of the tears I shed;"
+
+     "But after all, that which I feel, and see, which guides me, is not
+     with me, is not in me, * * sometimes I imagine that thou aidest me
+     to distinguish it." * * * * (_Sonnet_ 7.)
+
+It is easy to conjecture the danger of this inclination to metaphysical
+speculation for an ardent and subtile genius, which, even in its works
+of art, has left the proof of a constant disposition towards an obscure
+mysticism or a sombre austerity. Michel Angelo was enabled to avoid
+these two dangers, on one or the other of which he would have seen his
+genius wrecked, by the noble confidence which he ever maintained in "the
+two beacons of his navigation," tenderness of heart, and pure worship of
+beauty.
+
+Thus, we shall see with what outpouring he proclaims the necessity, for
+the human soul, to attach itself strongly to some generous love:
+
+     "The memory of the eyes, and this hope which suffices to my life,
+     and more to my happiness, * * * reason and passion, love and
+     nature, constrain me to fix my regard upon thee during the whole
+     time given me. * * * Eyes serene and sparkling; he who lives not in
+     you is not yet born!"
+
+And again:
+
+     "It is to thee that it belongs to bring out from the coarse and
+     rude bark within which my soul is imprisoned, that which has
+     brought and linked together in my intelligence, reason strength,
+     and love of the good." (_Mad._ 10.)
+
+Then was renewed that sweet and pregnant security in which the soul,
+"under the armour of a conscience which feels its purity," may gain new
+energy and journey towards her repose:[61]
+
+     "Yes, sometimes, with my ardent desire, my hope may also ascend; it
+     will not deceive me, for if all our affections are displeasing to
+     heaven, to what end would this world have been created by God?
+
+     "And what cause more just of the love with which I burn for thee,
+     than the duty of rendering glory to that eternal peace, whence
+     springs the divine charm which emanates from thee, which makes
+     every heart, worthy to comprehend thee, chaste and pious?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "Firm is the hope founded on a noble heart, the changes of the
+     mortal bark strip no leaves from its crown; never does it languish,
+     and even here it receives an assurance of heaven."--(_Sonnet_ 9.)
+
+Now it is with accents of triumph and anon with the serener emotion of
+an immortal gratitude, that the poet exhibits the luminous ladder which
+his love assists him to mount, the support he finds in it when he
+descends again to the earth:
+
+     "The power of a beautiful countenance, the only joy I know on
+     earth, urges me to the heaven, I rise, yet living, to the abode of
+     elect souls--favour granted rarely to our mortal state!
+
+     "So perfect is the agreement of this divine work with its Creator,
+     that I ascend to Him on the wings of this celestial fervour; and
+     there I form all my thoughts, and purify all my words.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "In her beautiful eyes, from which mine cannot divert themselves, I
+     behold the light, guide upon the way which leads to God;
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "Thus, in my noble fire, calmly shines the felicity which smiles,
+     eternal, in the heavens!--(_Sonnet_ 3.)
+
+     "With _your_ beautiful eyes I see the mild light which my darkened
+     eyes could not discern. Your support enables me to bear a burden
+     which my weary steps could not endure to the end."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "My thoughts are shaped in your heart; my words are born in your
+     mind.
+
+     "With regard to you, I am like the orb of night in its career; our
+     eyes can only perceive the portion on which the sun sheds his
+     rays."--(_Sonnet_ 12.)
+
+The admirable picture of indissoluble union in a settled tenderness, one
+of the most perfect pieces which has come from Angelo's pen, was
+sketched, doubtless, in one of those moments of severe and entire
+felicity:
+
+     "A refined love, a supreme affection, an equal fortune between two
+     hearts, to whom joys and sorrows are in common,
+
+
+     because one single mind actuates them both;
+
+     "One soul in two bodies, raising both to heaven, and upon equal
+     wings;
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "To love the other always, and one's self never, to desire of Love
+     no other prize than himself; to anticipate every hour the wishes
+     with which the reciprocal empire regulates two existences:
+
+     "Such are the certain signs of an inviolable faith; shall disdain
+     or anger dissolve such a tie?"--(_Sonnet_ 20.)
+
+The last verse makes allusion to some incident of which we have been
+unable to find any historical explanation:
+
+"Or potra _sdegno_ tanto nodo sciorre?"
+
+But these ill-founded fears soon gave way to the presentiment of the
+cruel, the imminent trial, for which the poet's affection was reserved.
+
+     "Spirit born under happy auspices, to show us, in the chaste beauty
+     of thy terrestrial envelope, all the gifts which nature and heaven
+     can bestow on their favourite creation!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "What inexorable law denies to this faithless world, to this
+     mournful and fallacious life, the long possession of such a
+     treasure? Why cannot death pardon so beautiful a work?"--(_Sonnet_
+     25.)
+
+The poet, however, already knew that such is the law, severe in
+appearance, but merciful in reality, which governs all things on this
+earth, "where nothing endures but tears."[62] It was then that Michel
+Angelo discovered in his heart that treasure of energy destined to
+sustain him in the multiplied trials of a life, of which he measured the
+probable length with a melancholy resignation.[63]
+
+     "Why," he exclaims, "grant to my wounded soul the vain solace of
+     tears and groaning words, since heaven, which clothed a heart with
+     bitterness, takes it away but late, and perhaps only in the tomb?"
+
+     "_Another_ must die. Why this haste to follow her? Will not the
+     remembrance of her look soothe my last hours? And what other
+     blessing would be worth so much as one of my sorrows?"[64]
+
+In fine, armed with "the faith that raises souls[65] to God, and
+sweetens their death," Michel Angelo, when the fatal blow fell, was
+enabled to impart to his regrets an expression of thankfulness to the
+Supreme Dispenser of our destinies; and giving a voice from the tomb to
+her whom he had so deeply loved, he puts these sublime words into her
+mouth:
+
+     "I was a mortal, now I am an angel. The world knew me for a little
+     space, and I possess heaven for ever. I rejoice at the glorious
+     exchange, and exult over the death which struck, to lead me to
+     eternal life!"--_Epitaffio_, v.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[50] "Dietro al mio legno, che cantando varca."--_Dante._
+
+[51] Michel Angelo lived until the beginning of the year 1564, the
+seventieth after the death of Luigia de' Medici.
+
+[52] In the Florentine style, 1474. The Florentine year began at Easter.
+
+[53] Michel Angelo was the fourth and last of the sons of Ludovico.
+
+[54] The Platonic Academy was established at Florence in 1474.
+Politiano's death, twenty years later, was the cause of its entire
+dispersion.
+
+[55] "But, perhaps, thy compassion regards with more justice than I
+thought in the beginning, my pure and loyal ardour, and the passion
+which thy looks have kindled in me for noble actions.
+
+"Oh, most happy day! if it ever arrive for me, let my days and hours
+concentrate themselves in that moment! and, to prolong it, let the sun
+forget his accustomed course!"
+
+[56] He was born in 1475.
+
+[57] The first sonnet of the collection; that commencing with the
+celebrated proposition--
+
+    "_Non ha l'ottimo artista alcun concetto._"
+
+
+[58]
+
+    "Dal mortale al divin non vanno gli occhi
+    Che sono infermi."   *   *   *   *
+
+
+[59]
+
+    "Veggendo ne tuo' occhi il Paradiso,
+    Per ritornar la dove io t'amai pria,
+    Ricorro ardendo sotto le tue ciglia."
+
+
+[60]
+
+    "Non so se e' _l'immaginata luce_
+    Del suo primo Fattor che l'alma sente,
+    O se dalla memoria.  *   *   *
+    Alcuna altra bella nel cor traluce,
+    *    *    *    *    *    *    *
+    _Del tuo primiero stato il raggio ardente_
+    Di se lasciando un non so che cocente."  *   *   *
+
+
+[61]
+
+    "La buona coscienza che l'uom franchigia,
+    Sotto l'usbergo di sentirsi pura."--_Dante._
+
+
+[62] "To what am I reserved?" writes Angelo in another piece. "To live
+long? that terrifies me. The shortest life is yet too long for the
+recompense obtained in serving with devotion."
+
+[63] "Ahi, che null altro che pianto al mondo dura!"--_Petrarca._
+
+[64] "_Ogni altro ben val men ch'una mia doglia!_"
+
+[65]
+
+    *  *  *  *  "Chi t'ama con fede
+    Si leva a Dio, e fa dolce la morte."
+
+
+
+
+THINGS IN GENERAL.
+
+A GOSSIPING LETTER FROM THE SEASIDE TO CHRISTOPHER NORTH, ESQ. BY AN OLD
+CONTRIBUTOR.
+
+    ------
+    Near ----, England,
+    _October 1846_.
+
+MY DEAR CHRISTOPHER,--Where am I? What am I doing? Why have I forgotten
+you and Maga? Bless us! what a pother!--Give a man time, my revered
+friend, to answer: I have _not_ forgotten either you or Maga; I am at
+the seaside; and I am doing, as well as I can, _nothing_. There are your
+testy questions answered: and as to divers objurgatory observations of
+your's, I shall not attempt to reply to them--regarding them as the
+results of some gout-twinges which have, I fear, a little quickened and
+heated the temper of that "old man eloquent," who, when in good health,
+plays but one part--that of a caressing father towards his children; for
+as such Christopher North has ever (as far as I know) regarded his
+contributors. "Why don't you _review_ something or other? There's ----,
+an impudent knave!--has just sent me his ----: you will find it pleasant
+to flagellate him, or ----, a Cockney coxcomb! And if you be not in that
+humour, there are several excellent, and one or two admirable works,
+which have appeared within the last eighteen months, and which really
+have as strong a claim on Maga as she has on her truant sons,--and you,
+among the rest, have repeatedly promised to take one, at least, in hand.
+If you be not in the critical vein--do, for heaven's sake, turn your
+hand to something else--you have lain fallow long enough!--With one of
+the many articles which you have so often told me that you were
+'seriously thinking of' on ----, or ----, or ----, &c., &c., &c.; and if
+_that_ won't do--why, rather than do _nothing_, set to work for an hour
+or two on a couple of mornings, and write me a gossiping sort of
+letter--such as I can print--such as you have once before done, and I
+printed,--on Things in General. Surely the last few months have
+witnessed events which must have set you, and all observant men,
+thinking, and thinking very earnestly. Set to work, be it only in a
+simple, natural, easy way--care not you, as I care not, how
+discursively--a little touch of modest egotism, even, I will forgive on
+this occasion, if you find that--" Here, dear Christopher, I
+recalcitrate, and decline printing the rest of the sentence; but as to
+"_Things in General_"--I am somewhat smitten with the suggestion. 'Tis a
+taking title--a roomy subject, in which one can flit about from gay to
+grave, from lively to severe, according to the humour of the moment; and
+since you really do not dislike the idea of an old contributor's gossip
+on men and things, given you in his own way, I shall forthwith begin to
+pour out my little thoughts as unreservedly as if you and I were sitting
+together alone here. _Here_; but where? As I said before, at the
+seaside; at my favourite resort--where (eschewing "Watering-places" with
+lively disgust) I have spent many a happy autumn. When I first found it
+out, I thought that the _lines_ had indeed _fallen_ to me in _pleasant
+places_, and I still think so; but were I to tell the public, through
+your pages, of this green spot, I suspect that by this time next year
+the sweet solitude and primitive simplicity of the scene around me would
+have vanished: greedy speculating builders, tempting the proprietors of
+the soil, would run up in all directions vile, pert, vulgar,
+brick-built, slate-roofed, Quakerish-looking abominations, exactly as a
+once lovely nook in the Isle of Wight--Ventnor to wit--has become a mere
+assemblage of eyesores, a mass of _un_favourable eruptions, so to
+speak--Bah! I once used to look forward to the Isle of Wight with
+springy satisfaction. Why, the infatuated inhabitants were lately
+talking of having a railroad in the island!!
+
+I quitted Babylon, now nearly eleven weeks ago, for this said sweet
+mysterious solitude. London I dearly, dearly love--except during the
+months of August, September, and October, when it goes to sleep, and
+lies utterly torpid. When I quitted it very early in August, London life
+was, as it were, at dead-low water-mark. I was myself somewhat jaded
+with a year's severe exertion in my lawful calling, (what that may be,
+it concerns none of your readers to know,) and my family also were in
+want of change of air and scene; so that, when the day of departure had
+arrived, we were in the highest possible spirits. _Our_ house would--we
+reflected--within a few hours put on the dismal, dismantled appearance
+which almost every other house in the street had presented for several
+weeks, and we, whirling away to ----; but first of all it occurred to me
+to lay in a stock of our good friend Lee's port and sherry, (for where
+were we to get drinkable wine at ----?)--ditto, in respect of six pounds
+of real tea--not _quasi_ tea, _i.e._, raisin-stalks and
+sloe-leaves--three bottles of whisky; four of Anchovy sauce; and four of
+Reading or Harvey's sauce; two pounds of mustard, and some cayenne and
+curry-powder: having an eye, in respect of this last, to--hot crab! a
+delicious affair! Arrangements these which we are resolved always to
+make hereafter, having repeatedly experienced the inconvenience of not
+doing so. Having packed up every thing, and given special orders for the
+_Times_ to be provided daily, and the _Spectator_ weekly, away we
+go--myself, wife, three hostages to fortune, and three other persons,
+and--bless him!--Tickler; Timothy Tickler--that sagacious, quaint,
+affectionate, ugly-beautiful Skye terrier, which found its way to me
+from you, my revered friend--and is now lying gracefully near me,
+pretending--the little rogue--to be asleep; but really watching the
+wasps buzzing round him, and every now and then snapping at them
+furiously, unconscious of the probable consequences of his
+success,--that,
+
+    "If 'twere _done_, when 'tis done,
+    _Then_--'twere well it were done quickly!"
+
+By what railway we went, I care not to say--beyond this, that it belongs
+to one of that exceedingly select class, the well-conducted railways;
+and we were brought to the end of that portion of our journey--whether
+one hundred, two hundred, or two hundred and fifty, or three hundred
+miles, signifies nothing--safely and punctually arriving two minutes
+earlier than our appointed time. Then, by means of steam-boats, cars,
+and otherwise, _taliter processum est_, that about eight o'clock in the
+evening we reached this place, which, in the brilliant moonlight, looked
+even more beautiful than I had ever seen it. Near us on our left--that
+is, within a few hundred feet--was the placid silvery sea, "its moist
+lips kissing the shore," as Thomas Campbell expressed it; and while
+supper was preparing, we went to the shore to enjoy its loveliness. Not
+a breath of wind was stirring--scarce a cloud interfered with the moon's
+serene effulgence. Lofty cliffs stretched on either side of us as we
+faced the sea, casting a kindly gloom over part of the shore; and on
+turning towards the land, we beheld nothing but solemn groves of trees,
+and one sweet cottage peeping modestly from among them, as it were a
+pearl glistening half-hid between the folds of green velvet, about
+half-way up the fissure in the cliffs by which we had descended. Two or
+three fishing-boats were moored under the cliff, and against one of them
+was leaning the fisherman, not far from his snugly-sheltered hut,
+pleasantly puffing at his pipe. Near him lay extended on the shingle,
+grisly even in death, a monster--viz. a shark, the victim of the
+patience, pluck, and tact, which had been exhibited that afternoon by
+the fisherman and his son, who had captured the marine fiend in the bay,
+at less than two miles' distance from the shore. 'Twas nine feet in
+length, wanting one inch;--and _its_ teeth made your teeth chatter to
+look at them. Tickler inspected him narrowly, having first cautiously
+ascertained by his nose that all was right, and then exclaimed, "Bow,
+wow, wow!"--thus showing that even as a live ass is better than a dead
+lion, so a live terrier was better than a dead shark. [As I find that
+several of these hideous creatures have been lately captured here,
+_quaere_ the propriety of bathing, as I had intended, from a boat, a
+little way of from the land? Hem!] The only visible occupants of those
+solitary sands at that moment were myself, my wife and children, the
+fisherman, Tickler, and the dead shark. I remained standing alone for a
+few moments after my companions had turned their steps towards our
+cottage, eager for supper, and gazed upon the sequestered loveliness
+around me with a sense of luxury. What a contrast this to the scene of
+exciting London life in which I had happened to bear a part on the
+preceding evening! The following verses of Lord Rosscommon happened to
+occur to me, and chimed in completely with the tone of my feelings:--
+
+    "Hail, sacred Solitude! from this calm bay
+    I view the world's tempestuous sea;
+        And with wise pride despise
+        All those senseless vanities:
+    With pity moved for others, cast away,
+    On rocks of hopes and fears I see them toss'd,
+    On rocks of folly and of vice I see them lost:
+    Since the prevailing malice of the great
+        Unhappy men, or adverse fate
+    Sunk deep into the gulfs of an afflicted state:
+    But more, far more, a numberless prodigious train,
+    Whilst virtue counts them, but, alas, in vain.
+        Fly from her kind embracing arms,
+    Deaf to her fondest call, blind to her greatest charms,
+        And sunk in pleasures and in brutish ease,
+    They in their shipwrecked state themselves obdurate please.
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    Here may I always, on this downy grass,
+    Unknown, unseen, my easy moments pass,
+    Till, with a gentle force, victorious Death
+        My solitude invade,
+    And stopping for a while my breath,
+    With ease convey me to a better shade!"
+
+But a sharpened appetite for supper called me away, and I quickly
+followed my companions, casting a last glance around, and suppressing a
+faint sigh, fraught with the reflection, "All this--_Deo volente_--will
+be ours for nearly three months." Why _does_ one so often sigh on such
+an occasion?
+
+You may conceive how we enjoyed our supper to the utmost, and then all
+of us retired to our respective apartments, which were so brilliantly
+lit by the moon, as to make our candles pale their ineffectual fires. I
+stood for a long time gazing at the beautiful scenery visible from my
+little dressing-room window, and then retired to rest, grateful to the
+Almighty for our being allowed the prospect of another of these
+periodical intervals of relaxation and enjoyment. To me they get more
+precious every year; _they do_, decidedly. But why? Let me, however,
+return to this question by-and-by: 'tis one which, with kindred
+subjects, has much occupied my thoughts this autumn, in many a long,
+solitary stroll over the hills, and along the seashore.
+
+I wish I could do justice to my cottage and its lovely locality. Yet why
+should I try to set your's and your readers' teeth on edge? You have
+some lovely nooks on your Scottish coast; but you cannot beat this. We
+are about three hundred yards from the sea, of which our windows, on one
+side, command a full view; while from all the others are visible dark,
+high, steep downs, at so short a distance, that methinks, at this
+moment, I can hear the faint--the very faint--tinkle of a sheep-bell,
+proceeding from some of the little white tufts moving upon them. I am
+now writing to you towards the middle of this stormy October. Its winds
+have so much thinned the leaves of the huge elms which stand towards the
+south-eastern parts of our house, that I can now, from my study-window,
+distinctly see the church--very small, and very ancient--which, when
+first we came, the thick foliage rendered totally invisible from this
+point. My window looks directly upon the aforesaid downs, which at
+present appear somewhat gloomy and desolate. Yet have they a certain air
+of the wild picturesque, the effect of which is heightened by the
+howling winds, which are sweeping down over them to us, moaning and
+groaning through the trees, and round the gables of our house, (the
+aspect of the sky being, at the same time, bleak and threatening.) How
+it enhances my sense of snugness in the small antique, thoroughly
+wind-and-weather tight room in which I am writing! A little to my left
+is a vast natural hollow in the downs, from which springs a sort of
+little hanging wood or copse, the mottled variegated hues of which have
+a beautiful effect. Between me and the downs are small clumps of
+trees--abrupt little declivities, thickly lined with shrubs, all touched
+with the bronze tinting of the far-advanced autumn--two or three
+intensely-green fields, in the nearest of which are browsing the two
+cows belonging to the parsonage--which is, by the way, quite invisible
+from any part of my house, though at only a hundred yards' or two
+distance. Oh! 'tis a model--a love of a parsonage!--buried among lofty
+trees, richly adorned with myrtles, laurel, and clematis--the
+well-trimmed greensward immediately surrounding the long, low, thatched
+house, which combines rural elegance, simplicity, and comfort in its
+disposition--is bordered by spreading hydrangeas, dahlias, fuschias,
+mignionette, and roses--ay, roses, even yet in full bloom! Its occupant
+is my friend, a dignitary of the church, a scholar, a gentleman, and
+"given to hospitality;" but I will say nothing more on this head, lest,
+peradventure, I should offend his modesty, and disclose my locality. My
+own house is more than sufficient for my family; 'tis a small
+gentleman's cottage, delightfully situate, and containing every
+convenience, (especially for a _symposium_,) and surrounded by a
+luxuriant garden. Along one side of the house, and commanding an
+extensive and varied sea and land view, runs a little terrace of "soft,
+smooth-shaven green," made for a meditative man to pace up and down, as
+I have done some thousand times--by noonday sunlight, by midnight
+moonshine--buried in reverie, or charmed by contemplating the scenery
+around, disturbed by no sound save the caw! caw! caw! from the parsonage
+rookery, the _sough_ of the wind among the trees, and, latterly, the
+sullen echoes of the sea thundering on the shore. Ah! what an
+inexpressibly beautiful aspect is just given to the scene by that
+transient gleam of saddening sunlight!
+
+I can really give no account of my time for the last eleven weeks, which
+have slipped away almost unperceivedly--one day so like another, that
+scarce any thing can be recorded of one which would not be applicable to
+every other. Breakfast over, (crabs, lobster, or prawns, and honey
+indigenous, the constant racy accessaries,) all the intermediate time
+between that hour and dinner, (for I am no lunch-eater,) six P.M., is
+spent in sauntering along the shore, poking among the rocks, strolling
+over the clefts, and clambering up and wandering about the downs; and
+occasionally in pilgrimages to distant and pretty little farm-houses,
+(in quest of their products for our table,) generally accompanied by
+Tickler, always by a book, sometimes with my wife and children; but most
+frequently _alone_, chewing the cud of sweet and bitter fancies, and
+always avoiding, of set purpose, any other company (even were it here to
+be had) in my rambles, than as is aforesaid. 'Tis ecstacy to me to sit
+alone on a rock in a sequestered part of the shore, especially when the
+tide is high, and equally whether it be rough or smooth, or calm or
+stormy weather: for as to this last, I have discovered a friendly nook
+in the rocks, big enough to hold me only, and deep enough to give me
+shelter from the wind and rain, except when they beat right in upon me.
+You may laugh, perhaps, but in this retreat I have spent many an entire
+day--_i.e._ from ten A.M. to six P.M., sometimes pacing to and fro on
+the sands, near my hole, generally bathing about mid-day, taking with me
+always the _Times_ newspaper, (which I generally got from the old
+postman, whom I met on my way down to the sands,) the current number of
+_Maga_, or some favourite volume, being also frequent companions. I must
+acknowledge, however, that the first was my special luxury, to which I
+daily addressed myself with all the eager relish of a dog with a fresh
+bone in an unfrequented place--and whom I conceive to be, so
+circumstanced, in a state paradisiacal;--for, indeed, to such a pass are
+matters come, that no man whom I know of can miss his newspaper without
+a restless, uncomfortable feeling of having slipped a day behind the
+world. Surely I may here, in passing, say a word or two about
+NEWSPAPERS?
+
+And coming from one who, as you know, never had any thing to do with
+newspapers, except as having been an eager and regular reader of them
+for more than twenty years, I hope my testimony is worth having, when I
+express my opinion that our newspaper press is a very great honour to
+Great Britain, as well negatively in its abstinence from myriads of
+tempting but objectionable topics, as well as positively in the varied
+ability, the energy, accuracy, and amazing promptitude displayed in
+dealing with the ever-changing and often-perplexing affairs of the
+world. Inestimably precious is the unshackled freedom of these wondrous
+organs of public opinion: infringe, though never so slightly, and but
+for a moment, upon that independence, and you wound our LIBERTY in the
+very apple of the eye.
+
+Let any government unjustifiably or oppressively attack one of our
+newspapers--whatever may be its politics--how indifferent even soever
+its character--with an evident intention to impair its independence--and
+there is not a man in the country who would not suddenly feel a stifling
+sensation, as if some attempt had been made upon his immediate personal
+rights. The nation may be (though fancifully) compared to a huge
+monster, with myriads of _tentacles_--or whatever else you may call
+them--as its organ of existence and action, every single one of which is
+so sensitive, that, if touched, the whole _creature_ is instantly roused
+and in motion, as if you had touched them _all_, and stimulated _all_
+into simultaneous and frightful action. The public is this vast
+creature--the press are these tentacles. Fancy our Prime Minister
+pouncing oppressively and illegally upon the very obscurest provincial
+paper going--say the "Land's End Farthing Illuminator!" Why, the whole
+artillery of the press of the United Kingdom would instantly open upon
+him; in doing so, being the true exponent of the universal fury of the
+country--and in a twinkling where would be my Lord John, or would have
+been Sir Robert, with the strongest government that ever was organised?
+Extinguished, annihilated. Let some young and unreflecting Englishman
+compare this state of things with that which is at this moment in
+existence in Spain!--in which every newspaper daring to express itself
+independently, though moderately, on a stirring political event of the
+day, is instantly pounced upon by an infamous--a truly execrable
+government, and silenced and suppressed; and its conductors fined and
+imprisoned. We in this country cannot write or read the few words
+conveying the existence of such a state of facts, without our blood
+boiling. And is there no _other_ country where the press is
+overawed--submits, however sullenly, to be dictated to by government, to
+become the despicable organ of falsehood and deceit--and is accessible
+to bribery and corruption? And what are we to say of the press of the
+United States of America, pandering (with some bright exceptions) to the
+vilest passions, the most depraved tastes of the most abandoned among
+the people, and mercenary and merciless libellers? With scarcely more
+than a single foul exception--and that, one regrets to say, in our
+Metropolis, in which are published nearly forty newspapers--can any
+person point out a newspaper, in town or country, indulging in, ribald
+or obscene language or allusions, or--with two or three
+exceptions--professed impiety, or slanderous attacks upon public or
+private character. Some year or two ago there was manifested, in a
+certain portion of the metropolitan press, a tendency downwards of this
+sort; and how long was it before popular indignation rose, and--to use a
+legal phrase--abated the nuisance? Can the chief perpetrator of the
+enormities referred to, even now, after having undergone repeated legal
+punishment, show himself any where in public without encountering groans
+and hisses, and the risk even of personal violence? And did not the
+occasion in question rouse the legislature itself into action, the
+result of which was a law effectually protecting the public against
+wicked newspapers, and, on the other hand, justly affording increased
+protection to the freedom and independence of the virtuous part of the
+press? I repeat the question--Who can point out more than one or two of
+our newspapers which are morally discreditable to the country? No censor
+of the press want we: the British public is its own censor. What a vast
+amount of humbug, of fraud, of meanness, of corruption, of oppression,
+of cruelty, and wickedness, as well in private as in public life--as
+well in low as in high places--is not kept in check, and averted from
+us, by the sleepless vigilance, the fearless interference, the ceaseless
+denunciations of our public press! 'Tis a potent preventive to check
+evil--or rather may be regarded as a tremendous tribunal, to which the
+haughtiest and fiercest among us is amenable, before which, though he
+may outwardly bluster, he inwardly quails, whose decrees have toppled
+down headlong the most exalted, into obscurity and insignificance, and
+left them exposed to blighting ridicule and universal derision. It is
+true that this power may be, and has been, abused: that good
+institutions and their officials have been unjustly denounced. But this
+is rare: the vast power above spoken of exists not, except where the
+press is unanimous, or pretty nearly so: and as the British people are a
+just and truth-loving people, (with all their weaknesses and faults,)
+the various organs of their various sections and parties rarely come to
+approach unanimity, except in behalf of a good and just cause. Let the
+most potent journal in the empire run counter to the feeling and opinion
+of the country, if we could imagine a journal so obstinate and
+shortsighted, and its voice is utterly ineffectual--the objects of its
+deadliest animosity remain unscathed, though, it may be, for a brief
+space exposed to the irritating and annoying consequences of publicity.
+Let this country embark, for instance, in a just war--within a day or
+two our press would have roused the enthusiasm of this country, even as
+that of one man. Let it be an unjust war--and the government proposing
+it, or appearing likely to precipitate it, bombarded by the artillery of
+the press, will quickly be shattered to pieces. All our institutions
+profit prodigiously by the wholesome scrutiny of the press. The Church,
+the Army, the Navy, the Law, every department of the executive--down to
+our police-offices, our prisons, our workhouses--in any and every of
+them, tyranny, peculation, misconduct of every sort, is quickly
+detected, and as quickly stopped and redressed. While conferring these
+immense social benefits, how few are the evils, how rare--as I have
+already observed--the misconduct to be set off! How very, very rare are
+prosecutions for libel or sedition, or actions for libel, against the
+press; and even when they do occur, how rare is the success of such
+proceedings! I happen, by the way, to be able to give two instances of
+the generous and gentlemanlike conduct of the conductors of two leading
+metropolitan newspapers of opposite politics; one was of very recent
+occurrence:--A hot-headed political friend of mine, contrary to my
+advice, forwarded to _The ------_ a _fact_, duly authenticated,
+concerning a person in high station, which, if it had been published,
+would have exquisitely annoyed the party in question, whose politics
+were diametrically opposed to those of the newspaper referred to, and
+would also have afforded matter for party sarcasm and piquant gossip in
+society. The only notice taken of my crestfallen friend's communication
+was the following, in the next morning's "Notices to
+Correspondents:"--"To [Greek: S].--The occurrence referred to is hardly
+a fair topic for [or 'within the province of'] newspaper discussion."
+The other case was one which occurred two or three years ago; and the
+editor of the paper in question did not deign to take the least notice
+whatever of the communication--not even acknowledging the receipt of it.
+There is one feature of our leading London newspapers which always
+appears to me interesting and remarkable: it is their leading article on
+a debate, or on newly-arrived foreign intelligence. Let an important
+ministerial speech be delivered in either House of Parliament on a very
+difficult subject, and at a very late hour, or say at an early hour in
+the morning; and on our breakfast-tables, the same morning, is lying the
+speech and the editor's interesting and masterly commentary on
+it--evincing, first, a thorough familiarity with the speech itself, and
+with the difficult and often obscure and complicated topics which it
+deals with; and, secondly, a skilful confutation or corroboration,
+wherein it is difficult which most to admire, the logical acuteness,
+dexterity, and strength of the writer, the vigour and vivacity of his
+style, or the accuracy and extent of his political knowledge; and this,
+too, after making large allowance for occasional crudity, perversion,
+inconsistency, or flippancy. The same observation applies to their
+articles, often equally interesting and masterly, on newly-arrived
+foreign intelligence. Conceive the extent to which such a writer, such a
+journal must influence public opinion, and gradually and unconsciously
+bias the minds of even able and thinking readers. Engaged actively in
+their own concerns all day long, they have too often neither the
+inclination nor opportunity for sifting the sophistries, skilfully
+intermingled with just and brilliant reasoning, and disguised under
+splendid sarcasm and powerful invective. How, again, can they test the
+accuracy of historical and political references and assertions, if
+happening to lie beyond their own particular acquisitions and
+recollections? The other side of the question, such a one is aware, will
+probably be found in the _Chronicle_ or _Standard_, the _Times_ or
+_Globe_, _Sun_ or _Herald_ respectively, whose business it is to be
+continually on the watch for each other's lapses, to detect and expose
+them. To what does all this lead but the formation of an indolent habit
+of acquiescence in other men's opinions--a hasty, superficial
+acquaintance with _pros_ and _cons_, upon even the gravest question
+propounded by other men--a heedless, universal _taking upon trust_,
+instead of that salutary jealousy, vigilance, and independence, which
+insists in every thing, upon weighing matters in the balances of one's
+own understanding? Many a man is reading these sentence who knows that
+they are telling the truth; and doubtless he will be for the future upon
+his guard, resolved not to surrender his independence of judgement, or
+suffer his faculties to decay through inaction.--But, bless me! this
+glorious morning is slipping away. I hear Tickler scratching at the
+door. I shut up my writing-case, don my coat, hat, and walking-stick,
+and away to the shore. Scarcely have I got upon the sands, when behold,
+floating majestically past me, at little more than a mile's distance,
+the magnificent _St Vincent_ (one hundred and twenty guns.) There's a
+line-of-battle ship for you! I take off my hat involuntarily in the
+presence of our Naval Majesty. I gaze after her with those feelings and
+thoughts of fond pride and exultation which gush over the heart of an
+Englishman looking at one of HIS MEN-OF-WAR! Well--superb St Vincent,
+you have now rounded the corner, and are out of sight; but I remain
+riveted to the spot with folded arms, and ask of our naval rulers, with
+a certain stern anxiety, a question, which I shall throw into the
+striking language of Mr Canning--"Are _you_, my Lords and Gentlemen,
+_silently concentrating the force to be put forth on an adequate
+occasion_?" Who can tell how soon that adequate occasion will present
+itself? Is the peace of Europe at this moment so profound, is our own
+position so satisfactory and impregnable, that we may wisely and safely
+dismiss all anxiety from our minds? Why, has not, within these few days
+past, an event occurred which is calculated to give rise to very serious
+anxiety in the minds of those feeling an interest in public affairs? I
+allude to the Duc de Montpensier's marriage with the Infanta Donna
+Luisa, which I have just learned, was actually carried into effect at
+Madrid on the 10th instant, in the teeth of the stern and repeated
+protest of Great Britain. I do not take every thing for gospel which
+appears on this subject in the newspapers, from which alone we have
+hitherto derived all our knowledge of this affair; and, with a liberal
+allowance in respect of their excusable anxiety to make the most of what
+they regard as a godsend at this vapid period of the year, I would
+suspend my judgment till the country shall have had full and authentic
+information concerning the real state of the case. I hope it will prove
+that I for one have altogether mistaken the aspect and bearings of the
+affair. Discarding what may possibly turn out to be greatly exaggerated
+or wholly unfounded, I take it nevertheless for granted, that, (1st,)
+the youngest son of the reigning King of the French was, on the 10th
+instant, married to Donna Luisa, the sister of the reigning Queen of
+Spain, and heiress-presumptive to her crown; (2dly,) That this was done
+after and in spite of the distinct emphatic protest of the British
+government, conveyed to those of both Spain and France; (3dly,) That the
+British government and the British ambassadors at Madrid and Paris had
+been kept in profound ignorance of the whole affair up to the moment of
+the annunciation to the world at large of the fact, that the marriage
+had been finally--irrevocably determined upon. I think it, moreover,
+highly probable, that (1st,) this marriage is regarded by the people of
+Spain with sullen dislike and distrust; (2dly,) that there has been
+cruel coercion upon the two royal girls--for such they are--the result
+of an intrigue between their Mother, the notorious Christina, and Louis
+Philippe; (3dly,) that an express or implied promise was personally
+given, during the last year, at the Chateau d'Eu, by the French king and
+his minister, to our queen and her minister, that this event should
+_not_ take place;--and all this done while England was reposing in
+confident and gratified security, upon the supposed "_cordial
+understanding_" between herself and France; in contemptuous disregard of
+England's title to be consulted in such an affair, founded upon her
+stupendous sacrifices and exertions on behalf of the peace and liberty
+of Spain, and in deliberate defiance--as it appears to me--of the treaty
+of Utrecht! What is Louis Philippe about? On what principles are we to
+account for his conduct? Has he counted the cost of obtaining his
+immediate object? Has he calculated the consequences with respect to
+France and to Europe generally? Is he prepared, at the proper time, to
+demonstrate, that the step which he has taken is consistent with his
+character for sincerity and straight-forwardness--with his personal
+honour and welfare--with the honour and welfare of his family and of
+France? That he has not violated any pledge, or infringed any treaty?
+That England is not warranted in considering herself aggrieved,
+slighted, insulted? That he could have had no sinister object in view,
+and that his conduct has been consistent with his loud professions of
+friendship and respect for this country and its sovereign? Let him ask
+himself the startling question, whether he can afford to lose our
+friendship and support towards himself or his family and dynasty, in his
+rapidly declining years--or further, provoke our settled anger and
+hostility? England is frank and generous, but somewhat stern and
+sensitive in matters of honour and fidelity; and none is abler than
+Louis Philippe to appreciate the consequences of her resentment. Is he
+aware of the altered feeling towards him which his recent conduct has
+generated in this country? That his name, when coupled with that
+conduct, is mentioned only with the contempt and disgust due to gross
+insincerity, selfishness, and treachery; and that, too, in a country
+which, up to within a few months ago, gave him such unequivocal and
+gratefully-recognised tokens of respect and affection? Whenever he
+escaped from the hand of the assassin, where was the event hailed with
+such profound sympathy as here? _Now_, his name suggests to us only that
+of his execrable father, and reminds us that the blood running in his
+veins is that of Philip Egalite. Surely the equipoise of European
+interests has been seriously disturbed, either through the insane
+recklessness of an avaricious monarch, bent on enriching every member
+of his family, at all hazards, or in furtherance of a deep and
+long-considered scheme, having for its exclusive and sinister object the
+aggrandisement of his family and nation. Had he come to a secret
+understanding beforehand with America, or any European power, to support
+him throughout the consequences which might ensue? Was it his object to
+crush English influence in the Peninsula, and render it at no distant
+period a mere French province, and give him a right or pretext for
+interference? What will the Spanish nation say to what he has done? Has
+he rightly estimated the Spanish character, and foreseen the
+consequences of what he has done, in perpetrating an _abduction_ of
+their Infanta? What prospects has he opened for Spain? Has he considered
+what a line of policy is now open to Great Britain, with reference to
+Spain? Whether the northern powers of Europe will _announce_
+dissatisfaction at this proceeding remains to be seen. They cannot
+_feel_ satisfaction, unless their relations and policy towards this
+country and France are assuming a new character. I should like to know
+what M. Guizot really thinks on all these subjects, and am curious to
+hear what he will say--or rather suffer his royal master to coerce him
+into saying--when the time shall have arrived for public explanation. I
+trust that it will speedily appear that our representatives in Spain and
+France have acted, as became them, with promptitude, prudence, and
+spirit, and that neither our late nor present foreign Secretary has been
+guilty of neglect or bungling diplomacy, so as to place us now in a
+position of serious embarrassment, or ridiculous inability for action.
+If the contrary be the case--that is, if no such compromise of our
+national interests have occurred, and we are now free to say and do what
+we may consider consistent with our rights and character, it is to be
+hoped that our government, by whomsoever carried on, will act on the one
+hand with dignified and uncompromising determination, and on the other
+with the utmost possible circumspection. They have to deal with a very
+subtle and dangerous intriguer in Louis Philippe, who seems to have
+chosen a moment for the development of his plans most convenient for
+himself--viz., when our Parliament was newly prorogued, not to meet
+again till he should have had the benefit of the chapter of accidents.
+All will, however, assuredly come out; and if the main features of the
+case prove to have been already shadowed forth truly, I do not think
+that there will be found two opinions in this country upon the subject
+of Louis Philippe and his Montpensier marriage. It is represented by,
+_one_ of our journals as an event, the hubbub about which "will soon
+blow over;" but I do not think so--it appears, on the contrary, pregnant
+with very serious and far-stretching consequences--the first of which is
+the undoubted conversion of the "cordial understanding" between England
+and France, into a very "cordial _mis_understanding,"--with all its
+embarrassing and threatening incidents. Our diplomatic relations are now
+chilled and disordered; and the worst of it is, not by a temporary, but
+_permanent_ cause--one which, the more we contemplate it, the more
+distinctly we perceive the consequences which it was _meant_ should
+follow from it. The bearing of England towards France has become one of
+stern and guarded caution. In all human probability, Louis Philippe will
+never look again upon the face of our Queen Victoria, or partake of her
+hospitalities, or be permitted to pour his dulcet deceit into her ears.
+He may affect to regard with satisfaction and exultation the fact of his
+having become the father-in-law of the heiress-presumptive to the throne
+of Spain: but I do not think that he can really regard what he has just
+accomplished otherwise than with rapidly-increasing misgiving. "A few
+months," to adopt the language of one of our most powerful journalists,
+"will now probably show us how far Louis Philippe has succeeded in a
+feat which foiled the undying ambition of Louis le Grand, and the
+unexampled might of Napoleon; and what is the real value of the spoil
+for which he has not hesitated to imperil a thirty years' peace, and
+convulse the relations of Europe?" Let me return, however, to the topic
+which led me into this subject, and express again my deep anxiety for
+the efficient management of our navy: adding a significant fact
+disclosed by the last number of _La Presse_--which announces that the
+Minister of Marine has just concluded contracts for ship-timber to be
+supplied to the ports of Toulon, Cherbourg, Brest, L'Orient, and
+Rochefort, to the extent of upwards of 25,000,000 francs, (_i.e._
+upwards of a million sterling.) Does Louis Philippe meditate leaving to
+France the destructive legacy of a war with England, as a hoped-for
+prevention of the civil war which he may expect to ensue upon his death?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+If I were to write a diary here, it would be after the following sort:--
+
+_Monday._--Another shark! Mercy on us! What a brute! But not so big as
+the other.
+
+_Tuesday._--We had capital honey this morning to breakfast; eightpence
+per lb.--freshly expressed from the wax, and got from Granny Jolter's
+farm.
+
+_Wednesday._--My _Times_ did not come by to-day's post, and I feel I
+don't know how.
+
+_Thursday._--The "hot crab" which we had at the parsonage, where we
+dined to-day, was exquisite. The way it is done is--the whole of the
+inside, and the claws, having been mixed together with a little rich
+gravy, (sometimes cream is used;) curry-_paste_, not curry-powder, and
+very fine fried crumbs of bread, is put into the shell of the crab and
+then _salamandered_. If _my_ cook can do it on my return to town, I will
+give her half-a-crown.
+
+_Friday._--Nothing whatever happened; but it looked a little like rain,
+over the downs, about four o'clock in the afternoon.
+
+_Saturday._--A day of incidents. Ten o'clock A.M.--The coast-guard man
+told me, that about five o'clock this morning, as he was coming along
+---- cliff, a young fox popped out of a thicket close at his feet,
+looked "quite steady-like at him for about five seconds," and then ran
+back into the furze.
+
+Eleven o'clock.--Saw a Cockney "gent" on a walking tour, the first of
+the sort that I have seen in these parts, and he looked frightened at
+the solitariness of the scene. Every thing that he had on seemed new: a
+dandified shining hat; a kind of white pea-jacket; white trowsers;
+fawn-coloured, gloves; little cloth boots tipped with shining French
+polished leather; a very slight umbrella covered with oil-skin; and a
+little telescope in a leathern case, slung round his waist. He fancied,
+as he passed me, that he had occasion to use a gossamer white
+pocket-handkerchief, with a fine border to it; for he took it out of an
+outside breast-pocket, and unfolded it deliberately and jauntily. Whence
+came he, I wonder? He cannot walk four miles further, poor fellow! for
+evidently walking does not agree with him: yet he must, or sit down and
+cry in this out-of-the-way place.
+
+Two o'clock.--Tickler caught a little crab among the rocks. It got hold
+of his nose, and bothered him.
+
+Four o'clock.--As I was sitting on a tumble-down sort of gate, talking
+earnestly with my little boy, I heard some vehicle approaching--looked
+up as it turned the corner of the road, and behold--Her Gracious Majesty
+Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and one or two other persons, without
+outriders or any sort of state whatever! She was dressed exceedingly
+plain, and was laughing heartily at something said to her by a
+well-known nobleman who walked beside the carriage. I never saw her
+Majesty looking to so much advantage: in high spirits, with a fine fresh
+colour, and her hair a _little_ deranged by the wind. She and her little
+party seemed surprised at seeing any one in such an out-of-the-way
+place, and her Majesty and the Prince returned our obeisances with
+particular courtesy.
+
+Half-past Five.--Nick Irons met me with a large viper which he had just
+killed, after it had flown at his dog. Is there any difference between
+vipers and adders?
+
+A quarter past Six.--On arriving at home, found a hot crab, which had
+been sent in to us, as an addition to our dinner, from the parsonage. I
+lick my lips while thinking of it. I prefer the cream to the gravy.
+
+Half-past six.--Find I have got only three bottles of port and two of
+sherry left!
+
+Nine o'clock.--My four gallon cask of elderberry wine, made for me--and
+capitally made, too--by one of the villagers, came home. We are to put a
+quart of brandy in it, and "take care it don't _forment_." I fancy I see
+ourselves and the children regaling ourselves with it on the winter's
+evenings, in town. Altogether it has cost me twelve shillings and
+sixpence!
+
+Quarter past Nine.--Children go to bed; I had the candles brought in,
+resolved to read the new number of the ----; but fell asleep directly,
+and never woke till half-past twelve o'clock, when I knew not where I
+was; being in darkness--and alone. Really a journal of this sort is,
+upon consideration, so instructive and entertaining, that I wish to know
+whether you would like me to keep one during my next sojourn at the
+seaside and publish it in _Maga_? I would undertake not to exceed three
+numbers of _Maga_, each Part to contain only twenty pages.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISS STRICKLAND _v._ LORD CAMPBELL.
+
+Will his lordship favour the world with some reply to this clever and
+laborious lady's accusation contained in her letter to the _Times_? That
+letter is exceedingly specific and pointed in the charge of literary
+larceny, and committed under circumstances which every consideration of
+candour, gallantry, and literary character, concurs in rendering Lord
+Campbell's complete exculpation a matter of serious consequence to his
+reputation. Has he, or has he not, designedly appropriated to his own
+use, as the fruits of his own original research, the results of a
+literary fellow-labourer's meritorious and pains-taking original
+investigation--that fellow-labourer, too, being a lady? I sincerely hope
+that Lord Campbell's first literary attempt will prove not to be thus
+discreditably signalized. His book _is yet_ unnoticed in _Maga_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+According to that good old intelligible English saying, it is this
+morning _raining cats and dogs_. There's an end, Tickler, to our
+intended eighteen-mile walk (thither and back) to the lighthouse, the
+machinery of which I was very anxious to explain to you. _Bow, wow, wow,
+wow!_ indeed! I know what you mean, you little sinner! You want to be
+after the rabbits in yonder thickets, and you mean to intimate that you
+can go perfectly well by yourself, don't mind the rain, and will come
+safely home when you have finished your sport. Don't look so earnestly
+at me, and whine so piteously. By the way, do you call yourself a vermin
+dog? and yet every hair of your shaggy coat stood on end the other day,
+when I turned out for you the two pennyworth of mice--_mice!_--which I
+had bought for you from Nick Irons? What would you have done if a RAT
+were to meet you? Bah, you little wretch! Where's your spirit? Refined,
+and refined away by breeding, eh? What would you have done if you were
+to be allowed to go off now, and were to rout out accidentally a
+hedgehog, as _Hermit_ did yesterday? You may well whine! He's five times
+your size, eh? But I've seen a terrier that would tackle a hedgehog, and
+bring him home, too--your own second cousin, Tory, poor dear dog--peace
+to his little ashes. Besides, to return to the rabbits--in spite of all
+your snuffing and smelling, and scampering, and routing about, you never
+turned up a rabbit yet! And even our kitten has only to rise and curve
+her little back, and you slink away, like an arrant coward as you
+are--Well!--come along, doggy! you're a good little creature, with all
+your faults--these black eyes of yours, with your little erect ears,
+look as if you had really understood all that I have been saying to
+you--so I really think--and yet--pour! pour! pour!--[Enter Emily.]
+
+_Emily._--Papa, Miss ---- says that we have said _all_ our lessons, and
+_will_ you let us have Tickler to play with?
+
+_Tickler._--Bow--wow--wow!--Bow, wow!--Bow! bow! bow!--[Running up and
+scampering towards her, and they go away together.]
+
+_Servant._--Brown has called with some lobsters, sir--(shows them)--two
+very nice ones, and a small crab--only fifteenpence the lot.
+
+_Self._--Very well--buy 'em.
+
+_Wife._--(Entering)--Lobsters and crabs again! Really one would think
+that you had had a surfeit of them long ago.
+
+_Servant._--Brown says, sir, he mayn't be able to get any more for some
+time, the wind's so high.
+
+_Wife._--Oh, buy them, of course! Every thing is bought that comes here!
+That's eleven crabs this week!
+
+_Self._--What have you got there, my Xantippe?
+
+_Wife._--I wish you would drop that odious name.
+
+_Self._--What have you there, my Angel?
+
+_Wife._--No, _that_ won't do either.
+
+_Self._--Well, Fanny, then--what have you got there?
+
+_Wife._--Why, 'tis the new work of Mr Dickens--_Dombey & Son._ What an
+odd name for a tale!
+
+_Self._--Why, how did you get it?
+
+_Wife._--Mrs ---- (at the parsonage) has just got a packet of books from
+town, and has lent us this, as it is a wet day, till the evening, and
+they have got lots to read at present.
+
+_Self._--I am very much obliged to them.
+
+_Wife._--So am I, for I want to read it first; manners, if you please.
+
+_Self._--Come, come, Fanny, I really want it; I've a good deal of
+curiosity.
+
+_Wife._--So have I, too!
+
+_Self._--Well, at any rate, let me look at the plates.
+
+_Wife._--Certainly; and suppose, by the way, as I've no letter to
+write--suppose I sit down with you, and read it to you! 'Twill save your
+eyes, and I'm all alone in the other room.
+
+_Self._--Very well. [Madame shuts the door; seats herself on the
+miniature sofa; I poke the fire; and she begins.] Being called away soon
+afterwards on some domestic exigency, she leaves me--and I read for
+myself. You said that you should like to know my opinion of Mr Dickens'
+new story, and I read it with interest, and some care. 'Tis exactly what
+I had expected; containing clear evidence of original genius, disfigured
+by many most serious, and now plainly incurable, blemishes. The first
+thing striking me, on perusing this new performance, is, that its author
+writes, as it were, from amidst a thick theatrical mist. Cursed be the
+hour--should say a sincere admirer of Mr Dickens' genius--that he ever
+set foot within a theatre, or became intimate with theatrical people.
+You fancy that every scene, incident, and character, is conceived with a
+view to its _telling_--from the stage. This suggestion seems to me to
+afford a key to most of the prominent faults and deficiencies of Mr
+Dickens as an imaginative writer; the lamentable absence of that
+simplicity and sobriety which invest the writings, for instance, of
+Goldsmith with immortal freshness and beauty. With what truthful
+tenderness does _such_ a writer depict nature!--how different is his
+treatment from the spasmodic, straining, extravagant, vulgarizing
+efforts of the play-wright! The one is delicate and exquisite limning;
+the other, gross daubing:--the one faithfully represents; the other
+monstrously caricatures. This is the case with Mr Dickens; and it is
+intolerably provoking that it should be so; for he has the penetrating
+eye and accurate pencil, which--properly disciplined and trained--might
+have produced pictures worthy to stand beside those of the greatest
+masters. As it is, you might imagine his sketches to be the result of
+the combined simultaneous efforts of two artists--one the delicate
+limner, the other the vulgar dauber and scene-painter above spoken of.
+He has invention and skill enough to produce an interesting character;
+and place him in a situation favourable for developing his
+eccentricities, his failings, his excellences--in a word, his
+peculiarities. Well; he prepares his reader's mind--sets before you an
+interesting, a moving, a mirth-stirring occasion, when--bah!--all is
+ruined; the spasmodic straining after effect becomes instantly and
+painfully visible; and the personage before you is made to talk to the
+level of a theatrical audience, especially pit and gallery--and in
+unison with "gingerbeer, apples, oranges, and sodawater" associations
+and recollections. Let me give two striking instances, occurring at the
+very opening of "_Dombey and Son_." The first is the colloquy at pp. 3,
+4; the other at p. 9. The former presents you Dr Parker Peps, a
+fashionable accoucheur, and the humble admiring family medical man--the
+occasion being a momentary absence of both from the clamber of a lady
+dying in childbed, Mrs Dombey; and can any one of correct taste or
+feeling bear in mind that occasion, and fail of being revolted by the
+drivel put into the mouth of the consulting accoucheur?--who, when
+telling Mr Dombey of the mortal peril in which his wife overhead is
+lying--apologises to him for speaking of her as "_Her Grace the
+Duchess!_" "_Lady Cankaby_," "_The Countess of Dombey_:" his obsequious
+companion accounting for such lapses on the score of his "West End
+practice." Is this nature? Is it actual life? Any thing approaching to
+either? If not, what is it meant for? Why, to tickle a Christmas
+audience at one of the minor playhouses! The other (these are only two
+out of many) is the character of Mr Chick, an old fool, who has a habit
+of whistling and humming droll tunes on the most solemn occasions,
+interrupting and interlarding conversation with "_Right tol loor-rul_,"
+"_A cobbler there was_," "_Rumpti-iddity bow, wow, wow!_" is it not
+certain that Mr Dickens here had his eye on Tilbury or Bedford enacting
+the part? And for no other purpose whatever is this precious character
+introduced than to hit off this very original peculiarity! From the same
+theatrical habit of mind, it happens that Mr Dickens cannot carry on his
+stories in an even, straightforward course, but presents us with a
+series of "scenes!"--utterly marring the effect and annihilating the
+truthfulness and reality of the whole; _e. g._ the jarring interruption
+of this story at a touching and interesting moment--at the moment of the
+two doctors and Mr Dombey's return to poor Mrs Dombey's death-bed, when
+the reader _feels_ that they are almost instantly to witness her death,
+by the introduction of two tiresome twaddlers, reproductions of old
+stock characters of the author, Mrs Chick and Miss Tox, whose
+descriptions and utterly irrelevant conversation detain us for nearly
+three pages. At length these motley "stagers"--if I may be allowed the
+word--are grouped round the poor lady's death-bed; and let me here say,
+that in my opinion the character and situation of poor Mrs Dombey are
+both exquisitely conceived, and appeal to the deepest sympathies of the
+heart; but, alas! the perverse, provoking, incorrigible writer will not
+let us enjoy "the luxury of grief;" but while we are bending over her
+death-bed, our attention is called off to a remarkably interesting and
+appropriate circumstance--two watches of two of the doctors "seem in the
+silence to be _running a race_!" * * "they seem to be racing faster!!" *
+* "The race, in the ensuing pause, was fierce and furious. The watches
+seemed to jostle, and to trip each other up!!!" and a moment or two
+afterwards the lady expires, under very moving circumstances, touched
+with perfect delicacy and truthfulness. Would the intrusion of a sow
+into a lovely flower-garden be more shocking or disgusting to the
+beholder? Again, in the first page, we are presented to Mr Dombey,
+gazing with unutterable feelings at his newly-born son, "forty-eight
+minutes of age;" and Mr Dickens tastefully suggests the comparison of
+the little creature, which is "somewhat _crushed and spotty_ in his
+general effect!!" whose mother is at that moment in dying agonies in
+that very room, to "a _muffin_, which it was essential to toast brown
+while it was very new!!" And a few lines forward, the posture of the
+innocent unconscious little being suggests the brutal idea of a
+_prize-fighter_--his "little fists, curled up and clenched, seemed, in
+his feeble way, to be SQUARING AT EXISTENCE for having come upon him so
+unexpectedly!!!" Was ever any thing more monstrous? To find a gentleman
+of Mr Dickens' great genius, and experience in literary composition,
+sinning in this way, is provoking beyond all measure. The above
+abominations to be perpetrated by him, who at page seventeen can present
+us with so exquisite a touch as the following:--He is describing the
+blank appearance of the dismantled house, immediately after the funeral
+of the poor, neglected, and heart-broken lady. "The dead and buried lady
+was awful, in a picture frame of ghastly bandages. Every gust of wind
+that rose, brought eddying round the corner, from the neighbouring mews,
+some fragments of the straw that had been strewn before the house when
+she was ill; mildewed remains of which were still cleaving to the
+neighbourhood, and these being always drawn by some invisible attraction
+to the threshold of the dirty house to let opposite, addressed a dismal
+eloquence to Mr Dombey's window." The thirty-two pages of this first
+number contain very many provocatives to unfavourable criticism. They
+bristle all over with mannerisms--abound with grotesque, unseemly,
+extravagant comparisons and personation, (one of Mr Dickens' chiefly
+besetting sins)--many of the scenes contain truth and humour, smothered
+and lost by prolixity, incident and character diluted by a tedious and
+excessive minuteness of description; and it is to be feared that several
+of the characters will bear a painfully strong resemblance to some of
+their predecessors in Mr Dickens' other stories. Mr Dickens may feel
+angry at my plainness; and, in return, I must express my fears that he
+is not aware of the extent of injury which has been inflicted upon him
+by _clique-homage_--the flattery of fluent, incompetent admirers--the
+misconstrued silence of critics of experienced taste and refinement.
+Does Mr Dickens really consider the light in which his writings,
+containing such faults as those above adverted to, must be viewed by the
+upper and thinking classes of society--persons of cultivated taste, of
+refinement, of piercing critical capacity, who disdain to enter the
+little, babbling, vulgar, narrow-minded circles miscalled "literary?"
+
+But I have done. Mr Dickens has been magnificently patronised by the
+public, who--I being one of them--have a right to speak plainly to, and
+of a gentleman whose writings have so large a circulation at home and
+abroad; who has no excuse, that I am aware of, for negligence or
+inattention; who is bound to consider the effect of example on the minds
+of tens of thousands of young and inexperienced readers who may take all
+for gospel that he chooses to tell them--and to be very very guarded as
+to moral object or effect--if moral object or effect his writings have,
+and be not intended solely to provoke, by their amusing and farcical
+absurdity and extravagance, an idle and forgotten laugh. I have no
+personal acquaintance with Mr Dickens, and have written in an impartial
+spirit, paying homage to his undoubted genius, denouncing his literary
+faults--for his own good, and the advantage of his readers, and of the
+literary character of the country.
+
+Speaking of the literary character of the country, puts me in mind of
+the intention which I had formed some months ago, of writing an article
+upon the prevalent style of literary composition. May I take _this_
+opportunity of making a few observations upon that subject? And yet I
+must first admit, that my own style in writing this letter is far more
+loose, and inexact, and slovenly, than ought to be tolerated in even
+such a letter as this. Herein, however, I only imitate Dr Whately, who,
+on arriving at that part of his "rhetoric" which deals with public
+speaking, starts with an admission that he himself does not possess the
+qualifications, the acquisition of which he proceeds to enforce upon
+others.
+
+The writing of the present day has many distinguishing excellences and
+faults. The most conspicuous of the latter is, perhaps, a want of
+simplicity and steadiness of style. Force--startling energy--are too
+uniformly aimed at by some; others affect continual sarcasm and irony,
+whatever may be the nature of the occasion. One class of writers are so
+priggishly curt and epigrammatic as to throw over their lucubrations an
+uniform air of small impertinence: it would be easy to point out, I
+think, an incessant illustration of this "school," if one may use the
+word. Others uniformly affect the trenchant and tremendous, with very
+big words, and awful accumulations of them. Some seem to aim at a
+picturesque ruggedness of style--defying rule, and challenging
+imitation. Very many writers of all classes are so parenthetical and
+involved in their sentences, that by the time that they have got to the
+end of a sentence, both they and their readers have forgotten where they
+set out from, and how the plague they got where they are: looking back
+breathless and dismayed at a confused series of hyphens entangled among
+all sorts of exceptions, reservations, and qualifications. This fault,
+and a grievous one it is, is daily illustrated, and by writers, who, by
+their carelessness in this matter, do themselves incalculable injustice,
+rendering apparently turbid the clearest possible stream of reasoning,
+marring the effect of the most beautiful and apposite illustration, and
+irritating and confusing the reader. In my opinion, this fault of our
+public writers is to be traced to the influence of Lord Brougham's
+style. He has, and always had, a prodigious command of nervous and
+apposite language, always writing or speaking with a violent _impetus_
+upon him; and yet, while crashing along, his versatile and suggestive
+faculties hurried him incessantly from one side to the other, hither and
+thither--anticipating _this_, qualifying that, guarding against _this_,
+reserving that--extruding undesirable implications and inferences, with
+a sort of wild rapidity and energy--adopting ever-varying fanciful
+equivalent expressions--crowding, in fact, a dozen considerable
+sentences into one turbid monster. Yet it must be owned, that in all
+this he seldom misses his way; his original _impetus_ carries him
+headlong on to the point at which he had aimed. Not so with his
+imitators. They start with an imaginary equality of force, of fulness,
+and variety; but forthwith rush into a strange higgle-piggledy,
+helter-skelter sort of imposing wordiness, equally bewildering and
+stupifying to their readers and themselves. No man can fall into this
+sort of fault who is habituated to leisurely distinctness of thought: he
+will conceive beforehand with deliberate purpose, and that, _caeteris
+paribus_, will induce a clear, close, and energetic expression of his
+thoughts, preventing misapprehension, and convincing even a strongly
+prejudiced opponent. Shorten your sentences, gentlemen; take one thing
+at a time; put every thing in its proper place; attempt not to _put a
+quart into a pint pot_; do not write in such a desperate hurry, nor
+attempt to hit half-a-dozen birds with one stone. Another prevalent vice
+is a sickening redundancy of classical quotation and allusion. Many of
+our newspaper writers, and among them some of the very cleverest, cannot
+contemplate any topic which they propose to discuss, without its
+suggesting, as if by a sudden, secret sort of elective affinity,
+previous events and occurrences of past ages. Out tumble scraps from
+Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Terence, Plautus, Lucretius, with their prose
+companions; and this, too, be it observed, almost always _Roman_;--it
+requires a certain hardihood to adopt the Greek language in modern
+composition. In short, one really thinks himself entitled to infer, from
+this extravagant amount of quotation and allusion, as well ancient as
+modern, that its perpetrators are very young: red-hot from their
+classical studies, panting to exhibit the extent of their acquisitions,
+the scholarly ease and precision with which they can apply the most
+recondite passages and allusions to the fresh occurrences of the moment.
+One is apt to suspect that one great motive for acquiring, extending,
+and retaining knowledge, is the simple desire to exhibit the possession
+of it. But all this is very vain and foolish. It looks stupidly
+ridiculous to persons of experienced judgment. An occasional and very
+sparing use of this sort of accessory is always desirable, often
+marvellously graceful and happy; an excess of it decisively indicates
+pedantic puerility, ostentation, and a grievous deficiency of strength
+and originality. It is likely, moreover, to have a very unpleasant and
+irritating effect, when apparent in popular compositions--in leading or
+other articles in newspapers, for instance--viz. on occasions where the
+persons addressed, or at least very many of them, do not comprehend or
+appreciate the allusion or quotation. A really classical turn of mind is
+usually accompanied by too fine and correct a taste to admit of these
+eccentricities and vagaries. The English language is a very fine
+language, my friends; and a very, _very_ fine and rare thing it is to be
+able to use it with freedom, and purity, and power. Another very
+censurable kindred habit of many of our public writers is, the
+interlarding their compositions with abominable scraps of French, and
+even of Italian. Faugh!--is not this adding insult to injury, in dealing
+with the noble language of our country?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A week has elapsed since I penned the foregoing sentences, and during
+that week only two things have occurred to me worthy of noticing. First,
+a couple (apparently newly married) put up for a few hours at the little
+inn in the village. They were both of a certain age. _He_ wore a
+ponderous watch-chain and seals; she also was sufficiently bedizened
+after the same fashion. Twice I encountered them. First, on the
+seashore, where they took their seat very coolly on the rock next
+adjoining _my_ old perch, which I was then occupying. After some
+considerable swagger, my gentleman produced a newspaper from his pocket,
+and distinctly said to his fair companion--"What an uncommon good thing
+the Illus_trious London News_ is for the lower classes!" Second, the
+worthy couple were walking together, at a subsequent period of the day,
+laden with provender for an open-air lunch--with sandwiches and a black
+bottle, and with a matter-of-fact air, turned into a beautifully
+disposed rustic walk, having palpable _indicia_ of privacy--it
+belonging, in fact, to the residence of a nobleman. My lord's gentleman,
+or gentleman's gentleman, happening to meet them, (I passing at the
+time,) asked them, with great courtesy of manner, if they were aware
+"that that was private property?" "Well," replied our male friend
+angrily, "and what if it is? I thought an Englishman might go any where
+he pleased in his own country, _provided he didn't do any mischief_. But
+come along, my dear," giving his arm to his flustered companion, "times
+are come to a pretty pass, aren't they?" With this, the offended
+dignities retraced their steps, but prodigiously slowly, and I saw no
+more of them.--The other occurrence was a dream, as odd, as obstinate in
+adherence to my memory. Methought I went one day to church to hear a
+revered elderly relative of mine preach. The church was crammed with an
+attentive and solemnly-disposed audience, whom the preacher was
+addressing very calmly but seriously, without gown or bands, but wearing
+two neckerchiefs, one resting upon the topmost edge of the other, and
+being of blue silk, with white spots! Though aware of this slight
+departure from clerical costume, it occasioned me no surprise, but I
+listened with serious attention. 'Twas only when I had awoke that the
+fantastic absurdity of the thing became apparent.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The "British Association" has just been making, at Southampton, as I see
+by the papers, one of its annual exhibitions of childish inanity. This
+sort of thing appears to me to be humiliating to the country, in respect
+of so many men of real scientific eminence, like Sir John Herschel and
+Dr Faraday, and one or two others, permitting themselves to be trotted
+out on such occasions for the amusement of the vulgar, and, in doing so,
+countenancing the herd of twaddling ninnies who figure on these
+occasions as spouters, or patronising listeners to the fluent confident
+sciolists of the various "sections." I can fancy one of these personages
+carefully bottling up against the day of display, some such precious
+discovery as that of "a peculiar appearance in the flame of a
+candle!"--which actually formed the subject of a paper at the last
+meeting; or, "on certain magnetic phenomena attending corns on the human
+foot,"--which latter, after a stiff debate as to the propriety of
+publishing it, is not, it seems, at present, to edify the world at
+large. The whole thing is resolvable into a paltry love of lionising,
+and being lionised--of enacting the part of prodigies before pretty
+admiring women, and simpering simpletons of the other sex. 'Tis an
+efflorescence of that vicious system which of late years continually
+manifests itself in the shape of flaunting _reunions_, _soirees_,
+_conversazioni_, &c. &c., where is to be heard little else than senile
+garrulity, the gabble of ignorant eulogy, or virulent envious
+depreciation and detraction. 'Tis true that distinguished scientific
+foreigners now and then make their appearance at the meetings of the
+Association; but there can be little doubt that they come over in utter
+ignorance of the really trifling character of those meetings, misled by
+the eager exaggerations of their friends and correspondents in this
+country. Can you conceive any thing more preposterous in its way, than
+the chartering of the steam-boat by the Association, to convey its
+members from Southampton to the Isle of Wight on a geological
+expedition? Methinks I see the crowd of "venerable boys"--to adopt the
+bitterly-humorous language of the _Times_--landing at Black Gang Chine,
+each with his bag slung round him, and hammer in hand, dispersing about,
+rap! rap! rap!--chick! chick! chick!--and fondly fancying that they are
+effectually learning, or teaching, geology, in the hour or two thus
+idled away! _Can_ any thing be more exquisitely absurd? Bah! all this
+might be harmless and pleasant enough, in the way of a holiday
+recreation for school-boys or girls; but for grave, grown-up men--peers,
+baronets, knights, doctors, F.R.S., F.A.S.'s, &c. &c.,--the thing really
+does not bear dwelling upon.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I can have no hesitation, to whatever amount of obloquy, or of
+forfeited friendship, the avowal may expose me, in stating the
+conclusion, which anxious and repeated consideration of the state of
+Ireland has at length forced upon me, (_Cheers._) It is, that the time
+has arrived for reconsidering the state of our relations with Ireland,
+with a view to a repeal of the Legislative Union between the two
+countries, (_Hear, hear._) I see no other adequate remedy for the ills
+which desolate that unhappy country, and think that such a step would
+also happily free England from a burden long felt to be intolerable,
+(_Hear._) I am fortified in arriving at this result, by a review of the
+favourable effects produced on Ireland by the measures which, during the
+last few years, I have had the honour to bring forward in this house,
+and see carried into effect by the legislature, (_Cheers._) I am aware
+that this avowal may startle some of the more timid (_hear, hear_) of
+those gentlemen who have usually done me the honour to act with me; but
+an imperious sense of duty compels me to be prompt and explicit upon
+this vital question, which I am fixedly resolved to settle in the way I
+propose; and I will, for that purpose, avail myself of every means which
+the constitution places at the disposal of her Majesty's responsible
+advisers, (_Cheers._) * * * I claim no credit for proposing this great
+measure of justice and mercy, nor wish to detract from the merit due to
+those whose minds the light of truth and reason reached earlier than
+mine. Whatever credit is due, I have no hesitation in ascribing
+to--_Daniel O'Connell_," (_Cheers._) * * * * Is there a man in the
+empire who would be seriously surprised if he were to hear Sir Robert
+Peel make the above statement in the next session of Parliament, if he
+met the house once more as Prime Minister? And so, in the session after,
+might we expect a similar announcement with reference to the Protestant
+succession to the throne; and then--but by no means to stop even
+there--the conversion of our form of government from a limited monarchy
+into a republic. What, in short, may not be predicted of such a
+statesman as Sir Robert Peel? Who can conceive of him taking his stand
+_any where_? Assisting _any body_ or _any thing_? It pains me to ask,
+whether the history of this country ever saw a man who had done so many
+things, the impropriety and danger of which he had himself uniformly
+beforehand _demonstrated_? Sir Robert Peel has been converted into a
+sort of political pillar of salt--a melancholy instructive memento of
+the evils of unprincipled statesmanship--the former word being used, not
+in a vulgar offensive sense, but as signifying, simply and solely, _the
+absence of any fixed principles of political action_; or the habit of
+action irrespective of principle. I will not, however, pursue this
+painful and humiliating topic further, than to express the deep concern
+and perplexity occasioned to me, amongst hundreds of thousands of
+others, by the recent movements of Sir Robert Peel. I have never thought
+or spoken of him, up even to the present moment, otherwise than with
+sincere respect for his spotless personal character, and the highest
+admiration of his intellectual and administrative qualities. I would
+scout the very faintest insinuation against the purity of his motives,
+at the same time loudly expressing my concern and amazement at
+witnessing such conduct as his, in _such_ a man!
+
+    "Who would not weep if such a man there be--
+    Who would not weep if Atticus were he?"
+
+I said just now, that Sir Robert Peel's signal characteristic was the
+doing things, the impropriety and danger of doing which he had himself
+beforehand demonstrated; and that was the reflection with which I
+yesterday concluded the perusal of a memorable little document which I
+took care to preserve at the time--I mean his national manifesto at the
+general election of 1841, in the shape of his address to the electors of
+Tamworth. Apply it now like a plummet to the edifice of Sir Robert
+Peel's political character; how conclusively it shows the extent to
+which it has diverged or swelled from the perpendicular line of
+right--how much he has departed from the standard which he had himself
+set up! What must be his feelings on recurring to such a declaration as
+this?
+
+"That party," [the Conservative,] "gentlemen, has been pleased to
+intrust your representative with its confidence--(_cheers_;) and,
+notwithstanding all the remarks that have been made at various times,
+respecting differences of opinion and jealousy among them, you may
+depend upon it that they are altogether without foundation; and that
+that party which has paid me the compliment of taking my advice, and
+following my counsel, _are a united and compact party, among which there
+does not exist the slightest difference of opinion in respect to the
+principles they support, and the course they may desire to pursue.
+(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I hope I have not abused the confidence of that
+great party."[66] (Loud cheers.)!!!_ I give the eloquent and eminent
+speaker credit for feeling a sort of twinge, a pang, a spasm, on reading
+the above. One more extract I will give relative to the recent conduct
+of Sir R. Peel on the sugar-duties:--"The question now is, gentlemen,
+whether, after the sacrifices which this country has made for the
+suppression of the slave-trade, and the abolition of slavery, and the
+glorious results that have ensued, and are likely to ensue from these
+sacrifices, we shall run the risk of losing the benefit of these
+sacrifices, and _tarnishing for ever that glory_, by admitting to the
+British markets sugar, the produce of foreign slavery? Gentlemen, the
+character of this country, in respect to slavery, is thus spoken of by
+one of the most eloquent writers and statesmen of another country, Dr
+Channing, of the United States:--'Great Britain, loaded with an
+unprecedented debt, and with a grinding taxation, contracted a new debt
+of a hundred millions of dollars, to give freedom, not to Englishmen,
+but to the degraded African. I know not that history records an act so
+disinterested, so sublime. In the progress of ages, England's naval
+triumphs will sink into a more and more narrow space on the records of
+our race. This moral triumph will fill a broader, brighter page.'
+_Gentlemen_," proceeded Sir Robert Peel, "_let us take care that this
+'brighter page' be not sullied by the admission of slave sugar into the
+consumption of this country, by our unnecessary encouragement of slavery
+and the slave-trade._"[67]
+
+Is it not humiliating and distressing to compare these sentences, and
+the lofty spirit which pervades them, with the speech, and the _animus_
+pervading it, delivered by Sir Robert Peel in the House of Commons, on
+Lord John Russell's bringing in his bill for "sullying this bright page"
+of English glory? Did Sir Robert Peel, true to principle, solemnly and
+peremptorily announce the refusal of his assent to that cruel, and
+foolish, and wicked measure? I forbear to press this topic, also
+quitting it, with the expression of my opinion, that that speech alone
+was calculated to do him fearful and irreparable injury in public
+estimation. It is impossible for the most zealous and skilful advocacy
+to frame a plausible vindication of this part of Sir Robert Peel's
+conduct. I sincerely acquit him of having any sinister or impure motive;
+the fact was, simply, that he found that he had placed himself in a dire
+perplexity and dilemma.
+
+I think it next to impossible that Sir Robert Peel can ever again be in
+a position, even if he desired it, to sway the destinies of this
+country, either as a prime minister, or by the force of his personal
+influence and opinion. Has he or has he not done rightly by the
+greatest party that ever gave its noble and ennobling support to a
+minister? Can he himself, in 1846, express the "hope" of 1841, that "he
+has not abused the confidence of that great party?" If he again take
+part in the debates of Parliament, he will always be listened to,
+whoever may be in power, with the interest and attention justly due to
+his masterly acquaintance with the conduct of the public business, most
+especially on matters of finance. But with what involuntary shrinking
+and distrust is his advocacy or defence of any of our great institutions
+likely to be received hereafter by their consistent and devoted friends?
+Will they not be prepared to find the splendid vindication of the
+preceding evening, but the prelude to the next evening's abandonment and
+denunciation? Is not, in short, the national confidence thoroughly
+shaken? His support and advocacy of any great interest are too likely to
+be received with guarded satisfaction--as far as they go, _as long as
+they continue_--not with the enthusiastic confidence due to surpassing
+and consistent statesmanship.
+
+It has sometimes occurred to me, in scrutinising his later movements,
+that one of his set purposes was finally to break up the Conservative
+party, and scatter among it the seeds of future dissension and
+difficulty; possibly thinking, conscientiously, that in the state of
+things which he had brought about, the continued existence of a
+Conservative party with definite points of cohesion, with visible
+acknowledged rallying-points, could no longer be beneficial to the
+country. He may have in his eye the formation of another party, willing
+to accept of his leadership, after another general election; of which
+said new party his present few adherents are to form the nucleus. But I
+do not see how this is to be done. Confounding, for a time, to all party
+connexions and combinations as have been the occurrences of the last
+session, of perhaps the last two sessions, of Parliament, a steady
+watchful eye may already see the two great parties of the state--Liberal
+and Conservatives--readjusting themselves in conformity with their
+respective _general_ views and principles. The Conservative party has at
+the moment a prodigious strength of hold upon the country--not noisy or
+ostentatious, but real, and calculated to have its strength rapidly,
+though secretly, increased by alarmed seceders from the Liberal ranks,
+on seeing the spirit of change become more bold and active, and
+directing its steps towards the regions of revolution and democracy. Sir
+Robert Peel's speech, on resigning office, presented several features of
+an alarming character. Several of his sentences, especially with
+reference to Ireland,
+
+    --"made the boldest hold their breath
+      For a time."
+
+Candid persons did not see in what he was doing, the paltry desire to
+outbid his perplexed successors, but suspected that he was
+designedly--advisedly--laying down visible lines of eternal separation
+between him and his former supporters, rendering it impossible for him
+to return to them, or for them to go over to him; and so at once putting
+an extinguisher upon all future doubts and speculation. To me it
+appeared that the speech in question evidenced an astounding
+revolution--astounding in its suddenness and violence--of the speaker's
+political system; announcing _results_, while other men were only just
+beginning to see the process. Will Sir Robert Peel join Lord John
+Russell? What, serve under him, and become a fellow-subordinate of Lord
+Palmerston's? I think not. What post would be offered to him? What post
+would _he_, the late prime minister, consent to fill under his
+victorious rival? Will, then, Lord John Russell act under Sir Robert
+Peel? Most certainly--at least in my opinion--not. What then is to be
+done, in the event of Sir Robert Peel's being willing to resume official
+life? _Over_ whom, _under_ whom, _with_ whom, is he to act? The
+Conservative party have already elected his successor, Lord Stanley, who
+cannot, who will not be deposed in favour of _any_ one; a man of very
+splendid talents, of long official experience, of lofty personal
+character, of paramount hereditary claims to the support of the
+aristocracy, who has never sacrificed consistency, but rather sacrificed
+every thing for consistency. Ever since he accepted the leadership of
+the great Conservative party, he has evinced a profound sense of its
+responsibilities and requirements, and the possession of these
+qualifications in respect of prudence and moderation, which some had
+formerly doubted. Lord Stanley, then, will continue the Conservative
+leader, and Lord John Russell the Liberal leader; and I doubt whether
+any decisive move will be made till after the ensuing general election.
+What will be the result of it? What will be the rallying-cries of party?
+What will Sir Robert Peel say to the Tamworth electors?
+
+However these questions may be answered, I would, had I the power, speak
+trumpet-tongued to our Conservative friends in every county and borough
+in the kingdom, and say, "up, and be doing." Spare no expense or
+exertion, but do it prudently. Use every instrument of legitimate
+influence--for the stake played for is tremendous; the national
+interests evidently marked out for assault, are vital; and they will
+stand or fall, and we enjoy peace, or be condemned to agitation and
+alarm, according to the result of the next General Election, which will
+assuredly palsy the hands of either the friends or enemies of the best
+interests of the country.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+And now, dear Christopher, I draw towards the close of this long letter,
+without having been able even to touch upon several other "_Things_"
+which I had noted down for observation and comment. As my letter draws
+to a close, so also draws rapidly to a close my seaside sojourn. My
+hours of relaxation are numbered. I must return to the busy scenes of
+the metropolis, and resume my interrupted duties. And you, too, have
+returned to the scene of your renown, the sphere of your honourable and
+responsible duties. May your shadow never grow less! _Floreat Maga!_ I
+have done. The old postman, wet through in coming over the hills, is
+waiting for my letter, and, having finished his beer, is fidgeting to be
+off. "What! can't you spare me one five minutes more?" "No,
+sir--impossible--I ought to have been at----an hour ago"
+
+    Farewell then, dear Christopher,
+    Your faithful friend,
+    AN OLD CONTRIBUTOR.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[66] Speech of Sir R. Peel at the Tamworth election, pp. 4,
+5.--Ollivier, Pall-Mall.
+
+[67] _Ibid._ pp. 8, 9.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcribers notes:
+
+Maintained original spelling and punctuation.
+
+Silently corrected a few typesetting errors.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol.
+60, No. 373, November 1846, by Various
+
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