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Vol. 53, No. 327.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- +body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} +p {text-align: justify;} +blockquote {text-align: justify;} +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} +pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + +hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} +html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} +hr.full {width: 100%;} +html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + +.note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + +.greek {cursor: help;} + +.poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} +.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} +.poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} +.poem p.i2 {margin-left: 2em;} +.poem p.i4 {margin-left: 4em;} + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327, by Various + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 + Vol. 53, January, 1843 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9992] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on November 6, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EDINBURGH MAGAZINE, NO. 327 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1>BLACKWOOD'S EDINBURGH MAGAZINE</h1> + <hr /> + + <h2>NO. CCCXXVII. JANUARY, 1843. VOL. LIII.</h2> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + <ul> + <li><a href="#bw327s1">GREAT BRITAIN AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE YEAR + 1843</a></li> + + <li><a href="#bw327s2">LESURQUES; OR, THE VICTIM OF JUDICIAL + ERROR</a></li> + + <li> + <a href="#bw327s3">CALEB STUKELY</a> + + <ul> + <li>PART X.</li> + </ul> + </li> + + <li> + <a href="#bw327s4">IMAGINARY CONVERSATION</a>. BY WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR + + <ul> + <li>TASSO AND CORNELIA</li> + </ul> + </li> + + <li> + <a href="#bw327s5">THE WORLD OF LONDON</a> + + <ul> + <li>SECOND SERIES, PART I.</li> + </ul> + </li> + + <li><a href="#bw327s6">THE DREAM OF LORD NITHSDALE</a></li> + + <li><a href="#bw327s7">TWO HOURS OF MYSTERY</a></li> + + <li><a href="#bw327s8">THE EAST AND SOUTH OF EUROPE</a></li> + + <li><a href="#bw327s9">THE CURSE OF GLENCOE</a>. BY B. SIMMONS</li> + + <li><a href="#bw327s10">THE MARTYRS' MONUMENT</a>. A MONOLOGUE</li> + + <li><a href="#bw327s11">TASTE AND MUSIC IN ENGLAND</a></li> + + <li><a href="#bw327-footnotes">[FOOTNOTES]</a>.</li> + </ul> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s1" id="bw327s1"></a>GREAT BRITAIN AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF + THE YEAR 1843.</h2> + <hr /> + + <p>Great Britain, at the present moment, occupies a position of dignity, of + grandeur, and of RESPONSIBILITY, unparalleled in either her own history, or + that of any other nation ancient or modern. Let him who is inclined to doubt + this assertion, of whatever country he may be, and whether friendly, + hostile, or indifferent to England, glance for a moment at a map of the + world, and having at length found out our little island, (which, perhaps, he + may consider a mere fragment chipped off, as it were, from the continent of + Europe,) turn to our stupendous possessions in the east and in the + west—in fact, all over the world—and he may be apt to think of + the fond speculative boast of the ancient geometrician, <span class="greek" + title="Dos pou sto, chai ton chosmon chinaeso">"Δος + που στω, χαι + τον χοσμον + χινησο,"</span> and to paraphrase and apply it + thus—"Give the genius of Great Britain but where she may place her + foot—some mere point peeping above the waves of the sea—and she + shall move the world." Is not this language warranted by recent facts? While + our irritable but glorious neighbour France—<i>pace tantae + gentis!</i>—is frittering away her warlike energies in Algeria, and + Russia is worried by her unsuccessful and unjust attempts upon Circassia, + behold the glorious monarch of this little island, Queen Victoria, roused by + indignities and injuries offered to her most distant subjects in the East, + strike single-handed a blow there, which shakes a vast and ancient empire to + its very foundations, and forces its haughty emperor from his throne, to + assume the attitude of a suppliant for peace, yielding her peremptory but + just demands, even at the cannon's mouth, and actually relinquishing to her + a large portion of his dominions. Events, these, so astonishing, that their + true character and consequences have not yet been calmly considered and + appreciated by either ourselves or other nations. Look, again, at recent + occurrences in British India—that vast territory which only our + prodigious enterprise and skill have acquired for us, and nothing but + profound sagacity can preserve to the British crown—and observe, with + mixed feelings, two principal matters: a perilous but temporary error of + overweening ambition on the part of Great Britain, yet retrieved with power + and dignity; and converted into an opportunity of displaying—where, + for the interests of Great Britain, it was imperiously demanded—her + irresistible valour, her moderation, her wisdom; exhibiting, under + circumstances the most adverse possible, in its full splendour and majesty, + the force of that OPINION by which alone we can hold India. Passing swiftly + over to the Western Continent, gaze at our vast possessions <i>there</i> + also—in British North America—containing considerably upwards of + four millions of square geographical miles of land; that is, nearly a ninth + part of the whole terrestrial surface of the globe!<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a>—besides + nearly a million and a half miles of water—five hundred thousand of + these square miles being capable, and in rapid progress, of profitable + cultivation! at more than three thousand miles' distance from the mother + country, and in immediate juxtaposition to the territory of our + distinguished but jealous descendants and rivals—a rising + nation—the United States! Pausing here in the long catalogue of our + foreign possessions, let our fancied observer turn back his eye towards the + little island that owns them; will he not be filled with wonder, possibly + with a conviction that Great Britain is destined by Almighty God to be the + instrument of effecting His sublime but hidden purposes with reference to + humanity? Assume, however, our observer to be actuated by a hostile and + jealous spirit, and to regard our foreign possessions, and the national + greatness derived from them, as only nominal and apparent—to insinuate + that we could not really hold them, or vindicate our vaunted supremacy if + powerfully challenged and resented. Let him then meditate upon the authentic + intelligence which we have just received from the East: what must then be + his real sentiments on this the 1st day of January 1843? Let us ask him, in + all manly calmness, whether England has not <i>done</i> what he doubted or + denied her ability to do? whether she has not shown the world that she may, + indeed, do what she pleases among the nations, so long as her pleasure is + regulated and supported by her accustomed sagacity and spirit? She has, + however, recently had to pass through an awful ordeal, principally + occasioned by the brief ascendency of incompetent councils; and while + expressing, in terms of transport, our conviction that, "out of this nettle + danger, we have plucked the flower safety"—we cannot repress our + feelings of indignation against those who precipitated us into that danger, + and of gratitude towards those who, under Divine Providence, have been + instrumental in extricating us from it, not only rapidly, but with credit; + not merely with credit, but with glory. To appreciate our present position, + we must refer to that which we occupied some twelve or eighteen months ago; + and that will necessarily involve a brief examination of the policy and + proceedings of the late, and of the present Government. We shall speak in an + unreserved and independent spirit in giving utterance to the reflections + which have occurred to us during a watchful attention paid to the course of + public affairs, both foreign and domestic, in the interval alluded to; + though feeling the task which we have undertaken both a delicate and a + difficult one.</p> + + <p>After a desperate tenacity in retaining office exhibited by the late + Government, which was utterly unexampled, and most degrading to the + character and position of public men engaged in carrying on the Queen's + Government, Sir Robert Peel was called to the head of affairs by her + Majesty, in accordance with the declared wishes of a triumphant majority of + her subjects—of a perfectly overwhelming majority of the educated, the + thinking, and the monied classes of society. When he first placed his foot + upon the commanding eminence of the premiership, the sight which presented + itself to his quick and comprehensive glance, must have been, indeed, one + calculated to make</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>—"the boldest hold his breath</p> + + <p>For a time."</p> + </div> + + <p>What appalling evidence in every direction of the ignorance and madness + of his predecessors! An exchequer empty, exactly at the moment when it ought + to have been fullest, in order to support our tremendous operations in the + East and elsewhere: in fact, a prospect of immediate national insolvency; + all resources, ordinary and extraordinary, exhausted; all income + anticipated: an average deficiency of revenue, actual and estimated, in the + six years next preceding the 5th of January 1843, of L.10,072,000! Symptoms + of social disorganization visible on the very surface of society: ruin + bestriding our mercantile interests, palsied every where by the long + pressure of financial misrule: credit vanishing rapidly: the working-classes + plunged daily deeper and deeper into misery and starvation, ready to listen + to the most desperate suggestions: and a Government bewildered with a + consciousness of incompetency, and of the swiftly approaching consequences + of their misrule, at the eleventh hour—on the eve of a general + election—suddenly resolving (in the language of their own leader) to + stir society to its foundations, by proposing a wild and ruinous alteration + in the Corn-Laws, declaring that it, and it only, would bring cheap bread to + the doors of the very poorest in the land:—after the manner of giving + out ardent spirits to an already infuriated mob. In Ireland, crime and + sedition fearfully in the ascendant; treasonable efforts made to separate + her from us; threats even held out of her entering into a foreign alliance + against us. So much for our domestic—now for our foreign condition and + prospects. He would see Europe exhibiting serious symptoms of distrust and + hostility: France, irritated and trifled with, on the verge of actual war + with us: our criminally neglected differences with America, fast ripening + into the fatal bloom of war: the very existence of the Canadas at stake. In + India, the tenure by which we hold it in the very act of being loosened; our + troops shedding their blood in vain, in the prosecution of as mad and wicked + an enterprise as ever was undertaken by a civilized nation; the glory of our + hitherto invincible arms tarnished; the finances of India deranged and + wasted away in securing only fresh accessions of disgraceful defeat. In + China, we were engaged, in spite of the whisper of our guardian angel, + Wellington, in a <i>little war</i>, and experiencing all its degrading and + ruinous consequences to our commerce, our military and naval reputation, our + statesmanship, our honour. Did ever this great empire exhibit such a + spectacle before as that which it thus presented to the anxious eye of the + new Premier? Having concluded the disheartening and alarming survey, he must + have descended to his cabinet oppressed and desponding, enquiring who is + sufficient for these things? With no disposition to bestow an undue encomium + on any one, we cannot but say, happy was Queen Victoria in having, at such a + moment, such a man to call to the head of her distracted affairs, as Sir + Robert Peel. He was a man preeminently distinguished by caution, sobriety, + and firmness of character—by remarkable clear-sightedness and strength + of intellect—thoroughly practical in all things—of immense + knowledge, entirely at his command—of consummate tact and judgment in + the conduct of public affairs—of indefatigable patience and + perseverance—of imperturbable self-possession. He seemed formed by + nature and habit to be the leader of a great deliberative assembly. Add to + all this—a personal character of unsullied purity, and a fortune so + large as to place him beyond the reach of suspicion or temptation. Such was + the man called upon by his sovereign and his country, in a most serious + crisis of her affairs. He was originally fortunate in being surrounded by + political friends eminently qualified for office; from among whom he made, + with due deliberation, a selection, which satisfied the country the instant + that their names were laid before it. We know not when a British sovereign + has been surrounded by a more brilliant and powerful body of ministers, than + those who at this moment stand around Queen Victoria. They constitute the + first real GOVERNMENT which this country has seen for the last twelve years; + and they instantly addressed themselves to the discharge of the duties + assigned to them with a practised skill, and energy, and system, which were + quickly felt in all departments of the State. In contenting himself with the + general superintendance of the affairs of his government, and devolving on + another the harassing office of Chancellor of the Exchequer, which, till + then, had been conjoined with that of the First Lord of the Treasury, Sir + Robert Peel acted with his usual judgment, and secured, in particular, one + capital object—<i>unity of action.</i></p> + + <p>As soon as the late Ministry and their adherents perceived that Sir + Robert Peel's advent to power was inevitable, they clamorously required of + him a full preliminary statement of the policy he intended to adopt on being + actually installed in office! By those who had floundered on, session after + session, from blunder to blunder, from folly to folly—each more + glaring and destructive than the preceding one—he was modestly + expected to commit himself <i>instanter</i> to some scheme struck off, to + please them, at a heat! A cut-and-dried exposition of his plans of domestic + and foreign policy, before it was even certain that he would ever be called + on to frame or act on them; before he had had a glimpse of the authentic and + official <i>data</i>, of which none but the actual adviser of the crown + could be in possession. This was doubtless <i>their</i> notion of + statesmanship, and faithfully acted on from first to last; but Sir Robert + Peel and his friends had been brought up in another school, whose maxim + was—<i>priusquam incipias, consulta—sed ubi consulueris, mature + facto, opus est</i>. The Premier stood unmoved by the entreaties, the + coaxings, and the threatenings of those wriggling before him in miserable + discomfiture and restlessness on the abhorred benches of Opposition; calmly + demonstrating to them the folly and injustice of which they were guilty. Yet + the circumstances of the country made his adherence to this first + determination exquisitely trying. He relied, however, on the cautious + integrity of his purposes, and the necessity of the case; and amidst the + silent agitation of friends, and the frenzied clamour of opponents, and with + a dreadful prospect before the country in the ensuing + winter—maintained the silence he had imposed upon himself, and, with + his companions, entered forthwith on a searching and complete investigation + of the affairs of the nation. Not seduced by the irrepressible eagerness of + friends, or dismayed by the dark threats and dismal predictions of enemies, + who even appealed direct to the throne against them, Ministers pursued their + course with calmness and determination, till the legitimate moment had + arrived for announcing to the country their thoroughly considered plans for + the future. Sir Robert Peel is undoubtedly entitled to the credit of + resuscitating and re-organizing the great party all but annihilated by the + passing of the Reform Bill. It is under vast obligations to him; but so is + he to it. What fortitude and fidelity have been theirs! How admirable their + conduct on the occasion we are alluding to! And here let us also pay a just + tribute of respect to the Conservative newspaper press, both in the + metropolis and in the country. To select particular instances, would be vain + and invidious; but while the whole country has daily opportunities of + judging of the assistance afforded to the Conservative cause by the powerful + and independent metropolitan press, few are aware, as we are, of the very + great ability generally displayed by the provincial Conservative press. + Their resolute and persevering exposure of the dangerous false doctrines of + our unscrupulous adversaries, and eloquent advocacy of Conservative + principles, are above all praise, and are appreciated in the highest + quarters.</p> + + <p>The winter was at length nearly passed through when Parliament assembled. + The distress which the people had suffered, and continued to suffer, no pen + can adequately describe, or do justice to the touching fortitude with which + those sufferings were borne. It wrung the hearts of all who had + opportunities of personally observing it. They resisted, poor famishing + souls! all the fiendish attempts that were systematically made to undermine + their loyalty, to seduce them into insubordination and rebellion. Let us, by + and by, see how far the result has justified this implied confidence of + theirs in the power, the wisdom, and the integrity of the new Government. + After all the boasting of the Opposition—in spite of their vehement + efforts during the recess, to concert and mature what were given out as the + most formidable system of tactics ever exhibited in parliament, for the + dislodgement of a Ministry denounced as equally hateful to the Queen and to + the country, the very first division utterly annihilated the Opposition. So + overwhelming was the Ministerial majority, that it astonished their friends + as much as it dismayed their enemies: and to an accurate observer of what + passed in the House of Commons, it was plain that the legitimate energies of + the Opposition were paralyzed thenceforth to the end of the session. + Forthwith, there sprung up, however, a sort of conspiracy to <i>annoy</i> + the triumphant Ministers, to exhaust their energies, to impede all + legislation, as far as those ends could be attained by the most wicked and + <i>vulgar</i> faction ever witnessed within the House of Commons!</p> + + <p>The precise seat of Sir Robert Peel's difficulty at home was, that his + immediate predecessors had (whether wilfully or otherwise signifies nothing + for the present) raised expectations among the people, which <i>no party</i> + could satisfy; while their measures has reduced the people to a state in + which the disappointment of those expectations seemed to excuse, if not + justify, even downright rebellion. They arrayed the agricultural and + manufacturing interests in deadly hostility against each other; they sought + to make the one responsible for the consequences springing only from the + reckless misconduct of the other. The farmers must be run down and ruined in + order to repair the effects of excessive credit and over-trading among the + manufacturers; the corn-grower must smart for the sins of the + cotton-spinner. Such were some of the fierce elements of discord in full + action, when the affairs of the nation were committed by her Majesty to her + present Ministers, on whom it lay to promote permanent domestic + tranquillity, amidst this conflict between interests which had been taught + that they were irreconcilable with each other; to sustain the public credit + at once, without endangering our internal peace and safety, or compromising + the honour of the nation in its critical and embarrassing foreign relations. + How were they to effect these apparently incompatible objects? "See," said + the enemies of the Ministry, "see, by and by, when parliament assembles, a + cruel specimen of <i>class legislation</i>—the unjust triumph of the + landed interest—the legitimate working of the Chandos clause in the + Reform Bill!" But bear witness, parliamentary records, how stood the + fact!</p> + + <p>That the present Ministry are mainly indebted for their accession to + power, to the prodigious exertions of the agricultural interest during the + last general election, is, we presume, undeniable. It was talked of as their + mere tool or puppet. Their first act is to lower the duties on the + importation of foreign cattle! "We are ruined!" cried the farmers in dismay; + and the Duke of Buckingham withdrew from the Cabinet. "This is a step in the + right way," said the opponents of Ministers, "but it will clearly cost Peel + his place—then <i>we</i> return, and will go the rest of the journey, + and quickly arrive at the goal of free-trade in corn, and every thing else, + except those particular articles in which <i>we</i> deal, and which must be + protected, for the benefit of the country, against foreign competition." + Then the Radical journals teemed with joyful paragraphs, announcing that Sir + Robert Peel's ministry was already crumbling to pieces! The farmers, it + would seem, were every where up in arms; confusion (and something a vast + deal worse!) was drunk at all their meetings, to Peel! Nevertheless, these + happy things came not to pass; Sir Robert Peel's Ministry <i>would</i> not + fall to pieces; and the curses of the farmers came not so fast or loud as + their eager disinterested friends could have wished! To be serious, the + alteration of the Corn-Laws was undoubtedly a very bold one, but the result + of most anxious and profound consideration. A moment's reflection of the + character and circumstances of the Ministry who proposed it, served first to + arrest the apprehensions entertained by the agricultural interest; while the + thorough discussions which took place in Parliament, demonstrating the + necessity of <i>some</i> change—the moderation and caution of the one + proposed—several undoubted and very great improvements in details, + and, above all, <i>a formal recognition of the principle of agricultural + protection</i>, still further allayed the fears of the most timorous. To + <i>us</i> it appears, that the simple principle of a scale of duties, + adapted to admit foreign corn when we want it, and exclude it when we can + grow sufficient ourselves, is abundantly vindicated, and will not be + disturbed for many years to come, if even then. Has this principle been + surrendered by Sir Robert Peel? It has not; and we venture to express our + confident belief, that it never will. He cannot, of course, prevent the + subject from being mooted during the ensuing session, because there are + persons, unfortunately, sent to Parliament for the very purpose; but while + he is listening with a calm smile, and apparently thoughtfully, to the + voluble tradesmen who are haranguing him upon the subject, it is not + improbable that he will be revolving in his mind matters much more + personally interesting and important to them; viz. how he shall put a stop + to the monstrous joint-stock banking system frauds, as exhibited at this + moment at Manchester, in the Northern and Central Banking Company, and other + similar establishments, blessed with the disinterested patronage of the + chief member of the "Anti-Corn-Law League." The mention of that snug little + speculation of two or three ingenious and enterprising Manchester + manufacturers, forces from us an observation or two, viz. that the thing + <i>will not do</i>, after all. There is much cry, and little wool; very + little corn, and a great deal of cotton. They have a smart saying at + Manchester, to the effect, that it is no use whistling against thunder; + which we shall interpret to mean, that all their "great meetings," + speechifyings, subscriptions, and so forth, will fail to kindle a single + spark of real enthusiasm in their favour, among those who are daily becoming + more and more personally sensible, first, of the solid benefits conferred by + the wise policy of the present Administration; secondly, of the want of + personal respectability among the leaders of the League; and lastly, the + necessity and vast advantage of supporting the agriculture of Old England. + The recent discussions on the Corn-Laws, in Parliament and elsewhere, the + masterly expositions of the true principles on which they are really based, + have thrown a flood of light on the subject, now made visible and + intelligible to the lowest capacity. That some further alteration may not + erelong be made on the scale of duties, no one can assert, though we have no + reason to believe that any such is at present contemplated; but that the + principle of the "sliding scale," as it is called, will be firmly adhered + to, we entertain no doubt whatever. The conduct of the agricultural + interest, with reference to subjects of such vital importance to them as the + Corn-Law Bill and the Tariff, has been characterized by signal forbearance + and fortitude; nor, let them rest assured, will it be lost upon the Ministry + or the country.</p> + + <p>The next step in Sir Robert Peel's bold and comprehensive policy, was to + devise some method of recruiting <i>forthwith</i> its languishing vital + energies—to rescue its financial concerns from the desperate condition + in which he found them. With an immediate and perspective increase of + expenditure that was perfectly frightful—in the meditation and actual + prosecution of vast but useless enterprises—of foreign interference + and aggrandizement, to secure a little longer continuance of popular favour, + they deliberately destroyed a principal source of revenue, by the reduction + of the postage duties, in defiance of the repeated protests and warnings of + Sir Robert Peel, when in Opposition. They had, in fact, brought matters to + such a pitch, as to render it almost impossible for even "a heaven-born + minister" to conduct the affairs of the nation, with safety and honour, + without inflicting grievous disappointment and sufferings, and incurring + thereby a degree of obloquy fatal to any Ministry. They seemed, in fact, to + imagine, as they went on, that the day of reckoning could never arrive, + because they had resolved to stave it off from time to time, however near it + approached, by a series of desperate expedients, really destructive of the + national prosperity, but provocative of what served their purposes, viz. + temporary popular enthusiasm. What cruelty! what profligacy! what madness! + And all under the flag on which were inscribed "<i>Peace! Retrenchment! + Reform!</i>" Acting on the salutary maxim, that the knowledge of the disease + is half the cure, Sir Robert Peel resolved to lay before the nation <i>the + whole truth</i>, however appalling. Listen to the following pregnant + sentences which he addressed to the House of Commons, within a few moments + after he had risen to develope his financial policy, we mean on the 11th of + March 1842:—"It is sometimes necessary, on the occasion of financial + statements of this kind, to maintain great reserve, and to speak with great + caution. A due regard for the public interest, may impose on a Minister the + duty of only partially disclosing matters of importance. But I am hampered + by no fetters of official duty. I mean to lay before you the truth—the + unexaggerated truth, but to conceal nothing. I do this, because in great + financial difficulties, the first step towards improvement is to look those + difficulties boldly in the face. This is true of individuals—it is + true also of nations. There can be no hope of improvement or of recovery, + <i>if you consent to conceal from yourselves the real difficulties with + which you have to contend</i>."<a id="footnotetag2" name= + "footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> There was no + gainsaying the facts which, amidst an agitated and breathless silence, he + proceeded to detail with dreadful clearness and brevity; and out of which + the question instantly sprung into the minds of every one—<i>are we + not on the very verge of national insolvency</i>? He proceeded to + demonstrate that his predecessors had exhausted every device which their + financial ingenuity could suggest, down to their last supposed + master-stroke, the addition of 10 per cent to the assessed taxes—thus + adding very nearly the last straw which was to break the camel's + back—the last peculiarly cruel pressure on the lower orders.</p> + + <p>"Shall we persevere," he continued, "in the system on which we have been + acting for the last five years? Shall we, in time of peace, have recourse to + the miserable expedient of continued loans? Shall we try issues of Exchequer + bills? Shall we resort to Savings' banks?—in short, to any of those + expedients which, <i>call</i> them by what name you please, are neither more + nor less than a permanent addition to the public debt? We have a deficiency + of nearly L.5,000,000 in the last two years: <i>is there a prospect of + reduced expenditure?</i> Without entering into details, but looking at your + extended empire, at the demands which are made for the protection of your + commerce, and the general state of the world, and calling to mind the + intelligence which has lately reached us," [from Affghanistan,] "can you + anticipate for the year after the next, the possibility, consistent with the + honour and safety of this country, of greatly reducing the public expenses? + I am forced to say, I cannot calculate on that.... Is the deficiency I have + mentioned a casual deficiency? Sir, it is not; it has existed for the last + seven or eight years. At the close of 1838, the deficiency was L.1,428,000; + of 1839, L.430,000; of 1840, L.1,457,000; of 1841, L.1,851,000. I estimate + that the deficiency of 1842 will be L.2,334,030; and that of 1843, + L.2,570,000; making an aggregate deficiency, in six years, of L.10,072,000! + ... With this proof that it is not with an occasional or casual deficiency + that we have to deal, will you, I ask, have recourse to the miserable + expedient of continued <i>loans</i>? It is impossible that I could be a + party to a proceeding which, I should think, might perhaps have been + justifiable at first, <i>before you knew exactly the nature of your revenue + and expenditure</i>; but with these facts before me, I should think I were + degrading the situation which I hold, if I could consent to such a paltry + expedient as this. I can hardly think that Parliament will adopt a different + view. I can hardly think that you, who inherit the debt contracted by your + predecessors—when, having a revenue, they reduced the charges of the + post-office, and inserted in the preamble of the bill a declaration that the + reduction of the revenue should be made good by increased + taxation—will now refuse to make it good. The effort having been made, + but the effort having failed, that pledge is still unredeemed. <i>I advised + you not to give that pledge</i>; but if you regard the pledges of your + predecessors, it is for you now to redeem them.... I apprehend that, with + almost universal acquiescence, I may abandon the idea of supplying the + deficiency by the miserable desire of fresh loans, of an issue of Exchequer + bills. Shall I, then, if I must resort to taxation, levy it <i>upon the + articles of consumption</i>, which constitute, in truth, almost all the + necessaries of life? <i>I cannot consent to any proposal for increasing + taxation on the great articles of consumption by the labouring classes of + society</i>." [Is it the friend or the enemy <i>of the people</i>, that is + here speaking?] "I say, moreover, I can give you conclusive proofs that you + have arrived at the limits of taxation on articles of consumption."<a id= + "footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> + Sir Robert Peel then proceeded, with calmness and dignity, to encounter the + possible, if not even <i>probable</i> fatal unpopularity of proposing that + which he succeeded in convincing <i>Parliament</i> was the only resource + left a conscientious Minister—an INCOME TAX.</p> + + <p>"I will now state what is the measure which I propose, under a sense of + public duty, and a deep conviction that it is necessary for the public + interest; and impressed at the same time with an equal + conviction"—[mark, by the way, the exquisite judgment with which this + suggestion was <i>here</i> thrown in!]—"that the present sacrifices + which I call on you to make, will be amply compensated, ultimately, in a + pecuniary point of view, and <i>much more</i> than compensated, by the + effect which they will have in maintaining public credit and the ancient + character of this country. Instead of looking to taxation on + consumption—instead of reviving the taxes on salt or on sugar—it + is my duty <i>to make an earnest appeal to the possessors of property</i>, + for the purpose of repairing this mighty evil. I propose, for a time at + least, (and I never had occasion to make a proposition with a more thorough + conviction of its being one which the public interest of the country + required)—I propose <i>that, for a time to be limited, the income of + this country should be called on to contribute a certain sum for the purpose + of remedying this mighty and growing evil</i>, ... should bear a charge not + exceeding 7d. in the pound, which will not amount to 3 per cent, but, + speaking accurately, L.2, 18s. 4d. per cent—for the purpose of not + only supplying the deficiency in the revenue, but of enabling us, with + confidence and satisfaction, to propose great commercial reforms, which will + afford a hope of reviving commerce, and such an improvement in the + manufacturing interests as will re-act on every other interest in the + country; and by diminishing the prices of the articles of consumption and + the cost of living, will, in a pecuniary point of view, compensate you for + your present sacrifices; whilst you will be, at the same time, relieved from + the contemplation of a great public evil."<a id="footnotetag4" name= + "footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + <p>We have quoted the very words of Sir Robert Peel, because they are every + way memorable and worthy of permanent conspicuousness. In point, for + instance, of mere oratorical skill, observe the matchless tact of the + speaker. Conscious that he was about to propose what would come like a clap + of thunder on all present, and on the country, he prepares the way for its + favourable reception, by pointing out the almost necessarily <i>direct + pecuniary benefit</i> ultimately derivable from his unpalatable tax; and the + instant that he has disclosed his proposal, in the same breath carries our + attention to a similar topic—an assurance calculated to arouse the + self-interest and excite the approbation first of the commercial classes, + and then of all classes, by the means this tax will give the Minister of + proposing "great commercial reforms," and "reducing the cost of living." No + power of description we possess can adequately set before the reader the + effect produced on the House of Commons by the delivery of the passage above + quoted, and which was shared, as the intelligence was communicated, by the + country at large. One thing was plain, that the Minister, disdaining + personal considerations of unpopularity, had satisfied the nation that a + desperate disease had been detected, which required a desperate remedy. It + was—it is, in vain to disguise that an income-tax has many disgusting, + and all but absolutely intolerable, incidents and characteristics, and which + were instantly appreciated by all who heard or read of the proposal for its + adoption, and these topics were pounced upon by the late Ministers and their + supporters, with eager and desperate determination to make the most of them. + To give effect to their operations, they secured an immediate and ample + interval for exasperating popular feeling against Ministers and their + abominable proposition! But it was all in vain. There was a bluff English + frankness about the Minister that mightily pleased the country, exciting a + sympathy in every right-thinking Englishman. <i>Here was no humbug of any + sort</i>, no obtaining of money under false pretences. At first hearing of + it, honest John Bull staggered back several paces, with a face rueful and + aghast; buttoned up his pockets, and meditated violence even; but, in a few + moments, albeit with a certain sulkiness, he came back, presently shook + hands with the Minister, and getting momentarily more satisfied of his + honesty, and of the necessity of the case, only hoped that a little + breathing-time might be given him, and that the thing might be done as + quietly and genteelly as possible! To be serious, however.</p> + + <p>By whom, let us ask, had this Minister been brought into power? by whom + most furiously and unscrupulously opposed? The former were those on whom he + instantly imposed this very severe and harassing tax; the latter, those whom + he entirely exempted from it: the former, those who <i>could</i>, with a + little inconvenience, make the effort requisite to protect themselves in the + tranquil enjoyment of what they possessed, the latter, those who were + already faint, oppressed, and crushed beneath <i>burdens they were unable to + bear</i>. Was this justice, or injustice? It then <i>must</i> be very + contradistinctive—was the Minister, in this instance, the poor man's + friend, or the rich man's friend? Was he exhibiting ingratitude and + insanity, or a truly wise and honest statesmanship? We need <i>not</i> + "pause for a reply." It has been sounding ever since in our ears, in the + accents of national concord, and of admiration of the Minister who, in his + very zenith of popularity and success, perilled all, to obey the dictates of + honour and conscience, fearlessly proposed a measure which seemed levelled + directly at those gifted and powerful classes by whom he had been so long + and enthusiastically supported; of the Minister who, in fine, looked, and + made the country look, a frightful danger full in the face—till it + turned and fled. In spite of all that could be done by his bitter + unscrupulous factious opponents in the House of Commons, and of the eloquent + and conscientious opposition of Lord Brougham in the House of Lords, backed, + all the while, by the immediate self-interest of those who were to smart + under the tax, Sir Robert Peel carried his great and salutary measure in + triumph through both Houses, without one single material alteration, till it + became the law of the land, amidst the applause of the surrounding nations; + for even those, alas! too frequently bitter and jealous censors of English + conduct and character, the French, "owned that the English people had + exhibited a signal and glorious instance of virtue, of fortitude, of + self-denial, and sagacity." We have reason to believe that, on quitting the + House of Commons after hearing the speech of Sir Robert Peel, from which we + have been quoting, Lord John Russell asked a gentleman of brilliant talent + and independent character, but of strong liberal opinions, "what he thought + of Peel's financial scheme?" The answer was, "It is so fine a thing, that I + only wish it had been prepared by Lord John Russell instead of Sir Robert + Peel!" On which, unless we are mistaken, Lord John shrugged his shoulders in + silence. His opposition to the income-tax, on going into, and while the bill + was in, committee, was temperate, and even languid; and he stood in the + dignified attitude worthy of his ancient name, and of personal character, + far aloof from those who, throughout the session, pursued a line of conduct + unprecedented in parliamentary history, degrading to the House of Commons, + but possibly in keeping with all that might have been expected from them. We + are vastly mistaken if Lord John does not regard them with secret scorn, and + experience a shudder of disgust from any momentary contact with them; and + shall not be surprised if, during the ensuing session, he should be at no + particular pains to conceal the state of his mind.</p> + + <p>One circumstance highly honourable to the national character, in relation + to the income-tax, should not escape observation: that comparatively little + or no real opposition, certainly no clamorous opposition, has been offered + to the <i>principle</i> of the tax, and the policy of its imposition, by + those on whom its pressure falls heaviest, namely, the great capitalists and + landed proprietors of the kingdom. "The grasshopper," said Mr Burke, "fills + the whole field with the noise of its chirping, while the stately ox browses + in silence." The clamour against the income-tax comes mainly from those who + are unscathed by it; those who suffer most severely from it, suffer in + silence. The inferior machinery of the income-tax is unquestionably very far + from attaining that degree of perfection, which we had a right to look for + from the able and practised hands which framed it. The outcry raised, + however, against the income-tax on this score, particularly on the ground of + the heedlessness of subordinate functionaries, is subsiding. There is + evident, as far as the Government itself is concerned, an anxious desire to + enforce the provisions of the act with the greatest possible degree of + delicacy and forbearance, consistent with the discharge of a painful but + imperative duty. We repeat that the outcry in question, however, was + principally occasioned by those who had least real cause, on personal + grounds, to complain; who (unfortunately, it may be, for themselves) never + yet approached, nor have any prospect of infringing upon, the fatal dividing + point of L. 150 a-year, in spite of their long and zealous literary + services, under the very best-conducted and <i>truly liberal</i> Radical + newspapers, which they have filled, with persevering ingenuity, day after + day, with eloquent descriptions of the awful state of feeling in the country + on this most atrocious subject. Where, patriotic, but most imaginative + gentlemen! where have been the great meetings summoned to condemn the + principle of the tax? The great landholders, the great capitalists, the + great merchants, are pouring their contributions into the exhausted + Treasury, with scarce a murmur at the temporary inconvenience it may + occasion them!—thus nobly responding to the appeal so earnestly and + nobly made to them by the Prime Minister. So, moreover, are the vast + majority of those persons on whom the tax falls with peculiar + severity—we allude to the occupants of schedule D—who must pay + this tax out of an income, alas! evanescent as the morning mist; which, on + the approach of sickness or of death is instantly annihilated. These also + suffer with silent fortitude; and we think we have heard it upon sufficient + authority, that it was on these persons that Ministers felt the greatest + reluctance in imposing the tax—at least to its present extent, only + under an absolute compulsion of state policy. The total, or even partial + exemption of this class of persons from the operation of the income-tax, + would have been attended with consequences that were not to be contemplated + for a moment, and into which it is impracticable here satisfactorily to + enter. The tax undoubtedly pinches severely men of small and uncertain + incomes, who are striving, on slender means, to maintain a respectable + station in society; the man who, with a large family to be supported <i>and + educated</i>, and who moves in a respectable sphere of society, has to pay + his L.9 or L.12 out of his precarious L.300 or L.400 a-year, is an object of + most earnest sympathy. Still, let him not lose sight of the undoubted + hardships borne by his wealthier brethren. Is it nothing for a man—say + the Duke of Buccleuch, the Marquis of Westminster, the Duke of Sutherland, + or Lord Ashburton, or Mr Rothschild—to have to pay down their L.3000, + L.4000, or L.5000 clear per annum, as the per-centage on their magnificent + incomes, in sudden and unexpected addition to the innumerable and imperative + calls upon them already existing, such as compulsory upholding of many great + establishments in different parts of the country—various members of + their families—married and single—to support in a style adequate + to their rank and position in the country? It is needless, however, to + pursue the matter further. The plain truth is, there is no help for it; the + burthen is one that must be borne, and it is being borne bravely.</p> + + <p><i>But why</i> must this dreadful income-tax be borne? What has led to + it? The vast majority of honest and thinking men in the nation have but one + answer to give to the question. That the income-tax is the penalty the + nation must pay for its weakness and folly, in permitting a Whig Ministry to + get into power, and continue in power, "playing such fantastic tricks" as + theirs, for the last ten years, both at home and abroad, as the nation + <i>ought to have foreseen</i> would be inevitably followed by some such + grievous results as the present. This income-tax, however, let our opponents + know, will serve for many years to come, long after it may have been + removed, as a memento to prevent the country from tolerating the return to + power of men whose reluctant and compulsory exit from power, after again + doing enormous mischief, will be followed by a similar result—will + impose on their Conservative successors the bitter necessity of imposing + another income-tax. "The evil that they do," does indeed "live after them;" + and without any "good, interred with their bones!" With the frightful + deficit exhibited by Sir Robert Peel still staring us in the face; the war + in the East yet to be paid for; faith to be kept with the public creditor + both at home and abroad: a revenue of a <i>million a-year</i> recklessly + sacrificed in reducing the postage duties:<a id="footnotetag5" name= + "footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> a deficiency in the + last quarter's revenue, that tells its own frightful story as to its cause, + and an all but certain heavy deficiency to be looked for, we fear, in the + ensuing quarter: with all this before him, will any <i>member or supporter + of the late Government</i>—of all other persons—be found hardy + enough to rise in his place next session, and bait Sir Robert Peel about the + repeal of the income-tax? The country will not tolerate such audacity. We + shall not reason with <i>them</i>; but to those who, like ourselves, are + smarting under the effects of the late Ministry's misconduct, who have a + right to complain loudly and indignantly, and enquire with eager anxiety + when their suddenly augmented pressure is to cease, we feel compelled to + express our opinion, founded on a careful observation of our present + financial position and prospects, that we see no chance of being relieved + from the burden of the income-tax, before the period originally fixed by Sir + Robert Peel. Till then we must submit with what fortitude and cheerfulness + we may. Under, however, a year or two's steady and enlightened + administration of public affairs, matters may mend with unexpected rapidity; + but it is not in the ordinary course of human affairs, that evils, the + growth of many years, can be remedied in a moment. A chronic disease of the + body requires a patient course of abstinence and skilful treatment, to + afford a chance of the system's getting once again into a permanent state of + health; even as with individuals, so is it with nations. That the sudden + cessation of the drain upon our resources from the East, and the partial + reimbursement we have already realized, will sensibly lighten the burthens + under which the Minister has hitherto laboured, and make him with joy to + realize the expectations which, in proposing the income-tax, he so + distinctly, yet cautiously, held out, as to the period of its duration, we + may consider as indisputable. Add to this the pacific policy which Sir + Robert Peel and his Cabinet are bent upon maintaining, as far as is + consistent with a jealous regard to our national honour, (and which our late + resplendent successes are calculated to facilitate,) and the revival, + erelong, of the revenue, concurrently with that of trade and commerce, which + may be confidently anticipated under our present firm, cautious, and + experienced councils, and we may give to the winds our fears as to the + continuance of the income-tax one instant after it can be prudently + dispensed with. What, however, as a matter of <i>mere speculation</i>, if + the nation should by and by, when familiarized with the character and + working of the income-tax, become more reconciled to it, and prefer its + retention as a substitute for <i>the Assessed Taxes</i>, which at present + press so heavily on all, but particularly on the working-classes! But while + Sir Robert Peel was remodelling the Corn-Laws, and creating a new source of + direct revenue, he also undertook another task—a herculean task, one + utterly hopeless, and beyond the reach or even conception of any but a + Minister conscious of occupying an impregnable position in the confidence of + the country: we allude to his reconstruction of our entire commercial + system, as represented by his <i>new Tariff</i>. What courage was requisite + to grapple with this giant difficulty! What practical skill; what patience + and resolution; what exact yet extensive acquaintance with mercantile + affairs; what a comprehensive discernment of consequences; what firm + impartiality in deciding between vast conflicting interests, were here + evinced! And observe—all these great measures, effecting a complete + revolution in our domestic economy and policy—the fruits of only a few + months accession to office of a Conservative Ministry! All the while that + the Radical press was assailing them on the ground of their insolent and + cruel disregard of their duty, and of the sufferings of the people, they + were engaged upon the united labours of enquiry and reflection, on which + alone can have been safely based the great measures which we have been + briefly reviewing! "But all these," says some faithful mourner after the + deceased Ministry, "they intended to have done, and would have done, <i>if + they could</i>." Ay, to be sure. Admit it, for the nonce; 'twas easy to + <i>say</i> it, but the thing was <i>to do it</i>—quoth Mr Blewitt! + That same <i>doing</i>, is what we are congratulating the present Ministry + upon. Yes, it has been done—the great experiment is being tried; may + it prove as safe and successful, as it is bold and well meant. It must be + regarded, however, as only a part of the entire scheme proposed by Sir + Robert Peel, and judged of accordingly, with reference also to the necessity + of his position, arising from the last acts of his predecessors—from + the spirit and temper of the age. The long-continued languor and prostration + of our commerce, undoubtedly required some decisive, but cautious and + well-considered movement, in the <i>direction</i> of free-trade. How far we + shall be met, in the same spirit, by France, Germany, Russia, and America, + as has been long confidently predicted by those whose opinions have been + perseveringly and vehemently urged upon the public, now remains to be seen. + <i>Felix faustumque sit!</i> But at present, at all events, our example + seems not likely to be followed by those on whom we most calculated, and + time alone can decide between our course and theirs—between the + doctrines of the old and of the new school of political economy—as to + which is the short-sighted and mischievous—which the sagacious and + successful policy. The powerful protection afforded by the new Tariff to our + colonial produce, is one of its most interesting and satisfactory features. + That, however, which has justly attracted to it incomparably the greatest + share of public attention and discussion, is the introduction of foreign + cattle. This topic is one requiring to be spoken of in a diffident spirit, + and most guarded language. Whether it will effect its praiseworthy object of + lowering the price of animal food, without being overbalanced by its + injurious effects upon our all-important agricultural interests, we shall + not for some considerable time be in a condition to determine. At present, + it would appear, that the alarm of the farmers on this score was premature + and excessive, and is subsiding. The combined operation of this part of the + new Tariff, and of the reduction in the duties on the importation of foreign + corn, may ultimately have the effect of lowering the rent of the farmer, and + of stimulating him into a more energetic and scientific cultivation of the + land; and generally, of inducing very important modifications in the present + arrangements between landlords and tenants. In some of the most recent + agricultural meetings, speeches have been made, from which many journalists + have inferred the existence of rapidly-increasing convictions on the part of + the agricultural interest, that a sweeping alteration in the Corn-Law is + inevitable and immediate. They are, however, attaching far too much weight + to a few sentences uttered, amidst temporary excitement, by a few country + gentlemen, in some eight or ten places only in the whole kingdom. Let them + <i>pause</i>, at all events, till they shall have more authentic + <i>data</i>, viz. what the agricultural members of Parliament will say in + their places, in the ensuing session. Much of the sort of panic experienced + by the country gentlemen alluded to, may be referred to a recent paragraph + in the <i>Globe</i> newspaper, confidently announcing the intention of + Ministers to propose a fixed duty on corn. The glaring improbability, that + even <i>were</i> such a project contemplated by Ministers, they would + (forgetting their characteristic caution and reserve) agitate the public + mind on so critical a question, and derange vast transactions and + arrangements in the corn trade by its premature divulgement; and, above all, + constitute the <i>Globe</i> newspaper their confidential organ upon the + occasion, should alone have satisfied the most credulous of its + unwarrantable and preposterous character. We acquit the <i>Globe</i> + newspaper of intentional mischief, but charge it with great + <i>thoughtlessness</i> of consequences. To return, however, for a moment, to + that topic in the new Tariff most important to farmers. We believe that, + since the day (9th July 1842) in which the new Tariff became the law of the + land, the entire importation of cattle from the Continent, has fallen far + short of a single fortnight's sale at Smithfield; but whether this will be + the state of things two years, or even a twelvemonth hence, is another + matter. At present, at all events, the new Tariff has had the beneficial + effect of really lowering the price of provisions, and of other articles of + consumption, essentially conducing to the comforts of the labouring classes. + May <i>this</i>, in any event, be a <i>permanent</i> result; and who could + have brought it about, except such a Ministry as that of Sir Robert Peel, + possessing their combined qualifications means, and opportunities, and + equally bent upon using them promptly and honestly?</p> + + <p>No sooner had that Parliament which had passed, in its first session, + such a number of great measures, having for their object the immediate + benefit of the lower orders, (and, it may really be said, almost wholly at + the expense of the higher orders,) separated, after its exhausting labours, + than there occurred those deplorable and alarming outrages in the principal + manufacturing districts, which so ill requited the benevolent exertions of + the Legislature in their behalf. They exhibited some features of peculiar + malignity—many glaring indications of the existence of a base and + selfish hidden conspiracy against the cause of law, of order, and of good + government. Who were the real originators and contrivers of that wicked + movement, and what their objects, is a question which we shall not here + discuss, but leave in the hands of the present keen and vigilant Government, + and of the Parliament, so soon to be assembled. If a single chance of + bringing the really guilty parties to justice—of throwing light on the + actors and machinery of that atrocious conspiracy shall be thrown away, the + public interests will have been grievously betrayed. On this subject, + however, we have no apprehensions whatever, and pass on heartily to + congratulate the country on possessing a Government which acted, on the + trying occasion in question, with such signal promptitude, energy, and + prudence. Not one moment was lost in faltering indecision; never was the + majesty of the law more quickly and completely vindicated, never was there + exhibited a more striking and gratifying instance of a temperate and + discriminating exercise of the vast powers of the executive. The incessant + attention of all functionaries, from the very highest to the lowest, by + night and by day, on that occasion, at the Home-Office, (including the + Attorney and Solicitor-General,) would hardly be credited; <i>mercy to the + misguided</i>, but instant vengeance upon the guilty instigators of + rebellion, was then, from first to last, the rule of action. The enemies of + public tranquillity reckoned fearfully without their host, in forgetting who + presided at the Home-Office, and who at the Horse Guards. Nothing could be + better than the Government examination into the real causes of the outbreak, + instituted upon the spot the very moment it was over, while evidence was + fresh and accessible, and of which the guilty parties concerned have a great + deal yet to hear. The Special Commission for the trial of the rioters, was + also issued with salutary expedition. The prosecutions were carried on by + the Attorney and Solicitor-General, on the part of the Crown, in a dignified + spirit at once of forbearance and determination, and with a just + discrimination between the degree of culpability disclosed. The merciful + spirit in which the prosecutions were conducted by the law-officers of the + Crown, was repeatedly pointed out to the misguided criminals by the Judges; + who, on many occasions, intimated that the Government had chosen to indict + for the minor offence only, when the facts would have undoubtedly warranted + an indictment for high treason, with all its terrible consequences. Before + quitting this incidental topic of legal proceedings, let us add a word upon + the substantial improvements effected in the administration of justice + during the late session, and of which the last volume of the statute-book + affords abundant evidence, principally under the heads of bankruptcy, + insolvency, and lunacy. Great and salutary alterations have been effected in + these departments, as well as various others; the leading statutory changes + being most ably carried into effect by the Lord Chancellor, who continues to + preside over his court, and to discharge his high and multifarious duties + with his accustomed dignity and sagacity. His recent bankruptcy appointments + have certainly been canvassed by the Radical press with sufficient freedom, + but on very insufficient grounds. <i>No</i> appointments could have been + made against which unscrupulous faction might not have raised a clamour. + That temporarily excited in the present instance, has quite died away. The + appointments in question have undoubtedly been made with a due regard to the + public interest; but did the intelligent censors of the Radical press expect + that those appointments of L.1500 a-year would be sought for or accepted by + men at the bar, already making their L.3000, L.5000, L.8000, or L.10,000 + a-year, and aspiring to the very highest honours of their profession? The + gentlemen who have accepted these appointments, are many of them personally + known to us as very acute and able practical men, who will be found to give + the utmost satisfaction in the discharge of their duties to both the + profession and the public. The two Vice-Chancellors, Sir James L. Knight + Bruce, and Sir James Wigram, are admirable appointments. Each must have + resigned a practice very far exceeding—perhaps doubling, or even + trebling—their present salaries of office. The transference to the + former, without any additional salary, of the office of Chief Judge in + Bankruptcy, (vacant by the recent death of Sir John Cross,) was a highly + advantageous and economical arrangement for the public, at the willing + expense of Vice-Chancellor Knight Bruce.</p> + + <p>May we here be allowed to allude for an instant to a very delicate + topic—the new Poor-Law—simply to call attention to the resolute + support of it by the present Government (whether right or wrong), as at + least a pretty decisive evidence of their uprightness and independence. On + this sore subject we shall not dwell, nor do we feel bound to offer any + opinion of our own as to the alleged merits or demerits of the new Poor-Law; + but it certainly looks as though Ministers had resolved to do what they + <i>believed</i> to be right, <i>ruat cælum</i>. What other motive they + can have, is to us, at least, inconceivable.</p> + + <p>Let us again point with undisguised triumph to IRELAND, as a very + striking instance of the results of a sound and firmly-administered + Conservative policy. The late Government misgoverned Ireland, in order that + they might be allowed to continue misgoverning England. Their memory will + ever be execrated for their surrender of that fair portion of the empire + into the hands of a political reprobate and impostor, of whom we cannot + trust ourselves to speak, and the like of whom has never yet appeared, and + it is to be hoped never will again appear, in British history. Immediately + before and after their expulsion from office, they pointed to this scene of + their long misconduct, and, with a sort of heartless jocularity, asked Sir + Robert Peel "What he meant to do with Ireland?"—adding, that whatever + else he might be able to do, by the aid of intrigue and corruption, "he + could <i>never</i> govern Ireland." How <i>now</i>, gentlemen? What will you + find to lay to the charge of Ministers in the coming session? What has + become of your late patron, Mr O'Connel? Is "his occupation gone?" Is he + spending the short remainder of his respectable old age at Darrynane, even + (begging pardon of the noble animal for the comparison)</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>—"like a worn-out lion in a cave,</p> + + <p>That goes not out to prey?"</p> + </div> + + <p>What can you any longer do, or affect to do, old gentleman, to earn your + honourable wages? Is there not (as the lawyers would style it) a failure of + consideration? If you go on any longer collecting "the rent," may you not be + liable to an indictment for obtaining money under false pretences? Poor old + soul! his cuckoo cry of Repeal grows feebler and feebler; yet he must keep + it up, or starve. <i>Tempus abire senex! satis clamasti!</i> That Ireland is + still subject to great evils, recent occurrences painfully attest. Mr Pitt, + in 1799, (23d January,) pointed out what may still be regarded as their true + source:—"I say that Ireland is subject to great and deplorable evils, + which have a deep root: for they lie in the nature of the country itself in + the present character, manners, and habits of its people; in their want of + intelligence, or, in other words, in their ignorance; in the unavoidable + separation of certain classes; in the state of property; in its religious + distinctions; in the rancour which bigotry engenders, and superstition rears + and cherishes."<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href= + "#footnote6"><sup>6</sup></a> How many of these roots of evil are still in + existence!</p> + + <p>But consider what we have done, even already, for Ireland, by giving her + the blessings of a strong and honest Government; what a blow we have aimed + at absenteeism, in a particular provision of our income-tax! <i>Nil + desperandum</i>, gentlemen, give us a little time to unravel your long + tissue of misgovernment; and, in the mean time, make haste, and go about in + quest of a <i>grievance</i>, if you can find one, against the ensuing + session. Depend upon it, we will redress it!</p> + <hr /> + + <p>The present aspect of foreign affairs is calculated to excite mixed + feelings of pain and exultation in the breast of a thoughtful observer. The + national character of Great Britain had unquestionably fallen in European + estimation, and lost much of the commanding influence of its mere name, + during the last few years preceding the accession to office of the present + Government. That was an event—viz. the formation of a Cabinet at St + James's, containing Sir Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington, Lord Aberdeen, + and Lord Stanley—which justly excited an instant and great sensation + in all foreign courts, regard being had to the critical circumstances of the + times. Every one, both at home and abroad, knew well that if WAR was at + hand, here was a Government to conduct it on the part of Great Britain, even + under the most adverse circumstances imaginable, with all our accustomed + splendour and success. But all knew, at the same time, that imminent as was + the danger, if a profound statesmanship could avert it, consistently with + the preservation of the national honour, that danger would promptly + disappear. The new Cabinet instantly proclaimed themselves "lovers of peace, + but not afraid of war;" and an altered tone of feeling and policy was + quickly observable on the Continent.</p> + + <p>The peculiar position and interests of Great Britain impose upon her one + paramount obligation—to interfere as little as possible with the + affairs of other nations, especially in Europe—<i>never</i>, except + upon compulsion—when bound by treaty, or when the eye of a profound + and watchful statesmanship has detected in existence unquestionable elements + of danger to the general peace and welfare of the world. To be always + scrutinizing the movements of foreign states, with a view to convicting them + of designs to destroy the balance of power (as it is called) in Europe, and + thereupon evincing a disposition to assume an offensively distrustful and + hostile attitude, requiring explanations, and disclaimers, and negotiations, + which every one knows the slightest miscarriage may convert into inevitable + pretexts and provocatives of war—is really almost to court the + destruction of our very national existence. If there was one principle of + action possessed by the late Government to be regarded as of more importance + than another, it was that of maintaining peace, and non-intervention in the + affairs of other nations. This, indeed, was emblazoned upon the banner + unfurled by Lord Grey, on advancing to the head of affairs. Can it, however, + be necessary to show how systematically—how perilously—this + principle was set at nought by the late Government? As represented by Lord + Palmerston, Great Britain had got to be regarded as the most pestilent, + intrusive, mischief-making of neighbours. A little longer, and our name + would have actually <i>stunk in the nostrils</i> of Europe. Some began to + hate us; others, to despise us!! all, to cease <i>dreading</i> us. In the + language of a powerful journalist, (the <i>Spectator</i>,) opposed on most + points to the present Government, "the late Ministers commenced a career, + perilous in the extreme to all the best interests of the + nation—demoralizing public opinion, wasting public resources, and + entangling the country in quarrels alike endless and aimless; and all this + with a labouring after melodramatic stage effect, and a regardlessness of + consequences perfectly unprecedented." We were, in the words of truth and + soberness, fast losing our moral ascendency in Europe—by a series of + querulous, petty, officious, needless, undignified interpositions; by the + exhibition of a vacillating and short-sighted policy; by appearing (novel + position for Great Britain) "willing to wound, but yet afraid to strike;" by + conceiving and executing idle and preposterous schemes of aggrandizement and + conquest. To go no further in Europe than our immediate neighbour, France, + let us ask whether Lord Palmerston did not bring us to the very verge, and + keep us at it for many months, of actual war with that power, which is + always unhappily eager to "cry hurra, and let slip the dogs of war;" and + with reference to <i>us</i>, to go out of their way to create occasions for + misunderstanding, and hostilities? Were we not really on the verge of + war?—of a war which would have instantly kindled all over Europe a war + of extermination? Not, however, to descend to the discussion of recent + occurrences familiar to every body, we shall very briefly advert to the + state of our relations with America, with China, and of our affairs in + British India, when Sir Robert Peel assumed the direction of affairs. Lord + Palmerston has never been sufficiently called to account for his long, most + disgraceful, and perilous neglect of our serious differences with America; + and which had brought us to within a hair's-breadth of a declaration of war, + which, whatever might have been its issue, (possibly not difficult to have + foreseen,) would have been disastrous to both countries, and to one of them + utterly destructive. It is notorious that within the last eighteen or twenty + months, every arrival from the west was expected to bring intelligence of + the actual commencement of hostilities. The state of public feeling towards + us in America was being every hour more exasperated and malignant. The + accession of the present Government opened, however, a bright and happy + prospect of an adjustment of all difficulties; honourable to both parties. + How long had they been in power, before they had earned universal applause + by their prompt and masterly move, in dispatching Lord Ashburton to America + on his delicate, difficult, and most responsible mission? Was ever man + selected for a great public duty so peculiarly and consummately fitted for + it? And how admirably has he discharged it! as our opponents may hear for + themselves early in the ensuing session. Do Ministers deserve no credit for + hitting on this critical device? Was it no just cause of congratulation, to + be able to find such a person amongst the ranks of their own immediate and + most distinguished supporters? We are now, happily, at perfect peace with + America; and, notwithstanding some present untoward appearances, trust that + both countries will soon reap the advantages of it. Of what real + <i>value</i> that peace may be, however, with reference to their extensive + commercial relations with us, is another question, dependent entirely on the + character which they may vindicate to themselves for honour and fidelity in + their pecuniary transactions. That rests with themselves alone: whether they + will go forward in a career of improvement and greatness, or sink into + irretrievable disgrace and ruin, REPUDIATED and scouted by all mankind. We + cannot quit America without a very anxious allusion to late occurrences in + Canada. We feel words inadequate to express our sense of the transcendent + importance of preserving in their integrity our Canadian possessions. No + declaration of her Majesty since her accession gave greater satisfaction to + her subjects, than that of her inflexible determination to preserve + inviolate her possessions in Canada. We are of opinion that Lord Durham did + incalculable, and perhaps irreparable, mischief there. We have no time, + however, to enter into details concerning either his policy and proceedings, + or those of Lord Sydenham; and we are exceedingly anxious also to offer no + observations on the recent movements of Sir Charles Bagot, beyond a frank + expression of the profound anxiety with which we await Ministerial + explanations in the ensuing session. Before these pages shall have met the + reader's eyes, Sir Charles Bagot may be no longer numbered among men. We + therefore withhold all comment on his late proceedings, which we are + satisfied have originated in an anxious desire to serve the best interests + of his country. We confidently believe that Ministers will be able + abundantly to satisfy the country upon this subject; and that, in the event + of the necessity arising, they will choose a successor to Sir Charles Bagot + every way qualified for his very responsible post, thoroughly instructed as + to the line of policy he is to adopt, and capable of carrying it out with + skill and energy. It is impossible to turn to India, for the purpose of + taking a necessarily rapid and general view of the course of recent events + there, without experiencing great emotion, arising from conflicting causes. + We have already said, that our vast and glorious Indian empire is indeed the + wonder of the world. Every one of our countrymen is aware of the means by + which we originally acquired it, and that have subsequently augmented and + retained it by an almost inconceivable amount of expenditure and + exertion—by the display of overwhelming civil and military genius. If, + moreover, he has entered into Indian history with proper feeling and + intelligence, he will be able to appreciate the truth and force of the + celebrated saying of one who contributed immensely to our ancient greatness + in India, viz.—that <i>we hold India by</i> OPINION <i>only:</i> the + opinion which is there entertained of our greatness of national character, + intellectual and moral—of our wisdom, our justice, our power. If this + fail us, our downfall in India inevitably follows; and memorable and + tremendous indeed will be such an event, amongst all nations, and at all + future times, till the name of England is blotted from the recollection of + mankind. Therefore it is that we all regard the administration of affairs in + India with profound anxiety, justly requiring, in those to whom it is + entrusted, an intimate practical acquaintance with Indian character and + manners, with Anglo-Indian history, and a clear view of the policy to be + ever kept in sight, and ability and determination to carry it out to the + uttermost. When Lord Auckland went to India, under the Whig Government, in + 1836, he found both its foreign and domestic affairs in a satisfactory + state—peaceful and prosperous—with, upon the whole, a sufficient + military force, notwithstanding the immense reduction of Lord William + Bentinck. How did he leave it to his successor, Lord Ellenborough, in 1841? + The prospect which awaited that successor was indeed dark, troubled, and + bloody. An army, alas! dreadfully defeated in one quarter, and dangerously + disaffected in another; a war of extermination in Affghanistan; probable + hostilities with Burmah and Nepaul; an almost hopelessly involved foreign + policy; and, moreover, under these desperate circumstances, with a treasury + <i>empty!</i></p> + + <p>We shall confine ourselves to one topic, the war in + Affghanistan—which we fearlessly, and with deep indignation, pronounce + to have inflicted almost irreparable injury on the British nation—an + almost indelible stain on the British character—and to have shaken the + whole of our Eastern possessions. Lord Auckland, in listening, and his + superiors at home in instructing him to listen, to the representations of + Shah Soojah, and to be persuaded by him to embark in the late disastrous and + disgraceful campaign, were guilty either of an incredible weakness and + ignorance of the nature of the cause they were espousing, together with an + inconceivable degree of short-sightedness as to the most obvious + consequences of it, or of infamous hypocrisy in making the restoration of + Shah Soojah only the pretext and stepping-stone to the conquest of + Affghanistan, in the most criminal and reckless spirit of imaginary + aggrandizement and extension of territory that ever has actuated the rules + of India. Will they pretend that it was really designed, and necessarily so, + solely for the purpose of defeating subtle and dangerous intrigues on the + part of Russia and Persia? Listen to the language of one of the responsible + authors of the policy since followed by such fearful consequences, Sir John + Hobhouse—who, on the 11th July 1840, on the occasion of a dinner given + to their richly and prematurely rewarded hero, Lord Keane, thus poured forth + his insane, exulting avowal of the real object they had had in + view:—</p> + + <blockquote> + "The gallant officer had alluded to the late addition made to the vast + territory of the East India Company. <i>It was just possible</i> that that + territory had <i>at that moment</i> received a further and important + increase. <i>It is just possible,</i> that since he (Sir John Hobhouse) + last met the Directors at the festive board—now about six months + since—the Government of India <i>has been enabled to make an + addition to its territory, the vast consequences of which could scarcely + be imagined in the wildest dream of fancy</i>, and which for centuries + would be of advantage to the empire!!! In the history of the world there + was no instance of yearly sovereigns (as the Directors of the Company + were) having conquered so vast a territory as that of India. There was no + instance of such successive success. To them the happiness belonged of + giving to the vast country under their control the blessing of education. + It was owing to God's ministering hand, by which successive Directions had + sprung up to spread the benefits of light and knowledge in India, and + among a people enshrouded in darkness and idolatry. It was scarcely a + hundred years ago since the power of the East India Company was felt in + India; their banners were now flying from the Indus to the Burrampooter. + He would say emphatically, go on in the great work of extending the + religion, civilization, and education of India; for the wishes of the good + are with you—go on in your great work, for the sake of India, and + Great Britain itself." + </blockquote> + + <p>What must <i>now</i> be the feelings of Sir John Hobhouse and his brother + ex-Ministers on this paragraph catching his eyes; when they reflect on the + frightful sacrifice of life, British and Affghan—the defeat of our + arms while engaged in a shameful and wicked cause—with its perilous + effects upon the stability of our tenure of India—which have directly + resulted from the measures thus vaingloriously vaunted of! A thousand + reflections here occur to us upon the subject of the insane (or guilty) + conduct of the late Government in India; but the extent to which this + article has already reached, compels us to suppress them. We the less regret + this circumstance, however, because there really seems but one opinion upon + this topic among well-informed persons. After the last intelligence from + India, it is idle, it is needless, to attempt reasoning on the subject; to + ask how we should have strengthened ourselves by the destruction of a + powerful and (according to authentic intelligence) a really friendly chief + in Dost Mahommed; how we could even have <i>occupied</i> Affghanistan + without a ruinous expenditure, continual alarm and danger from a perpetual + series of treachery and insurrection; and to what purpose, after all, of + solid advantage! The whole policy of Lord Auckland was incontestably one of + mad encroachment, conquest, and aggrandizement, in utter ignorance of the + character and exigencies of the times; the Duke of Wellington's memorable + prediction is now far more than fulfilled! "<i>It will not be till Lord + Auckland's policy has reached the zenith of apparent success, that its + difficulties will begin to develope themselves.</i>" Begin to develope + themselves! What would have become of us, had the councils originating that + policy still been in the ascendant, we tremble to contemplate. The exulting + French press, on hearing of our recent disasters, thus expressed + themselves:<a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href= + "#footnote7"><sup>7</sup></a> "<i>England is rich and energetic. She may + re-establish her dominion in India for some time longer; but the term of her + Indian empire is marked, it will conclude before the quarter of a + century.</i>" Such has been the anticipated—such would have been the + inevitable result of the policy which Sir Robert Peel's Government, guided + by the profound sagacity of the Duke of Wellington, made it their first + business <i>totally to reverse</i>; not, however, till they had completely + re-established the old terror of our arms, convincing the natives of India + that what we were of yore, we still are; that our punishment of treachery is + instant and tremendous; that we can act with irresistible vigour and + complete success, at one and the same moment, both in India and in China. In + their minds, may the splendour of our recent victories efface the + recollection of our previous bloody and disgraceful defeats! And if we + cannot make them <i>forget</i> the wickedness—the folly—the + madness which originally dictated our invasion of Affghanistan, at least we + have shown them how calmly and magnanimously we can obey the dictates of + justice and of prudence, <i>in the very moment of, fierce and exciting + military triumph</i>. May, indeed, such be the effect of all that has + recently occurred, whether adverse or prosperous, in India! For the former, + the guilty councils of the late Government are alone answerable; for the + latter, we are exclusively indebted to the vigour and sagacity of our + present Government. The proclamation in which Lord Ellenborough announces + our abandonment of Affghanistan will probably excite great discussion, and + possibly (on the part of the late Government) furious objurgation, in the + ensuing session of Parliament. We are so delighted at the achievement which + was the subject of that proclamation, that even were there valid grounds of + objection to its taste and policy, we should entirely overlook them. If even + Lord Ellenborough, in the excitement of the glorious moment in which he + penned the proclamation, departed from the style of all previous state + documents of that character, was it not very excusable? But we are disposed + to vindicate the propriety of the step he took. It may be said that it was + highly impolitic to make so frank an avowal to the natives of India, that a + mere change of Ministry at home may be attended with a total and instant + revolution in our native policy, to place on record a formal and humiliating + confession of our errors and misconduct. But let it be borne in mind how + potent and glaring was already that error, that misconduct, with all its + alarming consequences; and that one so intimately acquainted as Lord + Ellenborough with the Indian character, may have seen, <i>then and + there</i>, reasons to recommend the course he has adopted, which may not + occur to us at home. That document will truly purport, in all time to come, + to have been issued in a spirit of remarkable wisdom and justice, at the + very moment of our having achieved the proudest triumph we could have + desired for our arms. But, above all, what does that striking document tell, + but <i>the truth</i>, and nothing but <i>the truth</i>? Let us, however, now + confidently rely on the vast advantages which we cannot but derive from a + prudent and vigorous administration of the affairs of India. We trust that + Lord Ellenborough will persevere in the admirable line of conduct which he + has hitherto adopted, turning neither to the right hand nor the left, + disturbed by no sinister hopes or fears. Let his grand object be, by every + legitimate means at his command, <i>to Anglicize India</i>; to encourage the + adoption of English habits of thought, the practical appreciation of English + principles of government; in short, thoroughly to identify the people of + India with the people of England, in all their partialities, and prejudices, + and interests. Every thing he has hitherto done in India, we rejoice to + observe, tends this way. Let him but persevere, and he will acquire + imperishable renown, and reflect permanent splendour on the Government which + appointed him. In a confident and well-founded reliance upon his fitness for + his post, upon his capacity for thoroughly carrying out the policy of a + strong and enlightened Conservative government, which has entrusted to him + the management of such vast and splendid national interests—the nation + now looks with a bright untroubled eye towards India.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>—"Now is the winter of our discontent</p> + + <p>Made glorious summer!</p> + + <p>And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house</p> + + <p>In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.</p> + + <p>Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths,</p> + + <p>Our bruisèd arms hung up for monuments,</p> + + <p>Our stern alarums changed to merry meetings,</p> + + <p>Our dreadful marches to delightful measures!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Our allotted space is well-nigh exhausted, and we have only now reached + the confines of CHINA!—a topic on which we had prepared ourselves for + a very full expression of our opinions. We are compelled, however, now to + content ourselves with a mere outline of our intended observations on a + subject—our victory over the Emperor of China—which is pregnant + with matter for long and profound reflection. Abstractly, our triumphant + assault on these distant and vast dominions, affords matter for national + pride and exultation, as far as concerns our naval and military renown; and + the names of Parker and Gough will never be forgotten in British history. + The submission of the Emperor of China to our arms, is an event calculated + of itself to distinguish the reign of our glorious sovereign, Queen + Victoria, far beyond those of most of her predecessors. It is an event that + concerns and affects the prospects and interests of the whole world, and + though it is at this moment occupying the thoughts of all the statesmen of + Europe, with reference to its contingent effects upon their respective + countries, not the most experienced and sagacious of them can predict with + safety what will be its effects within even the next year or two. As for + ourselves, our present prevalent feeling seems to be in accordance with our + daring military character, which would say merely—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"Why then, <i>China's</i> our oyster</p> + + <p>Which we with sword have open'd."</p> + </div> + + <p>But to those in England who are accustomed to regard occurrences with + reference to their probable consequences, the recent events in China afford + matter for the most anxious reflection of which thinking men are + capable—whether in the character of philosophers, of statesmen, of + warriors, or of merchants. Were we justified in our attack upon the Emperor + of China? We have no hesitation whatever in expressing our opinion, after + having had our attention for some years directed to the subject of our + relation with China, in the affirmative. From the moment of our first + intercourse with that people, we have had to submit to a series of + indignities sufficient to kindle into fury the feelings of any one who + merely reads any authentic account of those indignities. The Chinese have + long derived an immense revenue, together with other great advantages, from + us; encouraging us to embark a vast capital in our trade with them, and to + form great permanent establishments dependent upon it. Language cannot + describe the degrading circumstances under which we have been forced to + carry on our commercial intercourse with the Chinese; our long submission to + such conduct having, of course, insured its continual aggravation. The Opium + trade, perhaps beneficially, brought matters to a crisis. It was alleged on + behalf of the Emperor, that we were surreptitiously, and from motives of + gain, corrupting and destroying his people, by supplying them with opium; + but it is easily demonstrable that this was only a pretence for endeavouring + to effect a change in the medium of our dealings with them, vastly + beneficial to the Emperor, and disadvantageous to us. We might have been + permitted to quadruple our supply of opium to his subjects, if we would have + been content to be paid, <i>not in bullion</i>, but by taking Chinese goods + in exchange; in a word, to change the basis of our dealings from <i>sale</i> + to <i>barter</i>; and all this from a totally groundless notion of the + Emperor and his advisers, that we were draining his kingdom of silver + —in their own words, "causing the Sycee silver to ooze out of the + dominions of the Brother of the Sun and the Moon." Their desperate anxiety + to carry this point, led them to take the decisive step of seizing a vast + quantity of our opium, under circumstances perfectly familiar to every body; + constituting a crowning indignity and injury, which, without reference to + the original legality or illegality of the opium trade, gave us an + unquestionable cause for war against the Emperor. He seized the person of + her Majesty's representative, and those of many of her principal subjects in + China; and under the threat of inflicting death upon them, extorted a + delivery of an enormous amount of property belonging to her Majesty's + subjects. If this was not a cause of war with any nation, whether civilized + or uncivilized, there never was one; and without going into further detail, + we have stated sufficient to justify, beyond all doubt, our commencement of + hostilities against China. But this occurred so long ago as the month of + March 1839; yet, to the eternal scandal of the then existing Government, no + effectual warlike demonstration was made to redress this flagrant + unparalleled outrage on the British nation, till better councils, those of + the present Government, were had recourse to by her Majesty; and which led + to the quick triumphant result with which the world is now ringing. Till the + present vigorous Government took the affair in hand, we were + <i>pottering</i> about the extremities of the empire, month after month, + even year after year, at a ruinous expense, in a way justly calculated to + excite the derision of even the Chinese—of the whole world who had + heard of our mode of procedure. It will be in vain for the late Government + to endeavour meanly to make Captain Elliot their scapegoat. Let them, if + they can, satisfy the nation that, in all he appears to have done so + ineffectually and disgracefully, he did not act according to the strict + orders of the late Government; that in all he would have done, and wished to + have done, viz. to carry hostilities at once, with an adequate force, to the + right point of attack, he was not either positively overruled, or left + without advice and authority. Owing to their own want of forethought, of + energy, and of practical knowledge, and their financial mismanagement, even + if they had contemplated the plan of operations which led ultimately to the + successful enterprize on which we are now justly congratulating ourselves, + they <i>could</i> not, they <i>did not</i> act upon them. No, it was left + for the present Government, under the auspices of him who told us that + "England <i>could</i> not carry on a little war," amidst all the + embarrassments and dangers which they had just inherited from their + predecessors, to send out the peremptory instructions which have been so + ably acted upon; and <i>above all</i>, a naval and military force fully + adequate for the occasion. This done, China succumbed; and we understand + that poor Lord Palmerston is pluming himself on being able to produce, next + session, a despatch which he issued to Sir Henry Pottinger, chalking out the + very line of operations which was adopted with such supreme success. We, of + course, cannot officially know that such is the fact: but even admitting it, + why did not Lord Palmerston do this far earlier? What excuse can be offered + for this vacillation and procrastination in an affair of such vast urgency? + "We had not the means to equip a sufficient force," his lordship may reply, + in his usual strain of bitter flippancy. And why had he not the means? The + extravagance and profligacy of his Government had deprived him of them; his + exchequer was empty; and had he, or they, the boldness or the virtue to + propose what has been demonstrated to have been the only mode of meeting the + exigency, an income-tax? In vain, therefore, may his lordship and his + friends declaim in the ensuing session, and with our bombardment of China in + his ears, say "that is <i>my</i> thunder." They will be only laughed at and + despised. No, no, Lord Palmerston; <i>palmam qui meruit, ferat.</i> Let the + nation decide.</p> + + <p>The late military and naval proceedings against China, reflect permanent + glory upon the arms of England, naval and military, and we earnestly + hope—we confidently believe—that those concerned in them will + soon receive substantial and enduring marks of national gratitude. But what + is the real value, what will be the consequences, of our victory? We are + very anxious to take the earliest opportunity of placing on record our views + upon this all-important subject, with a view of moderating the expectations, + and allaying the excitement, which prevails upon the subject of the + commercial advantages anticipated to follow immediately on the final + ratification of the treaty. Let us take a sober and common-sense view of the + affair, and reason thus:—</p> + + <p>First of all, we must bear in mind the long-cherished hatred borne by the + Emperor and his court to all barbarians, particularly towards us; + exasperated now, doubtless, to a pitch of extreme intensity and malignity, + by the signal humiliation and injury we have inflicted upon him. Can we + expect that this will be suddenly and permanently altered? It is not in + human nature, which is the same every where. With the thunder of our cannon + in his ears, the supplies of his whole empire at our immediate mercy, his + armies scattered like dust, and his forts and walled cities crumbling to + pieces under our artillery, the necessity of his position forced him to buy + peace on almost any terms. We have exacted from him what is at variance with + the fixed Chinese policy of ages. The more he, by and by, reflects upon it, + in the absence of our awe-inspiring military and naval forces, the more + galling and intolerable will become the contemplation of what he has been + compelled to concede and sacrifice. Who knows what artful falsehoods may not + be perseveringly poured into his ear, day after day, month after month, year + after year, to our disadvantage and disparagement in his estimation? He may + not dare, perhaps, to resort to open hostility, directly to provoke our + tremendous vengeance; but those best acquainted with China, know what + countless facilities exist for his doing indirectly what he dares not, or + may choose not, to do openly. We are not without fear, from our knowledge of + the Chinese character, and of their long-established mode of procedure, that + every chicane and evasion will be resorted to, in order to neutralize and + nullify, as far as possible, the commercial advantages which we have, at the + cannon's mouth, extorted from them. A great deal, at all events, will depend + on the skill, firmness, and vigilance, of the consuls to be appointed at the + five opened ports of China. We rely, also, greatly on the unquestionable + eagerness of the <i>Chinese</i> people to enter into trading relations with + us. The Emperor, however, and those by whose counsels he is guided, are + Tartars, between whom and the Chinese there is a long-cherished and bitter + hostility, which may eventually operate in our favour. Adverting, for a + moment, to the proceedings of Sir Henry Pottinger, we feel very great doubt, + indeed, whether our forces should not, either with or without the consent of + the Chinese, have gone on to Pekin, and insisted on the negotiations being + carried on <i>there</i>. What a prodigious effect would not thereby have + been produced, not only on the mind of the Emperor, but of the whole nation! + The painful but salutary truth of their own weakness, and our power, would + have been thus "brought home to their businesses and bosoms,"—there + could never afterwards have been any pretence for his or their saying, that + they had been deceived in any part of the proceedings. Doubtless, however, + Sir Henry Pottinger acted advisedly in abstaining from penetrating to Pekin, + and also from stipulating for the residence of a British ambassador at + Pekin. How such a proposal would have been received—or how, if adopted + and carried into effect, it would have answered our expectations—it is + difficult to say; but we have several letters lying before us, from + peculiarly well-informed persons on the spot, in all of which the absence of + this stipulation from the treaty is very greatly regretted. "I am afraid," + says one, "we shall be again left to the tender mercies of the local + mandarins, and that their old habits of arrogance and deceit and extortion, + will be resumed. For what are <i>consuls?</i> They have no power of + communicating even with the provincial officers: or if this should now be + conceded, they have none with the government at Pekin: and may we not fear + that the Chinese will continue to force away gradually, by effectual but + invisible obstacles, the trade from the ports now ostensibly opened to us?" + The gentleman, from whose long and very able letter we have quoted this + paragraph, takes a somewhat disheartening view of the treaty, and its + probable observance and consequences. He is on the spot, and has access to + the best sources of knowledge; but we confess, that for our own part, we do + not share his apprehensions. Whatever disposition to do so the Emperor or + his people may entertain, we believe they will neither dare at all to offend + or injure us openly, or persevere long in attempting to do so indirectly. It + may be a work of time but as soon as they perceive the steady benefits + derivable from a prudently-conducted course of dealing with them, we think + it likely that a sense of self-interest will lead them to encourage our + intercourse and augment our dealings. On one thing we regret to feel certain + that we must calculate—namely, on an enormous overstocking of the + Chinese market with articles of British merchandize, long before any + sensible, or at least important, demand for them shall have been created; + which will of course lead to serious loss on the part of the adventurers. We + must also expect Hong-Kong, and the five open ports, to be forthwith flooded + with commercial adventurers. To all such we would earnestly + say—"pause. Consider the circumstances of China—how capricious + and perfidious its people are by nature—the <i>possibility</i>, at all + events, of their acting on the hostile policy we have above alluded to, and + discouraging your trade; or if not so, still do not imagine that the vast + empire of China is standing agape for any sort of goods you may send or take + out." We must, however, pass on to allude briefly to a subject both + important and difficult—the opium trade with China. This is a subject + imperatively demanding the best consideration of the Government. A careful + examination of the subject, in all its bearings, induces us, with due + diffidence, to express an opinion that the Government sale of opium in India + should cease. We cannot, of course, prevent the poppy's being grown in + India—nor, on the other hand, should a great source of revenue be + easily parted with. Let their opium be produced and sold as before, and + subject to such a tax as may appear expedient to the Government. With + reference to the policy and propriety of our continuing to supply opium to + the Chinese, we have already expressed our opinion as to the true ground of + objection to it by the Emperor of China, namely, simply a financial, not a + moral or religious one. We have reason to believe that Sir Henry Pottinger + most strenuously, and, in our opinion, most judiciously, urged upon the + imperial commissioners the expediency of the raising a revenue from opium, + by legalizing its importation. To this they replied, however, "that they did + not dare, <i>at present</i>, to bring the painful subject to the Emperor's + notice." We are, notwithstanding, very strongly of opinion that the opium + trade will, at no distant period, be legalized, as soon as the Emperor can + be made to understand the great profit he will derive from it. In any event, + it will be obviously nugatory for the Government directly to prohibit + British subjects from importing opium into China. The only effect of such a + measure would be, that they could carry on the trade through the + intervention of foreigners.</p> + + <p>Many other topics, such as the opportunity now afforded for the + introduction of the Christian religion into China, the extent to which we + shall be permitted to acquire a knowledge of the habits, the economy, the + literature, and the science, of China; the exertions which may be expected + from other nations to share in the advantages which we have, by our own + unassisted efforts, secured—we must pass over, as inconsistent with + the limits assigned us, or, indeed, the scope of this article.</p> + + <p>Whatever may be the ultimate effects of the blow we have struck in China, + there can be no doubt that it has prodigiously extended the reputation, and + augmented the influence of Great Britain, especially coupled as it is with + our contemporaneous brilliant successes in India, and our satisfactory + adjustment of our differences with America. We are now, thank God, at peace + with all the world, to whose counsels soever it is to be attributed. Let us + now endeavour to make the most of the blessings which the Divine favour + vouchsafes to us. Let us cultivate virtue—let us cherish religion. Let + us, as a nation, give up all idle and dangerous dreams of foreign conquest, + satisfied that we already possess as much as it is possible for us to hold, + with safety and advantage. Let us <i>honour all men</i>. At home, let us + bear with cheerfulness the burthens necessarily imposed to support the + state, and each do all that lies in us to extinguish party animosities; + generously and cordially co-operating with, and supporting those whom we + believe honestly striving to carry on the government of this great country, + at a very critical conjuncture of affairs, with dignity and prudence. Let us + discourage faction, and each, in our several spheres exert ourselves to + ameliorate the condition of the inferior classes of society. May the ensuing + session of Parliament commence its labours auspiciously, and in due course + bring them to a peaceful and happy close, in a spirit of good will towards + all men of loyalty to our Queen, and piety towards God!</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s2" id="bw327s2"></a>LESURQUES; OR, THE VICTIM OF JUDICIAL + ERROR.</h2> + + <blockquote class="note"> + [Many as are the frightful cases of error recorded in the annals of every + judiciary court, there are few more striking of the uncertainty of + evidence respecting personal identity, and of the serious errors based + upon it, than are to be read in the curious trial we are about to relate; + and which has, for forty years, been the subject of parliamentary appeals + in the country where it took place. The recent death of the widow of the + unhappy sufferer excites a fresh interest in her wrongs, so strangely left + unredressed by the very government that was the unwitting cause of them.] + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <h3>I.—THE FOUR GUESTS.</h3> + + <p>On the 4th Floréal of the 4th year of the Republic, one and + indivisible, (23d April 1796,) four young men were seated at a splendid + breakfast in the Rue des Boucheries at Paris. They were all dressed in the + costume of the <i>Incroyables</i> of the period; their hair + <i>coiffés en cadenettes</i> and <i>en oreilles de chien</i>, + according to the fantastic custom of the day; they had all top-boots, with + silver spurs, large eyeglasses, various watch-chains, and other articles of + <i>bijouterie</i>; carrying also the little cane, of about a foot and a half + in length, without which no dandy was complete. The breakfast was given by a + M. Guesno, a van-proprietor of Douai, who was anxious to celebrate the + arrival at Paris of his compatriot Lesurques, who had recently established + himself with his family in the busy capital.</p> + + <p>"Yes, <i>mon cher</i> Guesno," said Lesurques, "I have quitted for ever + our good old town of Douai; or, if not for ever, at least until I have + completed in Paris the education of my children. I am now thirty-three years + of age. I have paid my debt to my country by serving in the regiment of + Auvergne, with some distinction. On leaving the ranks I was fortunate enough + to make my services of some slight use, by fulfilling, gratuitously, the + functions of <i>chef de bureau</i> of the district. At present, thanks to my + patrimony and the dowery of my wife, I have an income of fifteen thousand + francs (L.600) a-year, am without ambition, have three children, and my only + care is to educate them well. The few days that I have been at Paris have + not been wasted; I have a pretty apartment, Rue Montmartre, where I expect + to be furnished, and ready to receive you in my turn, with as much comfort + as heartiness."</p> + + <p>"Wisely conceived," interrupted one of the guests, who, till this moment, + had maintained a profound silence; "but who can count upon the morrow in + such times as these? May your projects of peace and retirement, Monsieur, be + realized: if so, you will then be the happiest man in the Republic; for + during the last five or six years, there has been no <i>citoyen</i>, high or + low, who could predict what the next week would decide for him."</p> + + <p>The speaker uttered this with a tone of bitterness and discouragement + which contrasted strangely with the flaunting splendour of his toilet, and + the appetite with which he had done honour to the breakfast. He was young, + and would have been remarkably handsome, had not his dark eyes and shaggy + brows given an expression of fierceness and dissimulation to his + countenance, which he vainly endeavoured to hide, by never looking his + interlocutor in the face. His name was Couriol. His presence at this + breakfast was purely accidental. He had come to see M. Richard, (the + proprietor of the house where M. Guesno alighted on his journey to Paris, + and who was also one of the guests,) just as they were about to sit down to + table, and was invited to join them without ceremony.</p> + + <p>The breakfast passed off gaily, in spite of the sombre Couriol; and after + two hours' conviviality, they adjourned to the Palais Royal, where, after + taking their café at the <i>Rotonde du Caveau</i>, they + separated.</p> + + <h3>II.—THE FOUR HORSEMEN.</h3> + + <p>A few days afterwards, on the 8th Floréal, four men mounted on + dashing looking horses, which, however, bore the unequivocal signs of being + hired for the day, rode gaily out of Paris by the barrier of Charenton; + talking and laughing loudly, caracoling with great enjoyment, and apparently + with nothing but the idea of passing as joyously as possible a day devoted + to pleasure.</p> + + <p>An attentive observer, however, who did not confine his examination to + their careless exteriors, might have remarked that, beneath their long + <i>lévites,</i> (a peculiar cloak then in fashion,) they carried each + a sabre, suspended at the waist, the presence of which was betrayed from + time to time by a slight clanking, as the horses stumbled or changed their + paces. He might have further remarked a sinister pre-occupation and a + brooding fierceness in the countenance of one, whose dark eyes peeped out + furtively beneath two thick brows. He took but little share in the + boisterous gaiety of the other three, and that little was forced; his laugh + was hollow and convulsive. It was Couriol.</p> + + <p>Between twelve and one, the four horsemen arrived at the pretty village + of Mongeron, on the road to Melun. One of them had preceded them at a + hand-gallop to order dinner at the <i>Hôtel de la Poste</i>, kept by + the Sieur Evrard. After the dinner, to which they did all honour, they + called for pipes and tobacco—(cigars were then almost + unknown)—and two of them smoked. Having paid their bill, they + proceeded to the Cassino, where they took their café.</p> + + <p>At three o'clock they remounted their horses, and following the road, + shaded by stately elms, which leads from Mongeron to the forest of + Lénart, they reached Lieursaint; where they again halted. One of + their horses had cast a shoe, and one of the men had broken the little chain + which then fastened the spur to the boot. The horseman to whom this accident + had happened, stopped at the entrance of the village at Madame + Châtelain's, a <i>limonadière</i>, whom he begged to serve him + some café, and at the same time to give him a needleful of strong + thread to mend the chain of his spur. She did so, but observing the + traveller to be rather awkward in his use of the needle, she called her + servant, <i>la femme</i> Grossetète, who fixed the chain for him, and + helped him to place it on his boot. The other three travellers had, during + this time, alighted at the inn kept by the Sieur Champeaux, where they drank + some wine; while the landlord himself accompanied the traveller and his + unshod horse to the farrier's, the Sieur Motteau. This finished, the four + met at Madame Châtelain's, where they played at billiards. At + half-past seven, after a parting cup with the Sieur Champeaux, whither they + returned to re-saddle their horses, they set off again in the direction of + Melun.</p> + + <p>The landlord stood at his door watching the travellers till out of sight, + and then turning into his house again, he saw on the table a sabre, which + one of his guests had forgotten to fasten to his belt; he dispatched one of + his stable-boys after them, but they were out of sight. It was not till an + hour afterwards, that the traveller who had had his spur-chain mended, + returned at full gallop to claim his sabre. He drank a glass of brandy, and + having fastened his weapon securely, departed at furious speed in the + direction taken by his comrades.</p> + + <h3>III.—THE ROBBERY AND MURDER.</h3> + + <p>At the same time that the horseman left Lieursaint for Paris, the Lyons + mail arrived there from Paris, and changed horses. It was about half-past + eight, and the night had been obscure for some time. The courier, having + charged horses and taken a fresh postilion, set forth to traverse the long + forest of Senart. The mail, at this epoch, was very different from what it + is at present. It was a simple post-chaise, with a raised box behind, in + which were placed the despatches. Only one place, by the side of the + courier, was reserved for travellers, and that was obtained with difficulty. + On the night in question this seat was occupied by a man of about thirty, + who had that morning taken it for Lyons, under the name of Laborde, a + silk-merchant; his real name was Durochat; his object may be guessed.</p> + + <p>At nine o'clock, the carriage having descended a declivity with great + speed, now slackened its course to mount a steep hill which faced it; at + this moment four horsemen bounded into the road—two of them seizing + the horses' heads, the two other attacked the postilion, who fell lifeless + at their feet, his skull split open by a sabre-cut. At the same + instant—before he had time to utter a word—the wretched courier + was stabbed to the heart by the false Laborde, who sat beside him. They + ransacked the mail of a sum of seventy-five thousand francs (L.3000) in + money, <i>assignats</i>, and bank-notes. They then took the postilion's + horse from the chaise, and Durochat mounting it, they galloped to Paris, + which they entered between four and five in the morning by the Barrier de + Rambouillet.</p> + + <h3>IV.—THE ARREST.</h3> + + <p>This double murder, committed with such audacity on the most frequented + route of France, could not but produce an immense sensation, even at that + epoch so fertile in brigandage of every sort, where the exploits of <i>la + Chouannerie</i>, and the ferocious expeditions of the + <i>Chauffeurs</i>,<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href= + "#footnote8"><sup>8</sup></a> daily filled them with alarm. The police were + at once in pursuit. The post-horse ridden by Durochat, and abandoned by him + on the Boulevard, was found wandering about the Palais Royale. It was known + that four horses covered with foam had been conducted at about five in the + morning to the stables of a certain Muiron, <i>Rue des Fossé's, + Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois</i>, by two men who had hired them the day before: + these men were Bernard and Couriol; the former of whom was immediately + arrested, the second had, with the other accomplices, taken flight.</p> + + <p>The research was pursued with great activity at Paris, as well as at the + scene of the crime, and along the route which the assassins had twice + travelled. The information obtained showed that there were five culprits. + The description of the four horsemen who rode from Paris, stopping at + Mongeron and Lieursaint, was furnished with as much precision as concordance + by the various witnesses who had seen and spoken to them on the road, and in + the inns and cafés. The description of the traveller, who, under the + name of Laborde, had taken the seat beside the courier, was furnished with + equal exactitude by the clerks, from whom he had retained the place, and by + those who saw him mount. Couriol, recognized as having with Bernard + conducted back the horses to Muiron, after the crime, had left Paris for + Château-Thierry, where he was lodged in the house of Citoyen Bruer, + where also Guesno had gone on some business. The police followed Couriol, + and arrested him. They found upon him a sum in money and assignats, nearly + equivalent to a fifth share of what the courier had been robbed. Guesno and + Bruer were also arrested, and had their papers seized; but they so + completely established their <i>alibi</i>, that they were at once dismissed + on their arrival at Paris. At the epoch of which we write, the examination + of judicial affairs followed a very different course from the one now traced + by the French code. It was to the Citoyen Daubenton, justice of the peace of + the division of Pont Neuf, and officer of the <i>police judiciare</i>, that + the Central Bureau confided the examination of this affair. This magistrate + having ordered the dismissal of Guesno, told him that he might present + himself at his <i>cabinet</i> on the morrow, for the papers which had been + seized at Château-Thierry; at the same time he ordered an officer, + Hendon, to start at once for Mangeron and Lieursaint, and to bring back the + witnesses, whose names he gave him, so that they might all be collected the + next day at the Bureau for examination.</p> + + <p>Guesno, desirous of having his papers as soon as possible, went out + early, and directed his steps towards the Central Bureau, which he had just + reached when he encountered his compatriot Lesurques; having explained to + him the motive that called him to the Bureau, he proposed to him that they + should go together. Lesurques accepted, and the Citizen Daubenton not having + yet arrived, they sat down in the antechamber, in order to see him as he + passed, and thus expedite the matter.</p> + + <p>About ten o'clock the judge, who had entered his cabinet by a back door, + was interrupted in his examination of the documents, previous to + interrogating the witnesses, by the officer Hendon, who demanded leave to + make an important communication. "Amongst the witnesses," said he, "now + waiting in the antechamber, are two women—one, <i>la femme</i> Santon, + servant to Evrard the innkeeper at Mongeron—the other, <i>la fille</i> + Grossetète, servant to Madame Châtelain the + <i>limonadière</i> at Lieursaint, who assert in the most positive + manner, that two of the assassins are there, waiting like them to be + admitted. These women declare that they cannot deceive themselves, for one + of them served the four travellers at Mongeron, and the other spoke to them + at Lieursaint, and stayed an hour in the billiard-room while they were + playing."</p> + + <p>The judge could not admit the probability of two of the assassins thus + voluntarily placing themselves within the grasp of the law, yet he ordered + the women to be shown into his presence. On interrogation, they persisted in + their statements, declaring that it was impossible they could deceive + themselves. Guesno was then introduced to the judge's presence, the women + being continued to examine him strictly before finally pronouncing as to his + identity.</p> + + <p>"What brings you to the Central Bureau?" demanded the judge.</p> + + <p>"I come to receive my papers," replied Guesno, "as you promised me + yesterday that I should have them on application."</p> + + <p>"Are you alone?"</p> + + <p>"I have a compatriot with me, one Joseph Lesurques, whom I met on the way + here."</p> + + <p>The judge then ordered the second individual designated by the women to + be introduced. It was Lesurques. He spoke to Lesurques and to Guesno for a + few minutes, and then begged them to return into the antechamber, where + their papers would be sent to them. An order was given, however, to the + officer, Hendon, not to lose sight of them.</p> + + <p>On their leaving the room, M. Daubenton again demanded of the women, if + they persisted in their declarations as to the identity of these men with + the criminals they were in search of. They replied, without hesitation, that + they were certain of it; that they could not be deceived. The magistrate was + then forced to receive their depositions in writing, and to order the arrest + of Guesno and Lesurques.</p> + + <p>From the moment of their arrest, the examination proceeded with great + rapidity. Guesno and Lesurques were confronted with the witnesses brought + from Mongeron and Lieursaint, and were recognised by all of them!</p> + + <p><i>La femme</i> Santon deposed, that Lesurques was the one who, after the + dinner at Mongeron, wanted to pay in <i>assignats</i>, but that the big dark + man (Couriol) paid in money. She was positive as to Lesurques being the + man.</p> + + <p>Champeaux and his wife, who kept the inn at Lieursaint, were equally + positive as to Lesurques being the one whose spur wanted mending, and who + came back to fetch the sabre which he had forgotten. Lafolie, groom at + Mongeron, and <i>la femme</i> Alfroy, also recognised him; and Laurent + Charbaut, labourer, who dined in the same room with the four horsemen, + recognised Lesurques as the one who had silver spurs fastened by little + chains to his top-boots. This combination of testimony, respecting one whom + they had seen but a few days before, was sufficient to leave little doubt in + the mind of any one. The trial was therefore fixed on.</p> + + <p>The day of his arrest, Lesurques wrote the following letter to one of his + friends, which was intercepted, and joined to the documentary evidence to be + examined on the trial:—</p> + + <blockquote> + "My dear Friend,—I have met with nothing but unpleasantries since my + arrival at Paris, but I did not—I could not anticipate the + misfortune which has befallen me to-day. You know me—and you know + whether I am capable of sullying myself with a crime—yet the most + atrocious crime is imputed to me. The mere thought of it makes me tremble. + I find myself implicated in the murder of the Lyons' courier. Three women + and two men, whom I know not—whose residence I know not—(for + you well know that I have not left Paris)—have had the impudence to + swear that they recognise me, and that I was the first of the four who + presented himself at their houses on horseback. You know, also, that I + have not crossed a horse's back since my arrival in Paris. You may + understand the importance of such an accusation, which tends at nothing + less than my judicial assassination. Oblige me by lending me the + assistance of your memory, and endeavour to recollect where I was and what + persons I saw at Paris, on the day when they impudently assert they saw me + out of Paris, (I believe it was the 7th or 8th,) in order that I may + confound these infamous calumniators, and make them suffer the penalty of + the law." + </blockquote> + + <p>In a postscript he enumerates the persons he saw on that day: Citoyen + Tixier, General Cambrai, 'Demoiselle Eugénie, Citoyen Hilaire Ledru, + his wife's hairdresser, the workmen in his apartments, and the porter of the + house.</p> + + <h3>V.—THE TRIAL, AND THE BLINDNESS OF ZEAL.</h3> + + <p>MM. Lesurques, Guesno, Couriol, Bernard, Richard, and Bruer, were + summoned before the tribunal of justice; the three first as authors or + accomplices of the murder and robbery—Bernard as having furnished the + horses—Richard as having concealed at his house Couriol—and his + mistress, Madelaine Breban, as having received and concealed part of the + stolen goods—and Bruer as having given Couriol refuge at + Château-Thierry.</p> + + <p>The witnesses persisted in their declarations as to the identity of + Guesno and Lesurques. But Guesno established beyond all doubt the fact of + his <i>alibi</i>; and Bruer easily refuted every charge that concerned + himself. Lesurques had cited fifteen witnesses—all respectable + men—and presented himself at the bar with a calmness and confidence + which produced a favourable impression. Against the positive testimony of + the six witnesses who asserted him to have been at Mongeron and Lieursaint + on the 8th Floréal, he had brought a mass of testimony to prove an + <i>alibi.</i></p> + + <p>Citoyen Legrand, a rich jeweller and goldsmith, compatriot of Lesurques, + was first examined. He deposed, that on the 8th Floréal—the day + on which the crime had been committed—Lesurques had passed a portion + of the morning with him.</p> + + <p>Aldenof, a jeweller, Hilaire Ledru, and Chausfer, deposed, that on that + day they dined with Lesurques in the <i>Rue Montorgueil;</i> that, after + dinner, they went to a café, took some liqueur, and went home with + him.</p> + + <p>Beudart, a painter, deposed that he was invited to the dinner, with + Lesurques and his friends, but that, as one of the national guard, he was + that day on service, and so was prevented attending; but that, he had gone + to Lesurques that very evening in his uniform, and had seen him go to bed. + In support of his deposition he produced his <i>billet de garde</i>, dated + the 8th.</p> + + <p>Finally, the workmen employed in the apartment that Lesurques was having + fitted up, deposed that they saw him at various times during the 8th and 9th + Floréal.</p> + + <p>No further doubt of his innocence now remained; the <i>alibi</i> was so + distinctly proved, and on such unquestionable testimony, that the jury + showed in their manner that they were ready to acquit him, when a fatal + circumstance suddenly changed the whole face of the matter.</p> + + <p>The jeweller Legrand, who had manifested such zeal in the establishment + of his friend's innocence, had, with an anxiety to avail himself of every + trifle, declared, that to prove the sincerity of his declaration, he would + cite a fact which prevented his being mistaken. On the 8th Floréal, + he had made before dinner an exchange of jewellery with the witness, + Aldenof. He proposed that his ledger should be sent for, as its entry there + would serve to fix all recollections.</p> + + <p>As a matter of form, the ledger was sent for. At the first glance, + however, it was evident that the <i>date</i> of the transaction, mentioned + by Legrand, had been <i>altered!</i> The exchange had taken place on the + 9th, and an alteration, badly dissimulated by an erasure, had substituted + the figure 8 for the original figure 9.</p> + + <p>Murmurs of surprise and indignation followed this discovery, and the + President, pressing Legrand with questions, and unable to obtain from him + any satisfactory answer, ordered his arrest. Legrand then, trembling and + terrified, retracted his former deposition, and declared that he was not + certain he had seen Lesurques on the 8th Floréal, but that he had + altered his book in order to give more probability to the declaration he had + determined to make in his friend's favour—of whose innocence he was so + assured, that it was only the conviction that he was accused erroneously, + which made him perjure himself to save that innocent head.</p> + + <p>From this moment, the jury received the depositions in favour of + Lesurques with extreme prejudice—those already heard seemed little + better than connivance, and those yet to be heard were listened to with such + suspicion as to have no effect. The conviction of his guilt was fixed in + every mind. Lesurques, despairing to get over such fatal appearances, ceased + his energetic denials, and awaited his sentence in gloomy silence. The jury + retired.</p> + + <p>At this moment a woman, agitated with the most violent emotions, demanded + to speak to the President. She said that she was moved by the voice of + conscience, and wished to save the criminal tribunal from a dreadful error. + It was Madelaine Breban, the mistress of Couriol. Brought before the + President, she declared that she knew positively Lesurques was innocent, and + that the witnesses, deceived by an inexplicable resemblance, had confounded + him with the real culprit, who was called Dubosq.</p> + + <p>Prejudiced as they were against Lesurques, and suspicious of all + testimony after the perjury they had already detected, the tribunal scarcely + listened to Madelaine Breban; and the jury returned with their verdict, in + consequence of which, Couriol, Lesurques, and Bernard were condemned to + death; Richard to four-and-twenty years' imprisonment; Guesno and Bruer were + acquitted.</p> + + <p>No sooner was the sentence passed, than Lesurques rose calmly, and + addressing the Judges, said, "I am innocent of the crime of which I am + accused. Ah! citoyens, if it is horrible to murder on the high-road, it is + not less so to murder by the law!"</p> + + <p>Couriol, condemned to death, rose and said, "Yes, I am guilty—I + avow it. But Lesurques is innocent, and Bernard did not participate in the + murder."</p> + + <p>Four times he reiterated this declaration; and, on entering his prison, + he wrote to the judge a letter full of sorrow and repentance, in which he + said, "I have never known Lesurques; my accomplices are Vidal, Rossi, + Durochat, and Dubosq. The resemblance of Lesurques to Dubosq has deceived + the witnesses."</p> + + <p>To this declaration of Couriol was joined that of Madelaine Breban, who, + after the judgment, returned to renew her protestation, accompanied by two + individuals, who swore that, before the trial, she had told them Lesurques + had never had any relations with the culprits; but that he was a victim of + his fatal likeness to Dubosq. These testimonies threw doubt in the minds of + the magistrates, who hastened to demand a reprieve from the Directory, + which, terrified at the idea of seeing an innocent man perish through a + judicial error, had recourse to the <i>Corps Législatif;</i> for + every other resource was exhausted. The message of the Directory to the Five + Hundred was pressing; its aim was to demand a reprieve, and a decision as to + what course to pursue. It ended thus: "Must Lesurques perish on the scaffold + because he resembles a villain?"</p> + + <p>The <i>Corps Législatif</i> passed to the order of the day, as + every condition had been legally fulfilled, that a particular case could not + justify an infraction of decreed laws; and that, too, on such indications, + to do away with a condemnation legally pronounced by a jury, would be to + overset all ideas of justice and equality before the law.</p> + + <p>The right of pardon had been abolished; and Lesurques had neither + resources nor hope. He bore his fate with firmness and resignation, and + wrote, on the day of his execution, this note to his wife:—</p> + + <p>"<i>Ma bonne Amie</i>,—There is no eluding ones destiny, I was + fated to be judicially murdered. I shall at least bear it with proper + courage. I send you my locks of hair; when our children are grown up, you + will divide it among them; it is the only heritage I can leave them."</p> + + <p>He addressed also a letter to Dubosq through the newspapers. "You, in + whose place I am about to perish, content yourself with the sacrifice of my + life. Should you ever be brought to justice, remember my three children + covered with opprobrium—remember my wife reduced to despair and do not + longer prolong their misfortunes."</p> + + <h3>VI.—THE EXECUTION.</h3> + + <p>The 10th March 1797, Lesurques was led to the scaffold. He wished to be + dressed completely in white, as a symbol of his innocence. He wore + pantaloons and frock-coat of white cotton, and his shirt-collar turned down + over his shoulders. It was the day before Good Friday, and he expressed + regret that he had not to die on the morrow. In passing from the prison + <i>de la Conciergerie</i> to the <i>Place de la Grève</i>, where the + execution took place, Couriol, placed beside Lesurques in the cart, cried + out to the people in a loud voice, "Citoyens, I am guilty! I am guilty! but + Lesurques is innocent."</p> + + <p>On arriving at the platform of the guillotine, already stained with the + blood of Bernard, Lesurques exclaimed, "I pardon my judges; I pardon the + witnesses through whose error I die; and I pardon Legrand, who has not a + little contributed to my judicial assassination. I die protesting my + innocence." In another instant he was no more.</p> + + <p>Couriol continued his declarations of Lesurques's innocence to the foot + of the scaffold; and, after a final appeal, he, too, delivered himself to + the executioner. The drop fell on a guilty neck, having before been stained + with the blood of two innocent men.</p> + + <p>The crowd retired with a general conviction that Lesurques had perished + guiltless; and several of the judges were seriously troubled by the doubts + which this day had raised in their minds. Many of the jury began to repent + having relied so on the affirmations of the witnesses from Mongeron and + Lieursaint, precise as they had been. M. Daubenton, the magistrate who had + first ordered the arrest, went home a thoughtful man, and determined to lose + no opportunity of getting at the truth, which the arrest of the three + accomplices mentioned by Couriol could alone bring to light.</p> + + <h3>VII.—THE PROOFS</h3> + + <p>Two years passed on without affording any clue to the conscientious + magistrate. One day, however, he heard that a certain Durochat was arrested + for a recent robbery, and was confined in the Sainte Pelagie; and + remembering that Durochat was the name of the one designated by Couriol as + having taken the place beside the courier, under the false name of Laborde. + At the epoch of the trial of Lesurques, it came out that several persons, + amongst them an inspector of the <i>administration des postes</i>, had seen + the false Laborde at the moment that he was awaiting the mail, and had + preserved a distinct recollection of his person.</p> + + <p>M. Daubenton, on ascertaining the day of Durochat's approaching trial for + robbery, went to the <i>administration des postes</i>, and obtained through + the <i>Chef</i> the permission to send for the inspector who had seen the + false Laborde, and who was no longer in Paris.</p> + + <p>The <i>juges du tribunal</i> had also been warned of the suspicions which + rested on Durochat. The day of trial arrived, and he was condemned to + fourteen years' imprisonment, and was about being led from the court when + the inspector arrived, and declared that Durochat was the man whom he had + seen on the 8th Floréal mount beside the courier under the false name + of Laborde. Durochat only opposed feeble denials to this declaration, and + was consequently taken to the <i>Conciergerie</i>.</p> + + <p>On the morrow, Durochat was transferred to Versailles, where he was to be + judged. Daubenton and a huissier departed with the prisoner and four + gendarmes. As they reached the village of Grosbois he demanded some + breakfast, for he had eaten nothing since the preceding day. They stopped at + the first <i>auberge</i>, and there Durochat manifested a desire to speak to + the magistrate in private.</p> + + <p>Daubenton ordered the gendarmes to leave them together, and even the + huissier, though he made him understand by a sign the danger of being alone + with so desperate a villain, was begged to retire. A breakfast was ordered + for the two. It was brought—but, by order of the huissier, only + <i>one</i> knife was placed on the table. Daubenton took it up, and began + carelessly to break an egg with it.</p> + + <p>Durochat looked at him fixedly for a moment, and said,</p> + + <p>"Monsieur le juge, you are afraid?"</p> + + <p>"Afraid!" replied he calmly, "and of whom?"</p> + + <p>"Of me," said Durochat.</p> + + <p>"Folly!" continued the other, breaking his egg.</p> + + <p>"You are. You arm yourself with a knife," said he sarcastically.</p> + + <p>"Bah!" replied Daubenton, presenting him the knife, "cut me a piece of + bread, and tell me what you have to communicate to me respecting the murder + of the courier of Lyons."</p> + + <p>There is something in the collected courage of a brave man more + impressive than any menace; and courage is a thing which acts upon all + natures, however vile. Strongly moved by the calm audacity of the magistrate + the ruffian, who had seized the knife with menacing vivacity, now set it + down upon the table, and with a faltering voice said, "<i>Vous êtes un + brave, citoyen</i>!" then after a pause, "I am a lost man—it's all up + with me; but you shall know all."</p> + + <p>He then detailed the circumstances of the crime, as we have related them + above, and confirmed all Couriol's declarations, naming Couriol, Rossi, + Vidal, and Dubosq, as his accomplices. Before the tribunal he repeated this + account, adding, "that he had heard an individual named Lesurques had been + condemned for the crime, but that he had neither seen him at the time of the + deed, nor subsequently. He did not know him."</p> + + <p>He added, that it was Dubosq whose spur had been broken, and was mended + where they had dined; for he had heard them talk about it, and that he had + lost it in the scuffle. He had seen the other spur in his hand, and heard + him say that he intended throwing it in the river. He further gave a + description of Dubosq's person, and added, that on that day he wore a flaxen + peruke.</p> + + <p>Towards the end of the year 8—four years after the murder of the + courier of Lyons—Dubosq was arrested for robbery; and was transferred + to Versailles, there to be judged by the <i>Tribunal Correctionnel</i>. The + president ordered that he should wear a flaxen peruke, and be confronted + with the witnesses from Mongeron and Lieursaint, who now unanimously + declared that he was the man they had seen. This, coupled with the + declarations of Couriol, Durochat, and Madelaine Breban, sufficed to prove + the identity; and he did not deny his acquaintance with the other culprits. + He was therefore condemned, and perished on the scaffold for the crime.</p> + + <p>Vidal was also arrested and executed, though persisting in his innocence; + and, finally, Rossi was shortly after discovered and condemned. He exhibited + profound repentance, and demanded the succours of religion. To his confessor + he left this declaration—"I assert that Lesurques is innocent; but + this must only be made public six months after my death."</p> + + <p>Thus ends this strange drama; thus were the proofs of Lesurques's + innocence furnished beyond a shadow of doubt; and thus, we may add, were + seven men executed for a crime committed by five men; two therefore were + innocent—were victims of the law.</p> + + <h3>VIII.—THE WAY IN WHICH FRANCE RECTIFIES AN ERROR.</h3> + + <p>It is now forty years since the innocence of Lesurques has been + established, and little has been done towards the rehabilitation of his + memory, the protection of his children, and the restitution of his + confiscated goods! Forty years, and his wretched widow has only recently + died, having failed in the object of her life! Forty years has the + government been silent.</p> + + <p>M. Daubenton, who took so honourable and active a part in the detection + of the real criminals, consecrated a great part of his life and fortune to + the cause of the unfortunate widow and her children. The declaration he + addressed to the Minister of Justice commenced thus:—</p> + + <p>"The error, on which was founded the condemnation of Lesurques, arose + neither with the judges nor the jury. The jury, convinced by the depositions + of the witnesses, manifested that conviction judicially; and the judges, + after the declaration of the jury, pronounced according to the law.</p> + + <p>"The error of his condemnation arose from the mistake of the + witnesses—from the fatal resemblance to one of the culprits not + apprehended. Nothing gave reason to suspect at that time the cause of the + error in which the witnesses had fallen."</p> + + <p>We beg to observe that the whole trial was conducted in a slovenly and + shameful manner. A man is condemned on the deposition of + witnesses;—witnesses, be it observed, of such dulness of perception, + and such confidence in their notions, that they persisted in declaring + Guesno to be one of the culprits as well as Lesurques. Yet the <i>alibi</i> + of Guesno was proved beyond a doubt. How, then, could the jury, with this + instance of mistake before their eyes, and which they themselves had + condemned as a mistake by acquitting Guesno—how could they place such + firm reliance on those self-same testimonies when applied to Lesurques? If + they could convict Lesurques upon such evidence, why not also convict Guesno + on it? Guesno proved an <i>alibi</i>—so did Lesurques; but because one + foolish friend perjured himself to serve Lesurques, the jury hastily set + down all his friends as perjurers; they had no evidence of this; it was a + mere indignant reaction of feeling, and, as such, a violation of their + office. The case ought to have been sifted. It was shuffled over hastily. A + verdict, passed in anger, was executed, though at the time a strong doubt + existed in the minds of the judges as to its propriety!</p> + + <p>Neither the Directory nor the Consulate, neither the Empire nor the + Restoration, paid attention to the widow's supplications for a revision of + the sentence, that her husband's name might be cleared, and his property + restored. In vain did M. Salgues devote ten years to the defence of the + injured family; in vain did M. Merilhou, in an important + <i>procès</i>, warmly espouse the cause; the different governments + believed themselves incapable of answering these solicitations.</p> + + <p>Since 1830 the widow again supplicated the <i>Tribune des Chambres</i>. + Few sessions have passed without some members, particularly from the + <i>dèpartment du Nord</i>, calling attention to the subject. All that + has been obtained is a restitution of part of the property seized by the + <i>fisc</i> at the period of the execution.</p> + + <p>Madame Lesurques has died unsuccessful, because a judicial error cannot + be acknowledged or rectified, owing to the insufficiency of the Code. A + French journal announces that the son and daughter of Lesurques, still + living, pledged themselves on the death-bed of their mother to continue the + endeavour which had occupied her forty long years—an endeavour to make + the law comprehend that nothing is more tyrannous than the strict fulfilment + of its letter—an endeavour to make the world at large more keenly feel + the questionable nature of evidence as to personal identity in cases where + the witnesses are ignorant, and where the evidence against their testimony + is presumptive.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s3" id="bw327s3"></a>CALEB STUKELY.</h2> + + <h3>PART X.</h3> + + <h3>THE REVULSION.</h3> + <hr /> + + <p>"<i>The companion of the wise shall be wise</i>." A six months' residence + with the religious and self-renouncing minister could not be without its + effect on the character and disposition of the disciple, newly released from + sin and care, and worldly calamity. The bright example of a good man is + much—that of a good and <i>beloved</i> man is more. I was bound to Mr + Clayton by every tie that can endear a man to man, and rivet the ready heart + of youth in truthful and confiding love. I regarded my preserver with a + higher feeling than a fond son may bear towards the mere author and + maintainer of his existence. For Mr Clayton, whose smallest praise it was + that he had restored to me my life, in addition to a filial love, I had all + the reverence that surpassing virtue claims, and lowly piety constrains. + Months passed over our head, and I was still without occupation, though + still encouraged by my kind friend to look for a speedy termination to my + state of dependence. Painful as the thought of separation had become to Mr + Clayton, my situation was far from satisfactory to myself. I knew not + another individual with whom I could have established myself under similar + circumstances. The sense of obligation would have been oppressive, the + conviction that I was doing wrong intolerable to sustain; but the + simplicity, the truth, the affectionate warmth of my benevolent host, + lightened my load day after day, until I became at last insensible to the + burthen. At this period of my career, the character of Mr Clayton appeared + to me bright and fixed as a spotless star. He seemed the pattern of a man, + pure and perfect. The dazzling light of pious fervour consumed within him + the little selfishness that nature, to stamp an angel with humanity, had of + necessity implanted there. He was swallowed up in holiness—his + thoughts were of heaven—his daily conduct tinged and illumined with a + heavenly hue. Nothing could surpass the intense devotedness of the child of + God, except perhaps the self-devotion, the self-renunciation, and the + profound humility which distinguished him in the world, and in his + conversation amongst men. "<i>The companion of the wise shall be wise</i>." + I observed my benefactor, and listened to his eloquence; I pondered on his + habitual piety, until, roused to enthusiasm by the contemplation of the + matchless being, I burned to follow in his glorious course, to revolve in + the same celestial orbit, the most distant and the meanest of his + satellites. The hand of Providence was traceable in every act, which, in due + course, and step by step, had brought me to the minister. It could not be + without a lofty purpose that I had been plucked a brand, as it were, from + the burning; it was not an aimless love that snatched me from death to + life—from darkness to mid-day light—from the depths of + despondency to the heights of serenity and joy. It was that I might glorify + the hand that had been outstretched on my behalf, that I might carry His + name abroad, proclaim His wondrous works, sing aloud His praises, and in the + face of men, give honour to the everlasting Giver of all good. It was for + this and these that I had been selected from mankind, and made the especial + object of a Father's grace. I believed it in all the simplicity and + ingenuousness of a mind awakened to a sense of religion and human + responsibility. I could not do otherwise. From the moment that I was + convinced of the obligation under which I had been brought, that I could + feel the force of the silent compact which had been effected between the + unseen Power and my own soul, it would have been as easy for me to + annihilate thought, to prevent its miraculous presence in the mind, as to + withstand the urgent prickings of my conscience. I believed in my divine + summons, and I was at once ready, vehement, and impatient to obey it. Had I + followed the dictates of my will, I would have walked through the land, and + preached aloud the wonderful mercies of God, imploring my fellow-creatures + to repentance, and directing them to the fount of all their blessings and + all their happiness. I would have called upon men to turn from error and + dangerous apathy, before their very strongholds. Powerful in the possession + of truth, I would have thundered the saving words before their marketplaces + and exchanges—at the very fortresses in which the world deems itself + chiefly secure, with Mammon at its head, Satan's chief lieutenant. I would + have called around me the neglected and the poor, and in the highways and in + the fields disclosed to them the tenderness and loving-kindness that I had + found, that they might feel, in all their fulness, if they would turn from + sin, and place their trust in heaven. It was pain and anguish to be silent. + Not for my own sake did I yearn to speak. Oh no! There was nothing less than + a love of self in the panting desire that I felt to break the selfish + silence. It was the love of souls that pressed me forward, and the + confidence that the good news which it was my privilege to impart would find + in every bosom a welcome as warm and ready as it would prove to be + effectual. To walk abroad in silence, feeling myself to be the depositary of + a celestial revelation, and believing that to communicate it to mankind + would be to ensure their participation in its benefits, was hardly to be + borne. There was not a man whom I encountered in the street, to whom I did + not secretly wish to turn, and to pour into his ear the accents of peace and + consolation; not one whom I did not regard as a witness against me on that + great day of trial, when every man shall be judged according to his + opportunities. I spoke to Mr Clayton. He encouraged the feeling by which I + was actuated, but he dissuaded me from the manifestation of it in the form + which I proposed.</p> + + <p>"There was no doubt," he said, "that every place was consecrated where + truth was spoken, and the Spirit made itself apparent. No one could deny it. + Much fruit, he did believe, might follow the sowing of the seed, whose hand + soever scattered it. Still there were other and nearer roads to the point I + aimed at. There were the sick and the needy around us—many of his own + congregation—with whom I might reciprocate sweet comfort, and at whose + bedside I might administer the balm that should serve them in the hardest + hour of their extremity. It should be his office to conduct me to their + humble habitations: it would be unspeakable joy to him to behold me well and + usefully employed."</p> + + <p>And it was with eagerness that I accepted the touching invitation. I was + not loth or slow to take advantage of it. To serve mankind, to evince my + gratitude for mercies great and undeserved, was all I asked. To know that I + had gratified my wish, was peace itself. Highly as I had estimated the + character of Mr Clayton, I had yet to learn his real value. I had yet to + behold him the dispenser of comfort and contentment in the hovels of the + wretched and the stricken—to see the leaden eye of disease grow bright + at his approach, and the scowl of discontent and envious repining dissolve + into equanimity, or mould itself in smiles. I had yet to see him the kind + and patient companion of the friendless and the slighted—slighted, + because poor; the untired listener to long tales of misery—so + miserable, that they who told them could not track their dim beginnings, or + fix the time in distant childhood when wretchedness was not. I had yet to + find him standing at the beggar's pallet, giving encouragement, inciting + hope, and adding to the counsel of a guide the solid evidences of a + brother's love. With what a zeal did I attempt to follow in my patron's + steps—with what enthusiasm did I begin the course which his sanction + had legalized and rendered holy—and how, without a doubt as to my + title, or a reflection on the propriety of the step, impelled by religious + fervour, did I assume the tone and authority of a teacher, and arrogate to + myself the right of determining the designs of the Omnipotent, and of + appointing the degree of holy warmth below which no believer could be sure + of forgiveness and salvation!</p> + + <p>In no transaction of my life have I ever been more sincere—have I + acted with a more decided assurance of the justice and necessity of the + task, than at this critical moment of my career. If Divine goodness had not + been specially vouchsafed to me, it was not that the conviction of my + appointment was not as clear and firm as the liveliest impressions of the + inmost heart could make it. To labour for the souls of the poor—to + teach them their obligations—to point out to them the way of + safety—it was this view of my delegated office that raised me to + ecstasy, and compelled from me the strangest ebullitions of passion. I + pronounced the change in my habits of thought to be "the dawning of the day, + and the sudden rising of the day-star in my heart;" and, dwelling with + intensity on my future labours, I could exclaim, with trembling + emotion,—"Oh the exceeding excellency and glory and sweetness of the + work! The smile of heaven is upon it—the emphatic testimony of my own + conscience approves and hallows it." I reflect at this moment with wonder + upon the almost supernatural ardour and devotion by which I was elevated and + abased when I first became thoroughly convinced of my mission, and declared + aloud that my only business now upon earth was that of the lowest and + readiest of servants, whose joy consists in the pleasure of their Master. + The strangeness, the excitement that accompanied the adoption of my new + character, had nearly overthrown me. Wild with gladness, before I visited a + human being, I took a journey of some twenty miles from the metropolis. I do + not remember now the name of the village at which I stopped, from which I + hurried, and whose fields I scoured with the design of finding some covert, + unfrequented spot, where I might unmolested and unobserved pour forth the + prayers and hymns of praise with which my surcharged heart was teeming. + Until nightfall I remained there, nor did I leave the place until calmly and + deliberately I begged permission to devote myself to the glory and honour of + Him, whose favoured child I was. I walked a few miles on my return homeward. + I passed a church, that in the stillness of night reared its dark form, and + seemed, solemnly and pensively, like a thing of life, to stand before me. + The moon rose at its full over the venerable wall, and scattered its bright + cool light across the tall and moss-grown windows. Oh! every thing in life + that wondrous night stirred up my soul to pious resolutions, and gave a wing + to thought that could not find repose but in the silent and eternal sky.</p> + + <p>The impetuosity with which I entered upon my scheme of usefulness, + forbade preparation of any kind, had I not believed that any previous + qualification was not essential to my purpose; or if essential, had been + miraculously implanted in me. I was soon called upon to make my first + visitation. Never will it be forgotten. It was to the work-house. Mr Clayton + had been called thither by an old communicant, of whom he had not heard + before for years. "He was ill, and he desired to speak with his still + beloved minister."</p> + + <p>Such was the message which reached my friend at the moment of his + quitting his abode, on an errand of still greater urgency. "Go, Caleb," said + Mr Clayton, "visit and comfort the poor sufferer; and may grace accompany + your first labour of love." I proceeded to the place, and, arriving there, + was ushered into a small close room—to recoil at once from the scene + of misery which was there presented. Lying, with his hat and clothes upon + the bed, dying, was the man himself; his wife was busy in the room, cleaning + it, quietly and indifferently, as though the sleep of healthy life had + closed her partner's eye, and nothing worse. On the threshold was a girl, + the daughter of them both, twenty years of age or more, <i>an idiot</i>, for + she laughed outright when I approached her. I had come to the house with my + heart full of precious counsel, and yearning to communicate the message with + which I knew myself to be charged. But in a moment I was brought to earth, + shocked by the sight which I beheld, wounded in my nature, and I had not a + word to say. The hardened woman looked at me for a moment, and calling me to + myself by the act, I mentioned the name of Mr Clayton, and was again + silent.</p> + + <p>"What! can't he come, sir?" asked the beldame. "Well, it don't much + matter. It's all over with 'un, I fear. Come, Jessie, can't you speak to the + gentleman? What can you make of her, sir?"</p> + + <p>The daughter looked at me again, and sickened me with her unmeaning + laughter. I remembered the object of my visit, and struggled for composure. + Had I become a recreant so quickly? Had I not a word to say for my Master? + Nothing to offer the needy creatures, perishing, perhaps, of spiritual want? + Alarmed at my own apathy, and eager to throw it off, I turned to the poor + girl, and spoke to her. I asked her many questions before I could command + attention. She could only look at me wildly, blush, laugh, and make strange + motions to her mother. At length I said—</p> + + <p>"Tell me, Jesse, tell your friend, who came into the world to save + sinners?"</p> + + <p>"Him, him, him," she answered hastily, and gabbled as before.</p> + + <p>"Ah," said the mother, "the poor cretur does sometimes talk about + religion, but it's very seldom, and uncertain like, and I can't help her + either."</p> + + <p>"Let me read to <i>you</i>," said I.</p> + + <p>"Lor' bless you, sir," she answered, "it wouldn't do me no good. I am too + old for that. Now, get out of the way there—do, you simpleton," she + added, turning to the idiot; "just let me pass—don't you see I am + wanting to fetch up water."</p> + + <p>She left the room immediately, and her daughter ran after her, screaming + a wild and piercing note. I moved to the dying man. He was insensible to + anything I could say. Fretted and ashamed of myself, I hurried from the + house, and, returning home, rushed to my room, fell upon my knees, and + implored my Father to inflict at once the punishment due to lukewarmness and + apostasy. How vain had been all my previous desire to distinguish + myself—how arrogant my pretensions—how inefficient my weak + attempts! I was not worthy of the commission with which I had been invested, + and I besought heaven to degrade the wretch who could not speak at the + seasonable moment, and to bestow it upon one worthier of its love, and abler + to perform his duty. I passed a miserable night of remorse, and bitter + self-accusation, and in the morning was distracted by the battling feelings + that were marshalled against each other in my soul. Now, a sense of my + unworthiness was victorious over every other thought, and I resolved to + resign my trust, and think of it no more; then the belief in my election, + the animating thought that I was chosen, and must still go forward or stand + condemned, hated by myself, rejected by my God;—this gained the + mastery next, and I was torn by sore perplexity. I appealed to my + benefactor. As usual, balm was on his lips, and I found encouragement and + support.</p> + + <p>"I was yet young in the faith," he said, "and the abundance of heavenly + grace was not yet manifested. It would come in due time; and, in the mean + while, I must persevere, and a blessing would unquestionably follow."</p> + + <p>Much more he added, to reconcile me to the previous day's defeat, and to + animate me to new trials. Never did I so much need incentive and upholding, + never before had I esteemed the value of a spiritual counsellor and + friend.</p> + + <p>In a small cottage, distant about three miles from the residence of Mr + Clayton, there lodged, at this time, an old man with his sister, a blind + woman about seventy years of age. He had communicated with Mr Clayton's + church for many years. He was now poor, and had retired from the metropolis, + to the hut, for the advantage of purer air, and in the hope of prolonging + the short span within which his earthly life had been brought. To this + humble habitation I was directed by Mr Clayton.</p> + + <p>"The woman," said the minister, "is without any comfortable hope; but the + prospects of the brother are satisfactory and most cheering. Go to the + benighted woman. Her's is a melancholy case. Satan has a secure footing in + her heart, and defeats every effort and every motive that I have brought to + bear against it. May you be more fortunate—may her self-deceived and + hardened spirit melt before the force and earnestness of your appeals!"</p> + + <p>I ventured for a second time on sacred and interdicted ground, and + visited the cottage. The unhappy woman, to whom I had specially come, was + smitten indeed. She was blind and paralyzed, and on the extreme verge of + eternity. Yet, afflicted as she was, and as near to death as the living may + be, she enjoyed the tranquillity and the gentleness of a child, ignorant of + sin, and, in virtue of her infancy, confident of her inheritance. I could + discover no evidence of a creature alarmed with a sense of guilt, loathing + itself, conscious of its worthlessness. Her nature, in truth, seemed to have + usurped a sweetness and placidity, the possession of which, as Mr Clayton + afterwards observed, was justifiable only in those who could find nothing + but vileness and depravity in every thought and purpose of their hearts.</p> + + <p>It was a beautiful day in summer, and Margaret was sitting before the + cottage porch, feeling the sun's benevolent warmth, and tempering, with the + closed lid, the hot rays that were directed to her sightless orbs. She had + no power to move, and was happy in the still enjoyment of the lingering and + lovely day. She might have been a statue for her quietness—but there + were curves and lines in the decrepit frame that art could never borrow. + Little there seemed about her to induce a love of life, and yet a + countenance more bright with cheerfulness and mild content I never met. The + healthy and the young might read a lesson on her blanched and wrinkled + cheek. Full of my errand, I did not hesitate at once to engage her mind on + heavenly and holy topics. She did not, or she would not, understand me. I + spoke to her of the degradation of humanity, our fallen nature, and the + impossibility of thinking any thing but sin—and a stone could not be + more senseless than the aged listener.</p> + + <p>"Was I sure of it?" she asked. "Did my Bible say it? Much she doubted it, + for she had sometimes, especially since her blindness, clear and beautiful + thoughts of heaven that could not be sinful, they rendered her so happy, and + took away from her all fear. It was so shocking, too," she thought, "to + think so ill of men—our fellow-creatures, and the creatures of a + perfect Father. She loved her brother—he was so simple-minded, and so + kind to her, too; how <i>could</i> she call him wicked and depraved!"</p> + + <p>"Do you feel no load upon your conscience?" I enquired.</p> + + <p>"Bless the good man's heart!" she answered, "why, what cares have I? If I + can hear his friendly voice, and know he is not heavy-burthened, I am happy. + Brother is all to me. Though now and then I'm not well pleased if the young + children keep away who play about me sometimes, as if they did not need a + playfellow more gay than poor blind Margaret."</p> + + <p>"Have you no fear of death?" said I.</p> + + <p>"Why should I have?" she answered quietly; "I never injured another in my + life."</p> + + <p>"Can that take off the sting?" I asked.</p> + + <p>"And I have tried," continued she, "as far as I was able, to please the + God who made me."</p> + + <p>"Did you never think yourself the vilest of the vile?"</p> + + <p>"Bless you! never, sir. How could I? If I had been, you may be sure Mr + Clayton and the visiting ladies would never have been so kind to me and + Thomas as they have—and how could we expect it? I was only thinking, + sir, before you came up, that if I had been wicked when I was young, I would + never have been so easy under blindness. Now, it doesn't give me one unquiet + hour."</p> + + <p>"Margaret, I would you were more anxious."</p> + + <p>"It wouldn't do, sir, for the blind to be anxious," she replied. "They + must do nothing, sir, but wait with patience. Besides, Thomas and I need no + anxiety at all. God gives us more than we require, and it would be very + wicked to be restless and unquiet."</p> + + <p>"Margaret," I said impressively, "there is heaven!"</p> + + <p>"Yes," she answered quickly, "that I'm sure of. I read of it before I + lost my eyes; and since my blindness I have seen it often. God is very good + to the afflicted, and none but the afflicted know how He makes up for what + He takes away. I have seen heaven, sir, though I have not sight enough to + know your face. Do you play dominoes, Mr—what did you say your name + was, sir?"</p> + + <p>"You trifle, Margaret."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no indeed, sir. But how wonderful and quick my touch has got, and + how kind is heaven there, sir! I can see the dominoes with my + fingers—touch is just as good as sight. Just think how many hours a + poor blind creature has, that must be filled up some way or another! I like + to keep to myself, and think, and think; but not always—and sometimes + I want Thomas to read to me; and when that's over, I feel a want of + something else. I'll tell you what it is—my eyes they want to open. + When that's the case, I always play at dominoes, and then the feeling goes + away. Thomas can tell you that, for he plays with me."</p> + + <p>I continued the conversation for an hour, and with the same result. I + grew annoyed and irritated—not with the deluded sinner, as I deemed + her, but with myself, the feeble and unequal instrument. For a second time I + had attempted to comply with the instructions of my master, and for a second + time had I been foiled, and driven back in melancholy discomfiture. The + imperturbability and easy replies of the woman harassed and tormented me in + the extreme. I had been too recent a pupil to be thoroughly versed in all + the subtleties and mysteries of my office. Silence was painful to me, and + reply only accumulated difficulty and vexation. She seemed so happy, too; in + the midst of all her heresy and error there existed an unaffected + tranquillity and repose which I would have purchased at any cost or + sacrifice. I blushed and grew ashamed, and for a moment forgot that the + bereaved creature was unable to behold the confusion with which defeat and + exposure had covered me. At length I spoke imperfectly, loosely, and at + random. The woman detected me in an untenable position—checked + me—and in her artless manner, laid bare the fallacy of an + inconsiderate assertion. In an instant I was aware of my conviction, I + retracted my expression, and involved myself immediately in fresh dilemma. + Again, and as gently as before, she made the unsoundness of a principle + evident and glaring. How I closed the argument—the conversation and + the interview—and escaped from her, I know not. Burning with shame, + despising myself, and desirous of burying both my disgrace and self deep in + the earth, where both might be forgotten, I was sensible of hurrying + homeward. I reached it in despair, satisfied that I had become a coward and + a renegade, and that I was lost, hopelessly and utterly here upon earth, and + eternally in heaven!</p> + + <p>I had resolved, upon the day succeeding this adventure, to restore to my + benefactor the credentials with which be had been pleased to entrust me. + Satisfied of the truth of my commission, I could only deplore my inability + to execute it faithfully. In spite of what had passed at the cottage-door, + the doctrines which I had advocated there lost none of their character and + influence upon my own mind. Falling from the lips of others, they dropped + with conviction into my <i>own</i> soul. Nothing could shake my <i>own</i> + unbounded reliance on their saving efficacy and heavenly origin. It was only + when <i>I</i> spoke of them, when <i>I</i> attempted to expound and teach + them, that clouds came over the celestial truths, and the sun's disk was + dimmed and troubled. The moment that I ceased to speak, light unimpaired, + and bright effulgence, were restored. It was enough that I could feel this. + Grace and a miracle had made the startling fact palpable and evident. This + assurance followed easily. No oral communication could have satisfied me + more fully of the importance and necessity of an immediate resignation of my + trust. It was a punishment for my presumption. I should have rested grateful + for the interposition which had rescued me from the jaws of hell, and left + to others, worthy of the transcendent honour, the glorious task of saving + souls. What was I, steeped in sin, as I had been up to the very moment of my + conversion—what was I, insolent, pretending worm, that I should raise + my grovelling head, and presume upon the unmerited favour that had been + showered so graciously upon me? It remained for those—purest and best + of men, whose lives from childhood onward had been a lucid exposition of the + word of truth—whose deeds had given to the world an assurance of their + solemn embassy; it was for them to feel the strength the countenance, and + support of heaven, and to behold with gratitude and joy their labours + crowned with a triumphant issue and success. This was the new train of + feeling suggested by new circumstances. I resigned myself to its operation + as quickly as I had adopted my previous sentiments; and, a few days before, + I was not more anxious to commence my sacred course than I was now miserable + and uneasy until I turned from it once and for ever. Mr Clayton had placed + in my hands a list of individuals whom he transferred to my care. It was + oppressive to know that I possessed it, and my first step was to place it + again at his disposal. The interview which I obtained for this purpose was + an important one—important in itself—marvellous and astounding + in its consequences.</p> + + <p>Mr Clayton spent many hours daily in a small room, called <i>a study</i>. + It was a chamber sacred to the occupation followed there. I had not access + to it—nor had any stranger, with the exception of two ill-favoured + men, whom I had found, for weeks together, constant attendants upon my + benefactor. For a month at a time, not a single day elapsed during which + they were not closeted for a considerable period with the divine. A three + weeks' interval of absence would then take place; Mr Clayton prosecuted his + studies alone and undisturbed, and no strange foot would cross the threshold + until the ill-looking men returned, and passed some five weeks in the small + sanctuary as before. Who could they be? I had never directly asked the + question, curious as I had been to know their history and the purpose of + their visits. Had I not learned from Mr Clayton the impropriety and + sinfulness of judging humanity by its looks, I should have formed a most + uncharitable opinion of their characters. They were hard-featured men, + sallow of complexion, rigid in their looks. I knew that, attached to the + church of Mr Clayton, were two missionaries—men of rare piety, and + some of humble origin—small boot-makers, in fact; sometimes I believed + that the visiters and they were the same individuals. Circumstances, + however, unfavourable to this idea, arose, and I turned from one conjecture + to another, until I reposed, at length, in the belief that they were + sinners—sinners of the deepest dye—such as their ill-omened + looks betrayed—and that they sought the kind and ever-ready minister + to obtain his counsel, and to share his prayers. At all events, this was a + subject upon which I received no enlightening from their confidant. Once I + took occasion to make mention of it; but, in an instant, I perceived that my + enquiry was not deemed proper to be answered. It was to this forbidden + closet—the scene of so much mystery—that, to my great surprize, + I found myself invited by my benefactor, when I implored him to release me + from the obligation in which I had too hastily involved myself.</p> + + <p>"Be seated, Caleb," said Mr Clayton, as we entered the room in company. + "Be seated, and be tranquil. You are excited now."</p> + + <p>I was, in truth, and not more so than deeply mortified and humbled.</p> + + <p>"You alarm me, dear young friend," continued the good minister. "You + alarm and grieve me. I tremble for you, when I behold your versatility. Tell + me, how is this? Can you not trust yourself? Can I trust you?"</p> + + <p>I did not answer.</p> + + <p>"I have been careful in not thwarting your own good purposes. I have been + most anxious to give your feelings their full bent. Has your conversion been + too sudden to endure? Have you so soon regretted the abandonment of the + great world and all its pleasures—such as they were to you? Has a life + of usefulness and peace no charms? Alas! I had hoped otherwise."</p> + + <p>I assured my friend that he had mistaken the motive which had compelled + me to forsake, at least for the present, the intention that I had + entertained honestly—though, I felt, erroneously—for the last + few days. Nothing was further from my thoughts than a desire to mix again in + a world of sinfulness and trouble. His precepts and bright example had won + me from it; and I prayed only to be established in the principles, in the + true knowledge of which I knew my happiness to consist. I was not equal to + the task which I had proposed to myself, and he had kindly permitted me to + assume. I wished to be his meanest disciple—to acquire wisdom from his + tuition—and, by the labour of years, to prepare myself finally for + that reward which he had so often announced to me as the peculiar + inheritance of the faithful and the righteous. I ceased. My auditor did not + answer me immediately. He sat for some minutes in silence, and closed his + eyes as if absorbed in thought. At length, he said to me—</p> + + <p>"You do not surprize me, Caleb. I am prepared for this. I perceived your + difficulties from afar. It was inevitable. Self-confidence has placed you + where you are. Be happy, and rejoice in your weakness—but turn now to + the strong for strength. The work that has begun in your heart must be + completed. It shall be so—do not doubt it."</p> + + <p>The minister hesitated, looked hard at me, and endeavoured, as I + imagined, to find, in the expression of my countenance, an index to my + thoughts. I said nothing, and he proceeded.</p> + + <p>"There are the appointed means. His way is in the sanctuary. He shall + feed his flock like a shepherd. There is but one refuge for the outcast. I + have but one alleviation to offer you. It is all and every thing. Are you + prepared to accept it?"</p> + + <p>"You are my friend, my guardian, and my father," I replied.</p> + + <p>"You have wandered long in the wilderness," continued the minister. "You + have fed with the swine and the goats. You have found no nourishment there. + All was bleak, and barren, and desolate there. The living waters were dried + up, and the bread of life was denied to the starving wayfarer."</p> + + <p>"What must be done, sir?"</p> + + <p>"You MUST ENTER THE FOLD—and have communion with the chosen people + of the Lord. Are you content to do it?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, am I worthy," I exclaimed, "to be reckoned in the number of those + holy men?"</p> + + <p>"I cannot doubt it; but your own spirit shall bear witness to your state. + To-morrow is our next church-meeting. There, if it be your wish, I will + propose you; messengers will be appointed to converse with you. They will + come to you, and gather, from your experience, the evidences of your + renewed, regenerated character."</p> + + <p>"What shall I say, sir?" I asked in all simplicity.</p> + + <p>"What says the drowning man to the hand that brings him to the shore? + Your beating heart will be too ready to acknowledge the mighty work that has + been already done on your behalf. Have you forgotten the way you have been + led? Point it out to them. Have you been plucked as a brand from the + burning? Acknowledge it to them in strains of liveliest gratitude. Does not + your soul at this moment overflow at the vivid recollection of all the Lord + has done for it and you? Will it not yearn to sing aloud His praise when + strangers come to listen to the song? Then speak aloud to them. Do you not + feel, have not a hundred circumstances all concurred to prove, that you + exist a vessel chosen to show forth His praise? Show it to them, and let + them carry back the certain proofs of your redemption—let them convey + the sweet intelligence of a brother's safety—and let them bid the + church prepare to welcome him with hymns of praise into her loving + bosom."</p> + + <p>Within a week of the above conversation, two respectable individuals + called upon me at Mr Clayton's house—the accredited messengers of the + church in which my eternal safety was about to be secured. One was a + thickset man, with large black whiskers and corresponding eyebrows. His + countenance had a stern expression—the eye especially, which lay + couched like a tiger beneath its rugged overhanging brow. You did not like + to look at it, and you could not meet it without unpleasantness and awe. The + gentleman was very tall and sturdy—evidently a hairy person; he was + unshaven, and looked muscular. Acting under the feeling which led him to + despise all earthly grandeur and distinction, and which, no doubt influenced + his conduct throughout life, he was remarkable for a carelessness and + uncleanness of attire, as powerful and striking as the odour which exhaled + from his broad person, and which explained the profession of the gentleman + to be—a working blacksmith. His companion was thin, and neat, and + dapper. There was an air about <i>him</i> that could not have been acquired, + except by frequent intercourse with the polished and the rich. He was + delicacy itself, incapable of a strong expression, and happier far when he + could hint, and not express his sentiments. Had I been subject only to his + examination, my ordeal would not have been severe. It was the blacksmith + whom I found hard and unimpressible as his own anvil, dark as his forge, and + as unpitying as its flames. The thin examiner held the high office of deacon + of the church. Whether it was the particularly dirty face of his friend that + set him off to such advantage, or whether he had inherent claims to my + respect, I cannot tell; well I know, throughout the scrutiny that soon took + place, many times I should have fallen beneath the blacksmith's hammer, but + for the support and mild encouragement that I found in him. He was most + becomingly dressed. He wore a white cravat, and no collar. He had light hair + closely cut, and his face was as smooth as a woman's. His shirt was whiter + than any shirt I have ever seen before or since, and it was made of very + fine material. He carried an agreeable smirk upon his countenance, and he + disinterred, now and then, some very long and extraordinary word from the + dictionary, when he was particularly desirous either to make himself + understood or conceal his meaning. I had almost omitted to add, that he was + a ladies' haberdasher.</p> + + <p>I received the deputation with a trembling and apprehensive heart. I knew + my faith to be sincere, and I believed it to be correct, according to the + views of the church of which my revered friend was the minister and organ. + Still, I could not be insensible to the importance of the step which I was + about to take, and to the high tone of piety which the true believers + demanded from all who joined their ranks and partook of their exclusive + privileges.</p> + + <p>It will not be necessary to repeat in detail the course of my + examination. At the close of two hours it was concluded, and I am at this + moment willing to confess that it was, upon the whole, satisfactory. I mean + to myself—for by my questioners, and by the little haberdasher more + particularly, the conference was pronounced most gratifying and comforting + in every way. I say <i>upon the whole</i>, for I could not, even at that + early period of my initiation, and with all my excitement and enthusiasm, + prevent the intrusion of some disturbing thoughts—some painful + impressions that were not in harmony with the general tenor of my feelings. + I had prepared myself to meet and deal with the appointed delegates of + heaven, and I had encountered <i>men</i>, yes, and men not entitled to my + reverence and regard, except as the chosen ambassadors of the church. One + was low, ignorant, and vulgar. He took no pains to conceal the fact; he + rather gloried in his native and offensive coarseness. The other was a + smoother man, scarcely less destitute of knowledge, or worthier of respect. + Looking back, at this distance of time, upon this strange interview, I am + indeed shocked and grieved at the part which I then and there permitted + myself to undertake. The scene has lost the colours which gave it a false + and superficial lustre, and I gaze on the melancholy reality chidden, and, + let me say, instructed by the sight. I can now better appreciate and + understand the self-confident tone which pronounced upon my state in the eye + of heaven—the canting expressions of brotherly love—the + irreverent familiarity with which Scripture was quoted, garbled, and + tortured to justify dissent, and render disobedience holy—the daring + assumption of inquisitorial privileges, and the scorn, the illiberality and + self-righteousness, with which my angry, bigoted, and vulgar questioners + decided on the merits of every institution that eschewed their fanciful + vagaries and most audacious claims. I do not wonder that, overtaken in a + career of misery, the consequence of my own imprudence, I should have been + arrested by the voice, and smitten by the eloquence, of Mr Clayton. I do not + wonder that I listened to his arguments, and observed his conduct, until I + was reduced to passiveness, and my mind was willing to be moulded to his + purposes. But I do wonder and lament that any obscuration of my judgment, + any luxuriance of feeling, should have permitted my youthful understanding + for an instant to believe that to such men as my examiners the keys of + heaven were entrusted, and that on them, and on their voice, depended the + reception of a broken-hearted penitent at the mercy-seat of God.</p> + + <p>A few words from the haberdasher-deacon, at the breaking up of the + convocation, or whatever else it might be termed, were satisfactory, in so + far as they showed that my temporal prospects were not entirely neglected by + those who had become so deeply interested in my spiritual welfare. The + blacksmith had hardly brought to a close a somewhat lengthy and very + ungrammatical exhortation, that wound up the day's proceedings, when the + dapper Jehu Tomkins, jumping at once from the carnival to the revel, shook + me cordially by the hand, and most kindly suggested to me that, under the + patronage of so important and religious a connexion as that into which I was + about to enter, I could not fail to succeed, whatever might be the plan + which I had laid down for my future support.</p> + + <p>"I have heard all about you," added Jehu, "from our respected minister, + and you'll soon get into something now. It's a good congregation, + sir—wealthy and influential. I should say we have richer people in our + connexion than in any about London. Mr Clayton is a very popular man, + sir—very good, and speaks the truth."</p> + + <p>"He is good indeed," I answered.</p> + + <p>"Sir, grace is sure to follow you now. It is fifteen years since I first + sat under Mr Clayton! Ah, I remember the night I was converted, as if it + were yesterday. I always felt, up to that very time, the need of something + better than I had got. Business had gone wrong ever since I opened shop, and + my mind was quite unsettled. Satan tried very hard at me, but it wouldn't + do. Sometimes, when my boy had gone home, and shop was shut up, the Tempter + would whisper in my ears words like these—'Jehu, you're insured, over + and over again, for your stock; let a spark fall on the shavings, and your + fortune's made.' Well, sir, once or twice—will you believe + it?—the Devil had nearly got it all his own way; but grace prevented, + and I was saved. I owe it all to Mr Clayton. I was told by one or two of my + customers to go and hear him, but somehow or other I never did. Satan kept + me back. At last the gentleman as was the deacon—him as built the + chapel—Mrs Jehu Tomkin's father—comes to my shop with his + daughter, Mrs Jehu as is now, and spoke to me about the minister. Well, I + heard the old gentleman was very rich and pious, and I went the next + Sabbath-day as was, with his family, into his pew. I never went any where + else after that. He seemed to hit the nail just on the head, and I was + convinced—oh, quite wonderful!—all on a sudden. I was married to + Mrs Jehu before that day twelvemonth. So you see grace followed me + throughout, as it will you, my dear brother, if you only mind what you are + about, and don't be a backslider."</p> + + <p>"Mr Clayton," said I, "has kindly promised to procure employment for + me."</p> + + <p>"Ah! and he'll do it, if he says so," rejoined Mr Tomkins. "That's your + man. You stick to him, and you won't hurt. He's a chosen vessel, if ever + there was one. What do you say, brother Buster?"</p> + + <p>Brother Buster simply groaned his assent, and scowled. He had been for + some time anxious to depart, and he now took his leave without further + ceremony.</p> + + <p>"You wouldn't think that man was a saint to look at him, would you?" + asked the deacon, as soon as his friend was gone. "He is though. He is riper + in spiritual matters than any man I know. Ah! the Establishment would give + something for a few like him. He'll be taken from us, I fear. We make a idol + of him, and that's sure to be punished. It's wonderful what he knows; and + how it has come to him we can't tell."</p> + + <p>I received a pressing invitation from Mr Tomkins to visit his "small and + 'appy family," as he was pleased to call it, on any evening after eight + o'clock, which was his latest business hour. "Mrs Jehu," I was assured, "was + just like her father, and his four small Jehus as exactly like their + grandfather, and he wished to say no more for them. After business his + family enjoyed invariably a little spiritual refreshment, and that and a + hymn made the time pass very agreeably till supper-time at nine, when he had + a 'ot collation, at which he should be most proud to see me."</p> + + <p>To all the charges that have been at various times, with more or less + virulence and disinterestedness, brought against the Church of England, that + of assuming to itself the divine attribute of searching the secret heart of + many has, I believe, never been superadded. It has remained for men very far + advanced indeed in spiritual knowledge and perfection, to assert the bold + prerogative, and to venture, unappalled, beneath the frown of heaven. The + close scrutiny, on the part of Mr Buster, proper as it was as a step + preliminary, was by no means sufficient to procure for me an easy and + unquestioned admission into the church which the blacksmith had so ably + represented. There was yet another trial to ensue, and another jury to + pronounce upon the merits of the anxious candidate. He had yet to prove to + the perfect satisfaction of the self-constituted junto, that styled itself a + <i>church</i>, how God had mercifully dealt with him—to detail, with + historic accuracy, the method and procedure of his regeneration, and to find + evidence of a spiritual change, that carried on its front the proof of his + conversion and his accepted state. All this was to be done before I could be + <i>entitled</i> to the privileges which Messrs Buster, Tomkins, and the + rest, had it in their power to bestow. The manner in which this delicate + investigation was carried on, its indecorum and profaneness, I never can + forget; nor can I, in truth, remember it without humiliation and deep + sorrow. Against the indiscreet, illegal exhibition, I set off my ignorance, + simplicity, and desire of serving heaven; and in these I place my hope of + pardon for the share I had in such proceedings.</p> + + <p>I received, in due form, a requisition to appear before the body of the + <i>church</i>, at its general meeting. I appeared. The chapel was thronged, + the majority of members being women. In the hands of nearly every third + person was a printed paper. I was not then aware of its contents; if I had + been, the ceremony would, in all probability, have concluded with my + entrance. Will it be believed, that this paper contained a printed formula + of the questions which were to test the quality of my faith, and to + pronounce upon the vitality and worth of my spiritual pretensions! Any + person present was at liberty to address me, and to form his own opinion of + my case from the manner and the matter which their ingenuity elicited. At + the suggestion of Mr Tomkins, who, in his capacity of deacon, was remarkably + active on this occasion, it was deemed proper that I should enter upon my + "experience" at once. My heart fluttered as I rose to comply with the + demand, and the chapel was hushed. It will be sufficient to say, that I + repeated my entire history, and secured the attention of my auditory until I + had spoken my last word. There were parts of the narrative which I could, + with a glance, perceive to be peculiarly <i>piquant</i> and acceptable. As + these occurred, a rustling and a murmur expressed the subdued applause. + When, for instance, I mentioned the disgust which I had conceived for the + University upon losing the scholarship, and the uneasiness which I + afterwards felt as long as I continued a member of that community, a few of + the most acute looked at one another, and shrugged mysteriously, as who + should say, "How wondrous are the ways of Providence!" and when I arrived at + the point of my deliverance by the hand of their own minister, there would + have been, I thought, no end to the gesticulations, expressions of gratitude + and joy, that burst from the "church," in spite of the praiseworthy efforts + of the minister to control and keep them down. When I had concluded, and + whilst the half-suppressed rejoicing still buzzed in the chapel, the stern + Buster rose, and presented to me the unmitigated force of his unpleasant + eye. Silence prevailed immediately.</p> + + <p>"Now, sir," said my old friend, "what makes you think yourself a child of + grace? Speak out, if you please; I'm rather deaf."</p> + + <p>"The loathing that I feel of what I was."</p> + + <p>"Good!" said Jehu Tomkins, with strong emphasis, and loud enough to be + heard by every one.</p> + + <p>"When did you feel the fetters fust busting from your spirit?"</p> + + <p>"Not till I heard the minister's kind voice," was the reply.</p> + + <p>"Do you always feel as strong upon the subject? Do you feel your spirit + always willing?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no," I answered; "there are dreadful fluctuations, and there is + nothing so uncertain as self-dependence. I have dark and bitter moments, + when I feel, in all its power, the melancholy truth—'When I would do + good, evil is present with me.'"</p> + + <p>"Capital sign!—capital sign!" exclaimed Jehu Tomkins again; "quite + sufficient!—quite sufficient!"</p> + + <p>Yes, it was so. A few questions were put to me by individuals, rather for + the sake of gratifying an impertinent curiosity, than that of elucidating + further proof of my proficiency, and the ceremony was finished by my formal + reception into the body of the church. A prayer was offered, an address + delivered, a hymn sung—the eyes of many ladies were turned with + smiling interest upon me—and the meeting separated. Jehu Tomkins was + the first to congratulate me upon the happy issue of my trial.</p> + + <p>"You are a made man, sir, depend upon it," said he, with his first + salutation. "You can't fail. There—do you see that fat man that's just + going out—him as has got on the Indy 'ankycher?—I sold him + that—he came on purpose to hear you, and if he found you up to the + mark, he's going to provide for you. He belongs to all our societies, and + just does what he pleases. His word's a law. We've a boiled leg of mutton at + nine to-night. Suppose you come to us, and finish the day there? Bless me, + what a full meeting we've had! Here's a squeezing!" There was certainly some + difficulty in our egression. The people had gathered into a crowd at the + small doorway, and men jostled and made their way without regard to others + in their vicinity. Lost as I was in the indiscriminate host, a few + observations fell upon my ear that were not, I presume, especially intended + for it.</p> + + <p>"Well," said a greasy youth, not many yards distant from me, "I doubt his + having had a call. There wasn't life enough in it for me. I shouldn't be + surprised if he's a black sheep after all. I wish I had put a question or + two to him. I think I could have shown Satan in his heart pretty quick."</p> + + <p>"Now you say it," replied the person addressed, "I did think him very + backward and lukewarm. I didn't like his tone altogether. Ah! what a thing + experimental religion is! You know what it is, and so do I; but I werry much + fear that delooded young man is as carnal-minded as my mother was, that went + to hell, though I say it, as contented and unconcerned as if she was going + to the saints in glory."</p> + + <p>The information conveyed to me by Mr Tomkins as we issued from the chapel + was not unfounded. The very day subsequent to my admittance into the bosom + of the church, I was requested to attend the minister in the <i>sanctum</i> + already referred to. Upon reaching it, I discovered the fat gentleman of the + preceding evening, dressed as he was on the previous occasion, and still + adorned with Jehu's India handkerchief. Both he and Mr Clayton were seated + at table, and writing materials were before them. The moment I entered the + apartment, the fat gentleman held out his hand, and shook mine with much + stateliness. My friend, however, addressed me.</p> + + <p>"Caleb," said he, "we are at length able to fulfil our promise. It is my + pleasure to announce to you that a situation is procured for you, suitable + to your talents, and agreeable to your feelings. We are both of us indebted + to this good gentleman. In your name I have already thanked him, and in your + name I have accepted the office which he has been at some pains to obtain + for you."</p> + + <p>I looked towards the stout gentleman, and bowed in grateful + acknowledgment.</p> + + <p>"Tell him the duties, Clayton," requested my new-found influential + friend.</p> + + <p>"Mr Bombasty," proceeded the minister, "feels a warm interest in your + welfare. The happy result of yesterday's trial has secured for you a + friendship which it will be your duty and study to deserve. There is + established, in connexion with our church, a Christian instruction society, + of which Mr Bombasty is the esteemed and worthy president. The appointment of + a travelling secretary rests with him, and he has this very day nominated + you to that distinguished office. I have tendered your thanks. You can now + repeat them."</p> + + <p>"Tell him the salary," interrupted the president.</p> + + <p>"You will receive one hundred and fifty pounds per annum," continued Mr + Clayton, "in addition to your travelling charges; apartments likewise, I + believe"—He hesitated as if uncertain, and looked towards the + president.</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied that gentleman, "go on—coals and candles. You answer + for him, Clayton—eh?"</p> + + <p>"As I told you, sir," said my friend, "I will pledge myself for his + trustiness and probity."</p> + + <p>The remembrance of Mr Chaser's cold-hearted cruelty occured to my mind as + my benefactor spoke, and tears of gratitude trembled in my eyes. The fat + gentleman remarked the expression of feeling, and brought the interview to a + close.</p> + + <p>"Well, Clayton," said he, "you can talk to him. I've twenty places to go + to yet. Get the paper signed, and he may begin at once. Let a lawyer draw it + up. Just make yourself security for a thousand pounds—I don't suppose + he'll ever have more than half that at a time in his possession—and + that'll be all the society will require. He can come to me to-morrow. Now + I'm off. Good-bye, my friend—'morning, young man." The last adieu was + accompanied with a patronizing nod of the head, which, with the greeting on + my first appearance, constituted the whole of the intercourse that passed + between me and my future principal. The moment that he departed, I turned to + Mr Clayton, and thanked him warmly and sincerely for all that he had + accomplished for me.</p> + + <p>"I shall leave you, sir," I added, "with mingled feelings of regret and + satisfaction—regret in separating from the purest and the best of men, + my friend, my counsellor, and father—but joy, because I cease to be a + burden upon your charity and good nature. I carry into the world with me the + example of your daily life, and my own sense of your dignified and exalted + character. Both will afford me encouragement and support in the vicissitudes + which yet await me. Tell me how I may better evince my gratitude, and let me + gratify the one longing desire of my overflowing heart."</p> + + <p>"Caleb," replied the minister, with solemnity, "it is true that I have + been permitted to protect and serve you. It is true that, but for me, at + this moment you would be beyond the reach of help and man's regard. I have + brought you from the grave to life. I have led you to the waters of life, of + which you may drink freely, and through which you will be made partaker with + the saints, of glory everlasting. This I have done for you. Do I speak in + pride? Would I rob Heaven and give the praise and honour to the creature? + God forbid. <i>I</i> have accomplished little. <i>I</i> have done nothing + good and praiseworthy but as the instrument of Him whose servant and whose + minister I am. Not for myself, but for my Master's sake, I demand your + friendship and fidelity. If I have been accounted worthy to save your soul, + I am not unworthy of your loyalty and love."</p> + + <p>"They are yours, sir. It is my happiness to offer them."</p> + + <p>"Caleb," continued my friend, in the same tone, "you have lived with me + many months. Mine is a life of privacy and retirement compared with that of + other men. I strive to be useful to my fellow-creatures, and am happy if I + succeed. If any one may claim immunity from slander and reproach, it is I, + who have avoided diligently all appearance of offence. Yet I have not + succeeded. You are about to mix again with men. You have joined the church, + and you will not fail to hear me spoken of harshly and injuriously."</p> + + <p>"Impossible!" I exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"Yes, it would seem so, and it would <i>be</i>, if justice in this world + accompanied men's acts. I tell you," continued Mr Clayton, flushing as he + raised his voice, "there are men living now whom I have raised from beggary + and want—men, indebted to me for the air they breathe, who calumniate + and defame me through the world, and who will not cease to do so till I or + they are sleeping in the dust. They owed me every thing, like + you—their gratitude was unbounded, even as yours. What assurance have + I that you will not deal as hardly by your friend as they have done, and + still do?"</p> + + <p>"Mr Clayton," I answered, eagerly, "I would lay down my life to serve + you."</p> + + <p>"I believe you to be frank and honest, Caleb. I should believe it; for I + am about to pledge a heavy sum upon your integrity—and, indeed, I can + but ill spare it. You ask me how I would have you show your thankfulness for + what I have accomplished for you. I answer, by giving me your + <i>friendship</i>. It is a holy word, and comprehends more than is supposed. + A friend believes not ill that is spoken of him to whom he is united by + mutual communion and interest; he is faithful to the end, through good + report and evil, and falls, if need be, with the man to whom he has engaged + his troth and given his heart."</p> + + <p>"I am unworthy, sir," I said, "to stand in this relation with one so + good, so holy as yourself. I have but a word to say—trust and confide + in me. I will never deceive you."</p> + + <p>"Let us pray," said Mr Clayton, after a long pause, sighing as he spoke, + and speaking very softly—and immediately he fell upon his knees, and + I, according to a practice which I had acquired at the chapel, leaned upon a + chair, and turned my face to the window.</p> + + <p>It was about a month after my installation into my new office, that + business connected with the society carried me to the village of Highgate. + It was late in the evening when my commission was completed, and I was + enabled, after a day of excessive fatigue, to direct my steps once more + homeward. The stage-coach, which set out from the village for London twice + during the day, luckily for me, was appointed to make its last journey about + half an hour after my engagements had set me at liberty. A mile, across + fields, intervened between me and the coach-office. Short as the distance + was, it was any thing but an agreeable task to get over it, with the rain + spitting into my face, the boisterous wind beating me back, and the darkness + of a November night confounding me at every turn. In good time, however, I + reached the inn. Providence favoured me. There were but two seats unoccupied + in the coach; one was already engaged by a gentleman who had requested to be + taken up a mile forward; the other had just been given up by a lady who had + been frightened by the storm, and had postponed her return to London to the + following day. This seat I immediately secured, and in a few minutes + afterwards we were on our way towards Babylon. We made but little progress. + The breed of coach horses has been much improved since the period of which I + write, and a journey from Highgate to London was a much more important event + than a railway conductor of the present day would suppose. My companions + were all men. Their conversation turned upon the topics of the day. A + monetary crisis had taken place in the mercantile world, and for many days I + had heard nothing spoken of but the vast losses which houses and individuals + of high character and standing had incurred, and the bankruptcy with which + the community had become suddenly threatened. The subject had grown stale + and wearisome to me. It had little interest, in fact, for one whose humble + salary of one hundred and fifty pounds per annum depended so little upon the + great fluctuations of commerce, and I accordingly disposed myself for sleep + as soon as the words <i>bills</i>, <i>money</i>, and <i>bankruptcy</i>, + became the staple matter of discourse. I had scarcely established a + comfortable doze before the coach stopped suddenly, and awoke me. It had + halted for the last inside. A gentleman, apparently stout and well wrapped + up—it was impossible to speak positively on the subject, the night was + so very dark—trod his way into the vehicle over the toes of his + fellow-passengers, and took his seat. The coach was once more moving towards + the metropolis, and again I endeavoured to lull myself to sleep. The same + expressions proceeded from the lips of the travellers, and they were growing + more and more indistinct and shadowy, when I was startled all on a sudden by + one of the most palpable sounds that had ever disturbed and confounded a + dreamer. I sat up and listened, coughed to convince myself that I was + certainly awake, and the sounds were repeated as clear and as audible as + before. I would have sworn that Mr Clayton was the gentleman whom we had + last picked up—that he was now in the coach with me—and was now + talking, if the words which fell from the traveller had not been such as he + would never have used, and the subject on which he spoke had not been one + upon which Mr Clayton, I believed, was as ignorant as a child. The + resemblance between the voices was so great, that I pronounced the + phenomenon the most extraordinary that had ever occurred to me; and growing + quite wakeful from the incident, I continued to listen to the accents of the + speaker until once or twice I had almost thought it my duty to acquaint him + with the remarkable fact, which he was now living to illustrate. But I held + my peace, and the conversation proceeded without interruption.</p> + + <p>"You may depend upon it," said one gentleman, "things must get worse + before they'll mend. Half the mischief isn't done yet. There's a report + to-day that —— cannot hold out much longer. It will be a queer + thing if they smash. Many petty tradesmen bank with that house, who will be + ruined if they go. Things are certainly in a very sweet state."</p> + + <p>"You do not mean," said <i>the voice</i>, trembling with emotion or + alarm, "that the house of —— threatens to give way? I have been + in the city to-day, and did not hear a syllable of this. I think you must he + mistaken. Good God, how frightful!"</p> + + <p>Well, it was really wonderful! I could have sworn that Mr Clayton was the + speaker. Had he not concluded with the ejaculation, my doubt would certainly + have ceased. That exclamation, of course, removed the supposition + entirely.</p> + + <p>"You'll find I'm right, sir," was the reply of the traveller who spoke + first. "At least, I fear you will. I hope I may be wrong. If you have any + thing in their hands, you would find it worth your while, I think, to pay + them an early visit to-morrow morning. If there's a run upon them, nothing + in the world can save them."</p> + + <p>"And is it true," asked <i>the voice</i>, "that —— stopped + payment on Tuesday? I came to town from Warwickshire only yesterday, and + this is the first news that I heard."</p> + + <p>"Oh, there's no doubt about that," answered a third person; "but that + surprized nobody. The only wonder is, how he managed to keep afloat so long. + He has been up to the chin for the last twelvemonth and more. I hope you + don't lose there, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Mine has been the devil's luck this year," continued <i>the voice</i>, + in a bitter savage tone, that never belonged to Mr Clayton. "Yes, gentlemen, + I lose heavily by them both. But never mind, never mind, <i>one</i> shall + wince for it, if he has been playing ducks and drakes with my good money. He + shall feel the scourge, depend upon it. I'll never leave him till he has + paid me back in groans. Heaven, what a sum!"</p> + + <p><i>The voice</i> said no more during the journey. The other gentlemen + having lost nothing by the various failures, discussed matters with + philosophy and praiseworthy decorum. Sometimes, indeed, "the third person" + grew slightly facetious and jocose when he represented to himself what he + termed "the queer cut" that some old friend would display on presenting his + cheque for payment at the rickety counter of Messrs —— & + Co.; but no deeper expression of feeling escaped one of those who spoke so + long and volubly on what concerned themselves so very little. I was puzzled + and disturbed. The stranger had returned from Warwickshire the day before. + Twice during my residence with the minister, business of importance had + carried him to that county. It was certainly a curious coincidence, but + coincidences more curious pass by us every day unheeded. It would have been + absurd to conclude from that the identity of the stranger; yet the fact, + coupled with <i>the voice</i>, staggered and confounded me. I said nothing, + but determined, as soon as we reached the public streets, to call to my aid + the light—feeble as it was—of the dimly-burning lamps, which, at + the time I speak of, were placed at a considerable distance from each other + along the principal streets of London, scattering no light, and looking like + oil lamps in the last stage of a lingering consumption. These afforded me + little help. The weakest effort of illumination imaginable strayed across + the coach window as we passed a burner, about as serviceable as the long + interval of darkness that ensued, and far more tantalizing. We were driving + through the city. I was still brooding over the singular occurrence, when + the coach stopped. The stranger alighted. I endeavoured to obtain sight of + him, but he was so wrapped and clothed that I did not succeed. The coach was + on its way again, and I had just opportunity enough to discover that we had + halted at the corner of the street in which Mr Clayton resided. I had been + so intent upon scanning the figure of the traveller, that the fact had + escaped me. Had I been aware of it, I would certainly have followed the man, + and seen him at all events safely beyond the door of the minister. Now it + was too late.</p> + + <p>I could not repress the desire which I felt to visit Mr Clayton on the + following morning. I went to him at an early hour. If he and the stranger + were one and the same person, I should be made aware of it at a glance. The + cause that had affected him so deeply in the stage-coach existed still, and + his manner must betray him. My suspicions were, thank Heaven, instantly + removed. I found my friend tranquil as ever, busy at his old occupation, and + welcoming me with his usual smile of benevolence. He was paler than usual, I + thought; but this impression only convinced me how difficult it is to be + charitable and just, when bias and prejudice once take possession of us. My + friend was, if any thing, kinder and more affectionate than ever. He spoke + to me about my new employment, gave me his advice on points of difficulty, + and bade me consult him always, and without hesitation, when doubt might + lead me into danger. He could not tell me how happy he had been made by + having secured a competency for me; and he hoped sincerely that no act of + mine would ever cause him to regret the step that he had taken.</p> + + <p>"Indeed," said he, "I have great confidence in you, Caleb. I do not know + another person in the world upon whose character I would have staked so + large a sum. In truth, I should not have been justified. A thousand pounds + is a heavy venture for one so straitened as I am. But you are worthy of it + all. You are a faithful and good boy, and will never give me reason to + repent my generosity. Will you, child?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir," I replied; "not if I am master of myself."</p> + + <p>"It is strange," continued the good man, "how we attach ourselves to + individuals! There are some men who repel you at first sight—with whom + your feelings are at variance as oil with water. Others again, who win us + with a look—to whom we could confide the secrets of our inmost heart, + and feel satisfied of their losing nothing of their sacredness. Have you + never experienced this, Caleb?"</p> + + <p>"I could speak to you, sir," said I, in return, "as unreservedly as to + myself."</p> + + <p>"Yes, and I to you. It is a strange and beautiful arrangement. Providence + has a hand in this, as in all other sublunary dispensations. We were created + to be a comfort and a joy to one another, and to reciprocate confidence and + love. Such instances are not confined to modern times. History tells us of + glorious friendships in the ancient world. The great of old—of Greece + and Rome—they who advanced to the very gate and threshold of TRUTH, + and then despairingly turned back—they have honoured human nature by + the intensity and permanency of their attachments. But what is a Pagan + attachment in comparison with that which exists amongst believers, and + unites in bonds that are indissoluble, the faithful hearts of pious + Christians?"</p> + + <p>"Ah, what indeed, sir!"</p> + + <p>"Come to me to-morrow, Caleb," continued my friend, changing the subject. + "Let me see you as often as your duties will permit you. We must not be + strangers. I did not intend to give you up so easily. It is sweet and + refreshing to pursue our old subjects of discourse. You are not tired of + them?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, sir."</p> + + <p>"Come, then, to-morrow."</p> + + <p>It was truly delightful to listen to the minister. I had never known him + more sweetly disposed and more calm than on this occasion. He was unruffled + by the presence of one anxious thought. Ah, how different would he have been + if he had really proved to be my coach acquaintance! How I despised myself + for the one unkind half suspicion which I had entertained so derogatory to + the high character of the saint. But it was a great comfort to me, + nevertheless, to be so satisfied of my delusion, and to feel so easy and so + happy in my mind at the close of our long interview. According to my + promise, I saw the minister on the following day. He was as peaceful and + heavenly-minded as before. Another appointment was made and + kept—another succeeded to that—and for one fortnight together, I + spent many hours daily in the society of my respected friend.</p> + + <p>In pursuance of an arrangement which we had made, I called one afternoon + at Mr Clayton's house, and was distressed to hear that he was confined to + his bed by a sudden attack of illness. He had directed his servant to + acquaint all visiters with his condition, and to admit no one to him, with + the exception of the medical attendant and myself. I was eager to profit by + my privilege, and was in a few seconds at the bedside of my benefactor. He + was reading when I approached him, and he looked flushed and agitated. He + put his book away from him, and held out his hand to me. I pressed it most + affectionately.</p> + + <p>"I have been ill, Caleb," he began, "but I am better now, and I shall be + quite well soon. Do not be alarmed."</p> + + <p>"How did it happen, sir?" I asked.</p> + + <p>"We are in the flesh now, dear boy, and are subject to the evils of the + flesh. Hereafter it will be otherwise. Sorrow and distress, we are told, + shall be no more. Oh, happy time for sinners! I have grievously offended. + This very day I have permitted worldly thoughts to disturb and harrass me, + and to shake the fleshly tabernacle. It was wrong, very wrong."</p> + + <p>"What has happened, sir?" I enquired.</p> + + <p>The minister looked hard and tenderly upon me, pressed my hand again, and + bade me take a chair.</p> + + <p>"Bring it near to the bed, Caleb," said Mr Clayton; "I like to have you + near me. I am better since you came. To see you is always soothing to my + mind. I am reminded, then, that I am not altogether so worthless and + insignificant a worm as I believe myself, since I have been able to do so + much for you. Tell me, do you still like the employment that I procured for + you?"</p> + + <p>"I would not resign it for any other that I know of. It is every thing to + me. I feel my independence, and I have been told that I am useful to my + fellow-creatures. It would be a bitter hour to me, sir, that should find me + deprived of my appointment."</p> + + <p>"And that hour is very distant, Caleb, if you are sensible of your duty, + and grateful to the instruments which Heaven has raised for you. You shall + always feel your independence, and always hear that you are useful and + respected. Be but faithful. It is a lesson that I have repeated to you many + times—it cannot be told too often."</p> + + <p>"You are a patient and a kind instructor, sir."</p> + + <p>"Come closer to me, Caleb, and now listen. But first—look well at + me, and tell me what you see."</p> + + <p>I looked as he required, but gave no answer.</p> + + <p>"Tell me, do you see the lines and marks that beggary and ruin bring upon + the countenance of men? Does poverty glare from any one expression? <i>I am + a lost and ruined man.</i>"</p> + + <p>"You, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. The trifling pittance upon which I lived, and barely lived, and yet + from which I could still extract enough to do a little good—to feed, + perhaps, one starving throat—is wrested, torn from me, and from those + who shared in what it might obtain. I am myself a beggar."</p> + + <p>Mr Clayton became agitated as he spoke, and I implored him to compose + himself.</p> + + <p>"Yes—it is that I wish to do. I should be above the influence of + dross. And for myself I am. Would that I might suffer alone! And this is not + all. The man who has effected my ruin owes every thing to me. I found him + penniless, and raised him to a condition that should have inspired him with + regard and gratitude. I would have trusted that man with confidence + unbounded. I did entrust him with my all, and he has beggared and undone + me."</p> + + <p>"Take it not to heart, sir," I said, soothing the afflicted man; "things + may not be so bad as you suppose."</p> + + <p>"They cannot be worse," was the reply; "but I will <i>not</i> take it to + heart. The blow is hard to bear—the carnal man must feel it—yet + I am not without my solace. Read to me, Caleb."</p> + + <p>I read a chapter from the work that was lying on the bed. It was called + "<i>The Good Man's Comfort in Affliction</i>." It was effectual in restoring + my friend to composure. He spoke afterwards with his usual softness of + manner.</p> + + <p>"This bad man, Caleb," he resumed, "is a member of our church. I am sorry + for it—grievously, bitterly sorry for it. The scandal must be removed. + Personally, I would be as passive and forbearing as a child, but the church + suffers whilst one such member is permitted to profane her ordinances. He + must be cut off from her. It must be done. The church must disavow the man + who has betrayed her minister and disgraced himself. I have been your + friend, Caleb—you must now prove mine."</p> + + <p>"Most willingly," said I.</p> + + <p>"This business must be brought before a general meeting of the church. + From me the accusation will come with ill grace, and yet a public charge + must be preferred. You must be the champion of my cause. Your's shall be the + task of conferring a lasting obligation on your friend—your's shall be + the glory of ridding the sanctuary of defilement."</p> + + <p>"How am I to act, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Your course is very easy, child. A meeting shall be convened without + delay. You shall attend it. You shall be made master of the case. You must + propose an examination of his affairs on the part of the church. The man has + failed—he is a bankrupt—our church is pure, and demands an + investigation into the questionable conduct of her children. This you shall + do. The church will do the rest."</p> + + <p>I know not how it was—I cannot tell what led to it—but a cold + shudder crept through my body, and a sudden sickness overcame me. I thought + of the coach scene—<i>the voice</i> seemed more like than + ever—the tones were the very same. I seemed unexpectedly enclosed and + entangled in some dreadful mystery. I could not conceive why I should + hesitate to accept the invitation of my friend with alacrity and pleasure. + He was my benefactor, preserver, best and only friend.</p> + + <p>He had been defrauded, and he called upon me now to perform a simple act + of justice. A man under much less obligation to the minister would have met + his wishes joyfully; but I <i>did</i> hesitate and hold back. A natural + suggestion, one that I could not control or crush, told me as loudly as a + voice could speak, not to commit myself by an immediate and rash consent. It + must have been the <i>coach</i>; for, previously to that adventure, had the + minister commanded me to accuse a hundred men, a hint would have sufficed + for my obedience. But that unfortunate occurrence, now revived by the manner + of my friend—by the expressions which he employed—by the charge + which he adduced against the unhappy member of his church—filled me + with doubt, uncertainty, and alarm. Mr Clayton was not slow to remark what + was passing in my mind.</p> + + <p>"How is this, Caleb?" he enquired. "You pause and hesitate."</p> + + <p>"What has he done sir?" I asked, in my confusion, hardly knowing what I + said.</p> + + <p>"Done!" exclaimed the minister, with an offended air. "Caleb, he has + ruined the man who has made you what you are."</p> + + <p>It was too true. Mr Clayton had indeed made me what I was. It was a just + reproof. It was ingratitude of the blackest character, to listen so coldly + to his wishes. For months I had received daily and hourly the most signal + benefits from his hands. He had never till now called upon me to make the + shadow of a return for all his disinterested + love—<i>disinterested</i>, ah, was it so? I hated myself for the + momentary doubt—and yet the doubt returned upon me. If I had not heard + his voice in the coach, such a suspicion would have been impossible. + <i>Now</i>, any thing seemed possible—nothing was too extraordinary to + happen. Well, it was little that the minister requested me to do. I had but + to demand an investigation into the man's affairs. It was easily done, and + without any cost or sacrifice of principle. But why could not the minister + demand the same himself? "It would be unseemly," he asserted. Well, it might + be—why had he not selected an elder member of the Church? Because, as + he had often told me, there was none so dear to him. This was plain and + reasonable, and all this passed through my brain with the rapidity of + thought in an instant of time.</p> + + <p>"You may command me, sir," I said at length.</p> + + <p>"No, Caleb, I will not <i>command</i> you. To serve your friend would + have been, I deemed, a labour of love. I did not <i>command</i> you, and I + now retract the trifling request which I find I was too bold to make."</p> + + <p>"Do not talk so to me, Mr Clayton, I entreat you. I am disturbed and + unwell to-day. Your illness has unsettled me. Pray command me. Speak to me + as is your wont—with the same kindliness and warmth—you know I + am bound to you. Let me serve you in any way you please."</p> + + <p>"We will speak of it some other time. Let us change the subject now. + There are twenty men who will be eager to comply with the wishes of their + minister. An intimation will suffice."</p> + + <p>"But why, sir," I returned—"why should others be privileged to do + your bidding, and I denied? Forgive my apparent coldness, and give me my + instructions."</p> + + <p>"Not now," said Mr Clayton, softened by my returning warmth. "Let us read + again. Some other time."</p> + + <p>In a few days the subject was again introduced, and I put in possession + of the history of the unfortunate man who was so soon to be brought under + the anathema of the church. According to the statement of the minister, the + guilty person had received at various times from him as a loan, no less a + sum than four thousand pounds, the substance of his wealth, besides an equal + amount from other sources, for which Mr Clayton had made himself + accountable. Mr Clayton had implicated himself so seriously, as he said, for + the advantage of the man whom he had known from boyhood, and raised from + beggary, simply on account of the love he bore him, and in consideration of + his Christian character. Of every farthing thus advanced, the minister had + been defrauded, and within a month the trader had declared himself a + bankrupt. That the minister should have acted so inconsiderately and + prodigally, might seem strange to any one who did not thoroughly understand + the extreme unselfishness of his disposition. Towards me he had behaved with + an equal liberality, and I, at least, had no right to question the truth of + every word he spoke. The conduct of the man appeared odious and + unpardonable, and I regretted that I should have doubted, for one moment, + the propriety of assisting so manifest an act of justice. Let me acknowledge + that there was much need of self-persuasion to arrive at this conclusion. I + wished to believe that I felt <i>urged</i> to my determination; but the + necessity that I experienced of working myself up to a conviction of the + justice of the case, militated sadly against so pleasing a delusion.</p> + + <p>The second church meeting in which it fell to my lot to perform a + distinguished character, took place soon after the communication which I + received from my respected friend. It was convened with the especial object + of inquiring into the circumstances connected with the failure of Mr George + Whitefield Bunyan Smith. The chapel was, if possible, fuller than on the + former evening, and the majority of members was, as before, women. A + movement throughout the assembly—a whispering, and a ceaseless + expectoration, indicated the raciness and interest which attached to the + matter in hand, and every eye and mouth seemed opened in the fulness of an + anxious expectation. I sat quietly and uncomfortably, and my heart beat + palpably against my clothes. I endeavoured to paint the villany of Mr Smith + in the darkest colours, and by the contemplation of it, to rouse myself to + self-esteem—but the effort was a failure. I could see nothing but the + man in the coach, and hear nothing but <i>the voice</i>, which sounded in my + ears louder than ever, <i>and far more like</i>; and I became at length + perfectly satisfied that I had no business to stand in the capacity of Mr + Smith's accuser. It was too late to recant. The bell had rung—the + curtain was up and the performances were about to begin.</p> + + <p>A hymn, as usual, ushered in the proceedings of the day. The fifty-second + psalm was then read by the minister, in the beautiful tone which he knew so + well how to assume, and reverence and awe accompanied his emphatic delivery. + Ah, could I ever forget the hour when those accents first dropped with + medicinal virtue on my soul—when every syllable from his lips brought + unction to my bruised nature—and the dark shadows of earth were + dissipated and destroyed, beneath the clear, pure light of heaven that he + invoked and made apparent! Why passed the syllables now coldly and + ineffectually across the heart they could not penetrate? Why glittered they + before the eye with phosphorescent lustre, void of all heat and might? I + could not tell. The charm was gone. It was misery to know it. The minister + having concluded, "Brother Buster was requested to engage in prayer." That + worthy rose <i>instanter</i>. First, he coughed, then he made a + face—an awful face—then closed his eyes—then opened them + again, looked up, and stretched forth his arms. At last he spoke. He prayed + for the whole world, including the islands recently discovered, "even from + the river to the oceans of ages"—then for Europe, and "more + especially" for England, and London "in particular," but "chiefly" for the + parish in which the chapel stood, and "principally" for the Chosen People + then and there assembled, and, "above all," for the infatuated man upon + whose account they had been brought together. "Oh, might the delooded sinner + repent <i>off</i> his sin, and, having felt the rod, turn from the error + <i>off</i> his ways. Oh might the Church have grace to purify itself; and oh + might the vessel wot was chosen this night to bring the criminal to justice, + be hindood with strength for the work; and oh, might the criminal be enabled + to come out of it with clean hands, (which he very much doubted;) and oh, + might the minister be preserved to his Church for many years to come; and + oh, might he himself be a door-keeper in heaven, rather than dwell in the + midst of wickedness and sinners!" This was the substance of the divine + supplication, offered up by Jabez Buster, in the presence of the + congregation, and listened to with devout respect and seriousness by the + refined and intellectual Mr Clayton. Another hymn succeeded immediately. It + must have been written for the occasion, for the sentiment of it was in + accordance with the prayer. It was a wail over the backsliding of a fallen + saint. To the assembly thus prejudiced—an assembly made up of men of + business and their wives, mechanics, dressmakers, servant-maids, and the + like, an address suitable to their capacities was spoken. Mr Clayton + himself delivered it.—He trembled with emotion when he referred to the + painful duty which he was now called upon to perform. "Dear brethren," said + he, "you are all aware of the unhappy condition of that brother who has long + been bound to us by every tie that may unite the brethren in cordial and in + Christian love. Truly, he has been dear to all of us; and for myself, I can + with sincerity aver, that no creature living was dearer to me in the flesh, + than him upon whose conduct we are met this night in Christian charity to + adjudicate. Yes, he was my equal, my guide, and my acquaintance. We took + sweet council together, and we walked to the house of prayer in company. I + hope, I pray—would that I might add, that I believe!—the sin + that has been committed in the face of the Church, and before the world, may + be found not to lie at the door of him we loved and cherished. We are not + here to take cognizance of the temporal concerns of every member of our + congregation. We have no right to do this, so long as the Church is kept + pure, and suffers not by the delinquencies of her children. If the limb be + unworthy and unsound, let it be lopped off. You have heard that the worldly + affairs of our brother are crushed; it is whispered abroad that there is + reason to fear the commission of discreditable acts. Is this so? If it be + true, let the whisper assume a bolder form, and pronounce our brother + unworthy of a place with the elect. If it be false, let every evil tongue be + silenced, and let us rejoice exceedingly, yea, with the timbrel and dance, + with stringed instruments and loud-sounding cymbals. For my own part, I will + not believe him guilty, until proof positive has made him so. His accuser is + here this night. From what I know of our young brother, I am satisfied he + will proceed most cautiously. Should he suggest simply an investigation into + the recent transactions of the unfortunate man, it will be our duty to act + upon that suggestion. If he comes armed with evidences of guilt, they must + be examined with a kind but still impartial spirit. I know not to what + extent it is proposed to proceed. It is not for me to know it. I am not his + prosecutor. I shall not pronounce upon him. It is for you to judge. If he be + proved culpable in this most melancholy business, and, alas! I fear he must + be, if reports are true—though you must be careful to discard reports + and look to testimony only—our course is plain and easy. Pardon is not + with us; it must be sought elsewhere. I will not detain you longer. Brother + Stukely, the Church will listen to your charge."</p> + + <p>But Brother Stukely had been for some time rendered incapable of speech. + He was staggered and overwhelmed. He distrusted his eyes, his ears, and + every sense that he possessed. What?—was <i>this</i> Mr Clayton, the + meek, the pious, the good, the benevolent, the just, the truth-telling, the + Christian, and the minister? What?—could he assert that he was + satisfied of his victim's innocence, until I should prove him + guilty—I, who knew nothing of the man and his affairs, but what I + gathered from his own false lips? There was some terrible mistake here. I + dreamt, or raved. What!—had the history of the last twelvemonth been a + cheat—a fable?—How was it—where was I? What!—could + Mr Clayton talk thus—could HE descend to falsehood and + deceit—HE, the immaculate and infallible? What a moral earthquake was + here! What a re-enacting of the fall of man! But every eye was upon me, and + the Church was silent as death, waiting for my rising. The chapel commenced + swimming round me. I grew sick, and feared that I was becoming blind, for a + mist came before my eyes, and confounded all things. At length I was + awakened to something like consciousness, by a rapid and universal + expectoration. I rose, and became painfully distressed by a conflict of + opposing feelings. I remembered, in spite of the present obliquity of the + minister, his great kindness to me—I remembered it with + gratitude—this urged me to speak aloud, whilst a sense of justice as + strongly demanded silence, and pity for the man whom I had undertaken to + accuse, but who had never offended me, cried shame upon me for the words I + was about to utter. For a second, I stood irresolute, and a merciful + interference was sent to rescue me.</p> + + <p>"Why," exclaimed a voice that came pleasing to my ears,—"why are + you going to accuse this here brother? Harn't twenty men failed afore, and + you never thought of asking questions?"</p> + + <p>I looked round, and my friend Thompson of happy memory nodded familiarly, + and by no means disconcertedly to me. I had never seen him in the chapel + before. I did not know that he was a member. Here was another mystery! His + words were the signal for loud disapprobation. He had marred the general + curiosity at an intensely interesting moment, and the anger that was + conceived against him was by no means partial. The minister rose in the + midst of it. He looked very pale and much annoyed, but his manner was still + mild, and his expressions as full of charity and kind feeling as ever.</p> + + <p>"It was a proper enquiry," he said; "one that should immediately be + answered." Heaven forbid that their conduct, in one particular, should + savour of injustice. In due time the explanation would have been offered. + Had their brother waited for that time, he would have found that his harsh + observation might have been withheld. The unfortunate man needed not the + champion who had stood so irreverently forward. "I can assure our brother, + that there is one who will hear of his innocence with greater joy than any + other man may feel for him." But it was his duty to state, and publicly, + that there were circumstances connected with this failure, that unfavourably + marked it from every other that had taken place amongst them. These must be + enquired into. Their brother Stukely had been interrupted in the charge + which he was about to make. He repeated that he knew not how far that charge + might have been brought home. He would propose now, that two messengers be + appointed to wait upon the bankrupt, and to examine thoroughly his affairs, + and that, previous to their report, no further proceedings should take + place. The purity and disinterestedness of their conduct should be made + apparent. Brothers Buster and Tomkins were the gentlemen whom he proposed + for the delicate office, with the full assurance that they would execute + their commission with Christian charity, tempering justice with heavenly + mercy.</p> + + <p>The assembly gave a reluctant consent to this arrangement. "Such things," + it was argued, "were better settled at once; and it would have been far more + satisfactory if the bankrupt's matters had been disclosed to the meeting, + who had come on purpose to hear them, and had neglected important matters at + home, rather than be disappointed." The meeting, however, dissolved with a + hymn, sung without spirit or heart. At the close of it, the minister + retired. He passed me on his way; looked at me coldly, and I thought a frown + had settled on his brow almost in spite of him. I was scarcely in the open + street again, before Thompson was at my side, shaking my hand with the + greatest heartiness.</p> + + <p>"Well," said he, "I should much sooner have thought of seeing the + d——l in that chapel than you, any how. Why, what does it all + mean? I thought you were in Brummagem."</p> + + <p>"Ah! Thompson," I exclaimed sighing, "I wish I were! It is a long + history."</p> + + <p>"Well, do let's have it. I <i>am</i> astonished."</p> + + <p>I put him in possession of my doings since we parted at the Bull's Head + Inn in Holborn. I had not finished when we arrived at my lodgings. I invited + my old friend to supper, and after that meal, he heard the conclusion of the + narrative.</p> + + <p>"Well," said he at last, "some people don't believe in sperits. Now I do. + I believe that a sperit has brought you and me together again. You've told + me a good deal. Now, I'll tell you something. Clayton's an + out-and-outer."</p> + + <p>"He's a mysterious and unintelligible being," I exclaimed.</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered Thompson, "you were always fond of them fine words. + P'raps you mean the same as me after all. What I mean is, that fellow beats + all I ever came near. Talk of the Old Un! He's a babby to him."</p> + + <p>"I can believe any thing now," I answered.</p> + + <p>"I don't complain; because I think it serves me right. I did very well at + our parish church, and had no business to leave it; and I shouldn't either, + if I hadn't been a easy fool all my life. I went on right well there, and + understood the clergyman very well, and I should have done to this day, if + it hadn't been for my missus; she's always worriting herself about her + state, and she happened to hear this Mr Clayton, and nothing would please + her but we must join his congregation, the whole biling lot of us, and get + elected, as they call it. She said all was cold in the church, and nothing + to catch hold on there. I'm blessed if I havn't catched hold of a good deal + more than I like in this here chapel. They call one another + brothers—sich brothers I fancy as Cain was to Abel. They are the + rummest Christians you ever seed. Just look at the head of them—that + Mr Clayton, rolling in riches"——</p> + + <p>"In what?" said I, interrupting him. "You mistake. The little that he had + is lost."</p> + + <p>"Oh, don't you be gammoned," was the reply. "What he has lost wont hurt + him. He's got enough now to buy this street, out and out. He's the greediest + fellow for money this world ever saw."</p> + + <p>"I am puzzled, Thompson," said I.</p> + + <p>"Yes, perhaps you are, and you'll be more puzzled yet when you know all. + Why, what is all this about poor Smith? I knew him before Clayton ever got + hold of him, when the chap hadn't a halfpenny to fly with, but was a most + ordacious fellow at speculating and inventions, and was always up to + something new. One day he had a plan for making moist sugar out of + bricks—then soap out of nothing—and sweet oil out of stones. At + last Clayton hears of him, and hooks him up, gets him to the chapel; first + converts him, and then goes partners with him in the + spekylations—let's him have as much money as he asks for, and because + soap doesn't come from nothing, and sugar from bricks, and sweet oil from + stones, he stops short, sews him up, drives him into the Gazette, and now + wants to throw him into the world a beggar, without name and character, and + with ten young 'uns hanging about his widowed arm for bread"</p> + + <p>"Oh, it's dreadful, if it's true," said I; "but if he has robbed the + minister, whatever Mr Clayton may be, he ought to be punished."</p> + + <p>"But it isn't true, and there's the villany of it. Smith's a fool; you + never see'd a bigger in your life, and though he thinks himself so clever in + his inventions and diskiveries, he's as simple as a child in business. Why, + he gave three thousand pounds for the machinery wot was to make soap out of + nothing; and so all the money's gone. How sich a deep 'un as Clayton ever + trusted him, I can't tell. He's wexed with himself now, and wants to have + his spite upon his unfortunate tool."</p> + + <p>"I can hardly believe it," said I.</p> + + <p>"No; and do you think I would have believed it the first day as missus + made me come to listen to that out and outer? and, do you think if I had + known about it, they would ever have lugged me in to be a brother? You shall + take a walk with me to-morrow, if you please, and if you don't believe it + then of your own accord, why I sha'n't ask you."</p> + + <p>"He has been so kind, so generous to me. He has behaved so unlike a + mercenary man."</p> + + <p>"Yes; that's just his way. That's what he calls, I suppose, <i>sharpening + his tools</i>. He's made up his mind long ago to have out of you all he gave + you, and a little more besides. Why, what did you get up for in the chapel? + Didn't he say it was to bring a charge against Smith? Why, what do you know + of Smith? Can't you see, with half an eye, he's been feeding of you to do + his dirty work; and if you had turned out well, wouldn't it have been cheap + to him at the price?"</p> + + <p>"What is it," said I, "you propose to do to-morrow?"</p> + + <p>"To take a walk; that's all. Don't ask questions. If you go with me, I'll + satisfy your doubts."</p> + + <p>"Surely," said I, "his congregation must have known this; and they would + not have permitted him"——</p> + + <p>"Ah, my dear sir, you don't know human nature. Wait till you have lived + as long as I have. Now, there's my wife; she knows as much as I do about the + man, and yet I'm blowed if she doesn't seem to like him all the better for + it! She calls him a chosen wessel, and only wishes I was half as sure of + salvation. As for the congregation, they are a complete set of chosen + wessels together, and the more you blow 'em up, the better the wessels like + it. If what they call the world didn't speak agin 'em, they'd be afraid they + were going wrong. So you never can offend them."</p> + + <p>Thompson continued in the same strain for the rest of the evening, + bringing charge after charge against the minister, with the view of proving + him to be a hypocrite of the deepest dye. As he had fostered and protected + me, Thompson explained that he had previously maintained and trained up + Smith, whom he never would have deserted had all his speculations issued + favourably. The loss of his money had so enraged him, that his feelings had + suddenly taken a different direction, and he would now not stop until he had + thoroughly effected the poor man's ruin. He (Thompson) knew Smith well; he + had seen his books; and the man was as innocent of fraud as a child unborn. + Clayton knew it very well, and the trick of examining the books was all a + fudge. "That precious pair of brothers, Bolster and Tomkins, knew very well + what they were about, and would make it turn out right for the minister + somehow. As for hisself, he stood up for the fellow, because he hadn't + another friend in the place. He knew he should be kicked out for his pains, + but that would be more agreeable than otherways." From all I gathered from + Thompson, it appeared that the pitiable man—the audacious minister of + God—was the slave of one of the most corroding passions that ever made + shipwreck of the heart of man. <i>The love of money</i> absorbed or made + subservient every other sentiment. To heap up riches, there was no labour + too painful, no means too vicious, no conduct too unjustifiable. The graces + of earth, the virtues of heaven, were made to minister to the lust, and to + conceal the demon behind the brightness and the beauty of their forms. There + is no limit to the moral baseness of the man of avarice. There was none with + Mr Clayton. He lived to accumulate. Once let the desire fasten, anchor-like, + with heavy iron to the heart, and what becomes of the world's opinion, and + the tremendous menaces of heaven? Mr Clayton was a scholar—a man of + refinement, eloquent—an angel not more winning—he was + self-denying in his appetites, humble, patient—powerful and beautiful + in expression, when the vices of men compelled the unwilling invective. + Witness the burst of indignation when he spoke of Emma Harrington, and the + race to which it was her misery to belong. He was, to the eyes of men, + studious and holy as an anchorite. But better than his own immortal soul, he + loved and doated upon <i>gold!</i> That love acknowledged, fed, and + gratified, when are its demands appeased?—when does conscience raise a + barrier against its further progress? It is a state difficult to believe. + Could I have listened with an ear of credulity to the tale of + Thompson—could I have borne to listen to it with patience, had I not + witnessed an act of turpitude that ocular demonstration could only render + credible—had I not been prepared for that act by the tone, the manner, + the expressions of the minister, when we passed an hour together, ignorant + of each other's presence? It was a dreadful conviction that was forced upon + me, and as wonderful as terrible. Self-delusion, for such it was, so perfect + and complete, who could conceive—hypocrisy so super-eminent, who could + conjecture! There was something, however, to be disclosed on the succeeding + day. Thompson was very mysterious about this. He would give no clue to what + he designed. I should judge from what I saw of the truth of his + communications. Alas! I had seen enough already to mourn over the most + melancholy overthrow that had ever crushed the confidence, and bruised the + feelings, of ingenuous youth.</p> + + <p>I passed a restless and unhappy night. Miserable dreams distressed me. I + dreamed that I was sentenced to death for perjury—that the gallows was + erected—and that Buster and Tomkins were my executioners. The latter + was cruelly polite and attentive in his demeanour. He put the rope round my + neck with an air of cutting civility, and apologized for the whole + proceeding. I experienced vividly the moment of being turned off. I suffered + the horrors of strangulation. The noose slipped, and I was dangling in the + air in excruciating agony, half-dead and half-alive. Buster rushed to the + foot of the scaffold, and with Christian charity fastened himself to my + legs, and hung there till I had breathed my last. Whilst he was thus + suspended, he sang one of his favourite hymns with his own rich and + effective nasal vigour. Then I dreamed I was murdering Bunyan Smith in his + sleep. Mr Clayton was pushing me forward, and urging a dagger into my hand. + Just as I had killed him, I was knocked down by Thompson, and Clayton ran + off laughing. Then I woke up, thank Heaven, more frightened than hurt, with + every limb in my body sore and aching. Then, instead of going to sleep + again, which I could not do, I lay awake, and reflected on what had taken + place, and I thought all I had heard against Mr Clayton, and all I had seen + in the chapel, was a dream, like the execution and the murder. One thing + seemed just as real and as likely as the other. Then I became uneasy in my + bed, got up, and walked about the room, and wondered what in the world I + should do, if Mr Clayton deprived me of my situation, and I was thrown out + of bread again. Then I recollected his many hints concerning fidelity and + friendship, and what he had said about my being in no danger, so long as I + was faithful, and the rest of it; and then I wished I had thrown myself over + Blackfriars' Bridge as I had intended, and so put an end to all the trials + that beset my path. But this wish was scarcely felt before it was regretted + and checked at once. Mr Clayton had taught me wisdom, which his own bad + conduct could not sully or affect. It was not because under the garb of + religion he concealed the tainted soul of the hypocrite, that religion was + not still an angel of light, of purity, and loveliness. Her consolations + were not less sweet—her promises not less sure. It would have been an + unsound logic that should have argued, from the sinfulness of the minister, + the falseness of that faith whose simple profession, and nothing more, alas! + had been enough to hide foulest deformity. No! the vital spark that Mr + Clayton had kindled, burned still steadily and clear. I could still see by + its holy light the path of rectitude and duty, and thank God the while, that + in the hour of temptation he gave me strength to resist evil, and the + faculty of distinguishing aright between <i>the unshaken testimony</i> and + <i>the unfaithful witness</i>. I did not, upon reflection, regret that I had + not recklessly destroyed myself; but I prayed on my knees for direction and + help in the season of difficulty and disappointment through which I was now + passing.</p> + + <p>Thompson came early on the following day, punctual to his appointment. He + was accompanied by poor Bunyan Smith, and a voluminous statement of his + affairs. I looked over them as well as I was able; for the unfortunate man + was all excitement, and, faithful to the description of Thompson, sanguine + in the extreme. He interrupted me twenty times, and, as every new + speculation turned up, had still something to say why it had not succeeded + according to his wishes. Although he had failed in every grand experiment, + there was not one which would not have realized his hopes a hundredfold, but + for the occurrence of some unfortunate event which it was impossible to + foresee, but which could not possibly take place again, had he but money to + renew his trials. His bankruptcy had not subdued him, nor in the least + diminished his belief in the efficacy of his great discoveries. There was + certainly no appearance of fraud in the account of his transactions, but it + was not Mr Smith's innocence I was anxious to establish. It was the known + guilt of Mr Clayton that I would have made any sacrifice to remove.</p> + + <p>It was in the afternoon that Thompson and I were walking along the + well-filled pavement of Cheapside, on our way to what he called "the best + witness he could bring to speak in favour of all that he had said about the + minister." He still persisted in keeping up a mystery in respect of this + same witness. "He might be, after all," he said, "mistaken in the thing, and + he didn't wish to be made a fool of. I don't expect I shall, but we shall + see." We reached Cornhill, and were opposite the Exchange.</p> + + <p>"That's a rum place, isn't?" asked Thompson, looking at the + building—"Have you ever been inside?"</p> + + <p>"Never," I replied.</p> + + <p>"Suppose we just stroll in then? What a row they are kicking up there! + And what a crowd! There's hardly room to move."</p> + + <p>The area was, as he said, crowded. There was a loud continued murmur of + human voices. Traffic was intense, and had reached what might be supposed + its acme. It seemed as if business was undergoing a paroxysm, or fit, rather + than pursuing her steady, healthful course. Bodies of men were standing in + groups—some were darting from corner to corner, pen in mouth—a + few were walking leisurely with downcast looks—others quickly, uneasy + and excited. A stout and well-contented gentleman or two leaned against the + high pillars of the building, and formed the centre of a human circle, that + smiled as he smiled, and stopped when he stopped.</p> + + <p>"Nice place to study in, sir," said Thompson, as we walked along.</p> + + <p>I smiled.</p> + + <p>"I mean it though," said he. "I see a man now that comes here on purpose + to study—as clever a man at his books as ever I saw, and as fine a + fellow to talk as you know—there, just look across the + road—under that pillar—near the archway. There, just where them + two men has left a open space. Tell me, who do you see there, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Why, Mr CLAYTON!" I replied, astonished at the sight.</p> + + <p>"Yes, and if you'll come here every day of your life, there you'll find + him. I've watched him often, since Smith first put me up to his tricks, and + I have never missed him. There he is making money, and wearing his soul out + because he can't make half enough to satisfy his greedy maw. His + covetousness is awful. There's nothing that he doesn't speckylate in; + there's hardly a man of business in his congregation that he doesn't, either + by himself or others, lend money out at usury. I mean such on 'em as he + knows are right; for catch him, if he knows it, trusting the rotten + brothers. Smith says he has got something to do with every one of the + stocks. I don't know whether that is any thing to eat and drink or not, but + I think they call this here bear-garden the Stock Exchange, and here the + out-and-outer spends more than half his days." Whilst Thompson spoke, one of + the two men, whom I have mentioned as being for many hours together closeted + with the minister in his private study, and whom I set down as + missionaries—came up in great haste to Mr Clayton, and communicated to + him news, apparently, of importance. The latter immediately produced a + pocket-book, in which he wrote a few words with a pencil, and the individual + departed. The information, whatever it may have been, had deeply affected + the man to whom it had been brought. He did not stand still, as before, but + walked nervously about, looked pale, care-worn, and miserably anxious. He + referred to his book a dozen times—restored it frequently to his + pocket, and had it out again immediately for surer satisfaction, or for + further calculations. In about ten minutes, "<i>the missionary</i>" + returned. This time he was the bearer of a better tale. The minister + smiled—his brow expanded, and his eye had the vivacity and fire that + belonged to it in the pulpit. Another memorandum was written in the pocket + book, and the two gentlemen walked quickly, and side by side, along the + covered avenue. I had seen sufficient.</p> + + <p>"Let us go," I said to Thompson.</p> + + <p>"Why, you don't mean to say you have had enough!" returned he; "oh, wait + a bit, and see the other boy. They make a precious trio."</p> + + <p>I declined to witness the melancholy spectacle any longer. I was + oppressed, grieved, sickened, at the sad presentation of humanity. What an + overthrow was this! What a problem in the moral structure of man! I could + not understand it. I had no power to enquire into it. Against all + preconceived notions of possibility, there existed a palpable fact. What + could reason do in a case in which the senses almost refused to acknowledge + the evidence which they themselves had produced?</p> + + <p>Thompson was delighted at the result of our "voyage of discovery," and + continued to be facetious at the expense of the unhappy minister. I implored + him to desist.</p> + + <p>"Say no more, Thompson. This is no subject for laughter. I have suffered + much since your brother carried me to Birmingham. This is the hardest blow + yet. I believe now that all is a dream. This is not Mr Clayton. It is a + cheat of Satan. We are deluded and made fools in the hands of the Wicked + One."</p> + + <p>"You'll excuse me, sir," said Thompson, "but if I didn't know you better, + I should say, to hear you talk in that uncommonly queer way, that you were + as big a wessel as any of 'em. Don't flatter yourself you are dreaming, when + you never were wider awake in all your life."</p> + + <p>It is perhaps needless to say, that I had no heart to present myself + again before my friend and benefactor—the once beloved, and still + deeply compassionated minister of religion. I pitied him on account of the + passion which had overmastered him, and trembled for myself when I + contemplated the ruins of such an edifice. But I could visit him no longer. + What could I say to him? How should I address him? How could I bear to meet + his eye—I did not hate him sufficiently to inflict upon him the shame + and ignominy of meeting mine. I avoided the house of Mr Clayton, and + absented myself from his chapel. But I was not content with the first view + that had been afforded me at the Exchange. I was unwilling to decide for + ever upon the character of my former friend without a complete + self-justification. I went again to the house of commerce, and alone. Again + I beheld Mr Clayton immersed in the doings of the place. For a week I + continued my observation. Proofs of his worldliness and gross hypocrisy came + fast and thick upon each other. I no longer doubted the statement of + Thompson and the speculator Smith. I resolved upon seeing my preserver no + more. I could not think of him without shuddering, and I endeavoured to + forget him. One evening, about ten days after the chapel scene, sitting + alone in my apartment, I was attracted by a slight movement on the stairs. A + moment afterwards there was a knock at my door. The door opened, and Mr + Clayton himself walked into the room. I trembled instantly from head to + foot. The minister had a serious countenance, and was very placid. He took a + chair, and I waited till he spoke.</p> + + <p>"You have not visited me of late, Caleb," he began. "You have surely + forgotten me. You have forgotten your promise—our + friendship—your obligations—gratitude—every thing. How is + this?"</p> + + <p>Still I did not speak.</p> + + <p>"Tell me," he continued, "who has taught you to become a spy? Who has + taught you that it is honourable and just to track the movements and to + break upon the privacy of others. I saw you in the Exchange this + morning—I saw you yesterday—and the day before. Tell me, what + took you there?"</p> + + <p>I gave no answer.</p> + + <p>"Your Bible, Caleb, gives no encouragement to the feeling which has + prompted you to act thus. You have read the word of truth imperfectly. There + is a holiness—a peculiar sanctity"——</p> + + <p>"For heaven's sake, Mr Clayton," I cried out, interrupting him, "do not + talk so. Do not deceive yourself. Do not attempt to bewilder me. Do not + provoke the wrath of heaven. You have been kinder to me than I can express. + The recollection of what you have done is ever present to me. Oh, would that + I owed you nothing! Would that I could pay you back to the last farthing, + and that the past could be obliterated from my mind. I would have parted + with my life willingly, gladly, to serve you. Had you been poor, how + delightful would it have been to labour for my benefactor! I will not + deceive you. I lave learnt every thing. Such miserable knowledge never came + to the ears of man, save in those regions where perdition is first made + known, and suffered everlastingly. I dare not distrust the evidence of my + eyes and ears. The bitterest hour that I have known, was that in which you + fell, and I beheld your fall. Whom can I trust now? Whom shall I believe? To + whom attach myself? Mr Clayton, it seems incredible to me that I can talk + thus to you. It is indeed, and I tremble as I do so. But what is to be done? + I can respect you no longer, however my poor heart throbs towards you, and + pities"——</p> + + <p>I burst into tears.</p> + + <p>"Spare your pity, boy," said Mr Clayton, coldly; "and spare those hollow + tears. You acknowledge that there exists a debt between us. Well have you + attempted to repay it! Listen to me. I have been your friend. I am willing + to remain so. Come to me as before, and you shall find me as I have ever + been—affectionate and kind. Avoid me—place yourself in the + condition of my opponent, and <i>beware</i>. In a moment, by one word, I can + throw you back into the slough from whence I dragged you. To-morrow morning, + if I so will it, you shall wander forth again, an outcast, depending for + your bread upon a roadside charity. It is a dreadful thing to walk a marked + and branded man through this cold world; yet it is only for me to say the + word, and <i>infamy</i> is attached to your name for ever. And what greater + crime exists than black ingratitude? It is our duty to expose and punish it. + It is for you to make the choice. If you are wise, you will not hesitate. If + Christianity has worked"——</p> + + <p>"Sir, what has <i>Christianity</i> to do with this? Satan must witness + the compact that you would have us make. I cannot sell myself?"</p> + + <p>"Your new companions have taught you these fine phrases, Caleb. They will + support you, no doubt, and you will remain faithful to them, until a fresh + acquaintance shall poison your ear against them, as they have corrupted it + to win you from the man whom you have sworn to serve. I have nothing more to + say. You promised to be faithful through good report and evil. You have + broken your plighted word. I forgive you, if you are sorry for the fault, + and my arms are ready to receive you. Punishment shall follow—strict + justice, and no mercy—if you persist in evil. Within a week present + yourself at my abode, and every thing is forgotten and forgiven. I am your + friend for ever. Do not come, be obstinate and unyielding, and prepare + yourself for misery."</p> + + <p>The minister left me. The week elapsed, and at the end of it, I had not + presented myself at his residence. But, in the mean while, I had been active + in taking measures for the security of the office which I held, and whose + duties I had hitherto performed to the perfect satisfaction of my employers. + I had been given to understand that it remained with Mr Bombasty to continue + my appointment, or to dismiss me at once; that he was in the hands of Mr + Clayton; and that if the latter desired my dismissal, and could bring + against me the shadow of a complaint to justify Mr Bombasty in the eye of + the Society, nothing could save me from ejection. It was proposed to me by a + fellow-servant of the Society, to place myself as soon as possible beyond + the reach and influence of Mr Clayton. He advised me to secede at once from + the Church, and to attach myself to another, professing the same principles, + and like that in connexion with the Society. By this means, Clayton and I + would be separated, and his power over me effectually removed. Exclusion was + to me starvation, and I eagerly adopted the counsel of my companion. To be, + however, in a condition to join another church, it was necessary to procure, + either by personal application, or at the instance of the minister of the + new church, <i>a letter of dismission</i>, which letter should contain an + assurance of the candidate's previous good conduct and present + qualification. In my case, the minister himself proposed to apply for my + testimonials. He did apply, and at the end of a month, no answer had been + returned to his communication. He wrote a second, and the second application + met with no greater respect than the first. At length I received a very + formal and polite letter from Mr Tomkins, informing me that "a + church-meeting had been convened for the purpose of considering the + propriety of affording Brother Stukely the opportunity of joining another + connexion, by granting him a letter of dismission," and that my presence was + requested on that very important occasion.</p> + + <p>If there was one thing upon earth more than another which at this + particular time of my life I abominated with unmitigated and ineffable + disgust, it was the frequent recurrence of these eternal church-meetings. + Nothing, however trifling, could be carried forward without them; no man's + affairs, however private and worldly, were too uninteresting for their + investigation. My connexion with the church had hardly commenced, before two + had taken place, principally on my account, and now a third was proposed in + order to enable the minister to write a letter of civility, and to state the + simple fact of my having conducted myself with propriety and decorum. Still + it was proper that I should attend it; I did so, accompanied by Thompson, + and a crowded assembly, as befitted the occasion, welcomed us amoungst them, + with many short coughs, and much suppressed hissing. There was the usual + routine. The hymn, the portion of Scripture, and the prayer of Brother + Buster. In the latter, there were many dark hints that were intended to be + appropriate to my case, and were, to all appearance, well understood by the + congregation at large. They did not frighten me. I was guilty of no crime + against their church. They could bring no charge against me. The prayer + concluded, Mr Clayton coldly requested me to retire. I did so. I passed into + the vestry, which was separated from the main building by a very thin + partition, that enabled me to hear every word spoken in the chapel. Mr + Clayton began. He introduced his subject by lamenting, in the most feeling + terms, the unhappy state of the brother who had just departed from the + congregation—(the crocodile weeping over the fate of the doomed wretch + he was about to destroy!) He had hoped great things of him. He had believed + him to be a child of God. It was not for him to judge their brother now; but + this was a world of disappointment, and the fairest hopes were blasted, even + as the rose withereth beneath the canker. They all knew—it was not for + him to disguise or hide the fact—that their brother had not realized + the ardent expectations that one and all had formed of him. Their brother + himself carried about with him this miserable consciousness, and under such + circumstances it was that he proposed to withdraw from their communion, and + to receive a dismission that should entitle him to a seat elsewhere. It was + for them to consider how far they were justified in complying with his + request. As for himself, he was sorely distressed in spirit. His carnal + heart urged him to listen to the desire of his brother in the flesh, and + that heart warred with his spiritual conviction. To be charitable was one + thing, to involve one's self in guilt, to encourage sinfulness, and to + reward backsliding—oh, surely, this was another! He had no right in + his high capacity to indulge a personal affection. It was his glory that he + could sacrifice it at the call of duty. Accordingly, in the answer to the + application that he had received, he had humbly attempted rather to embody + the views of the church, than the suggestions of his own weak bosom. That + answer he would now submit to them, and their voice must pronounce upon its + justice. He did not fear for them. They were highly privileged; they had + been wonderfully directed hitherto, and they would, adorned as they were + with humility and faith, be directed even unto the end.</p> + + <p>"Ha-men," responded Buster very audibly, and the minister forthwith + proceeded to his letter.</p> + + <p>It was my honour to be represented in it as a person but too likely to + disturb the peace of any church; whose conduct, however exemplary on my + first joining the congregation, had lately been such as to give great reason + to fear that I had been suddenly deprived of all godliness and grace; who + had caused the brethren great pain; and whom recent circumstances had + especially rendered an object of suspicion and alarm. There was much more to + the same effect. There was no distinct charge—nothing tangible, or of + which I could defy them to the proof. All was dark doubt and murderous + innuendo. There was nothing for which I could claim relief from the laws of + my country—more than enough to complete my ruin. I burned with anger + and indignation; forgot every thing but the cold-blooded designs of the + minister; and, stung to action by the imminent danger in which I stood, I + rushed at once from the vestry into the midst of the congregation. Thompson + was already on his legs, and had ventured something on my behalf, which had + been drowned in loud and universal clamour. Silence was, in measure, + restored by my appearance, and I took the opportunity to demand from the + minister a reperusal of the letter that had just been read.</p> + + <p>He scowled upon me with a natural hate, and refused to comply with my + request.</p> + + <p>"What!" I asked aloud, "am I denied the privilege that is extended to the + vilest of his species? Will you condemn me unheard? Accuse me in my + absence—keep me in ignorance of my charge—and stab me in the + dark?"</p> + + <p>I received no answer, and then I turned to the congregation. I implored + them—little knowing the men to whom I trusted my appeal—to save + me from the persecution of a man who had resolved upon my downfall. "I asked + nothing from them, from him, but the liberty of gaining, by daily labour, an + honourable subsistence. Would they deny it me?"—</p> + + <p>I was interrupted by groans and hisses, and loud cries of "Yes, yes," + from Brother Buster.</p> + + <p>I addressed the minister again.</p> + + <p>"Mr Clayton," said I, "beware how you tread me down. Beware how you drive + me to desperation. Cruel, heartless man! What have I done that you should + follow me with this relentless spite? Can you sleep? Can you walk and live + without the fear of a punishment adequate to your offence? Let me go. Be + satisfied that I possess the power of exposing unheard-of turpitude and + hypocrisy, and that I refrain from using it. Dismiss me; let me leave your + sight for ever, and you are safe—for me."</p> + + <p>"Viper!" exclaimed the minister rising in his seat, "whom I have warmed + and nourished in my bosom; viper! whom I took to my hearth, and kept there + till the returning sense of life gave vigour to your blood, and fresh venom + to your sting! Is it thus you pay me back for food and raiment—thus + you heap upon me the expressions of a glowing gratitude!—with threats + and deadly accusations? Spit forth your malice! Pile up falsehoods to the + skies!—WHO WILL BELIEVE THE TALE OF PROBABILITY? Brethren! behold the + man whose cause I pleaded with you—for whom my feelings had well-nigh + mastered my better judgment. Behold him, and learn how hard it is to pierce + the stony heart of him whose youth has passed in dissolute living, and in + adultery. Shall I approach thy ear with the voice of her who cries from the + grave for justice on her seducer? Look, my beloved, on the man whom I found + discarded by mankind, friendless and naked whom I clothed and fostered, and + whom I brought in confidence amongst you. Look at him, and oh, be + warned!"</p> + + <p>The hissing and groaning were redoubled. Thompson rose a dozen times to + speak, but a volley assailed him on each occasion, and he was obliged to + resume his seat. He grew irritated and violent, and at length, when the + public disapprobation had reached its height, and for the twenty and first + time had cut short his address almost before he spoke, unable to contain + himself any longer, he uttered at the top of his stentorian voice a fearful + imprecation, and recommended to the care of a gentleman who had more to do + with that society than was generally supposed—Mr Clayton, and every + individual brother in the congregation.</p> + + <p>Jabez Buster, after looking to the ceiling, and satisfying himself that + it had not fallen in, rose, dreadfully distressed.</p> + + <p>"He had lived," he said, "to see sich sights, and hear sich language as + had made his nature groan within him. He could only compare their beloved + minister to one of them there ancient martyrs who had died for + conscience-sake before Smithfield was a cattle market; but he hoped he would + have strength for the conflict, and that the congregation would help him to + fight the good fight. He called upon 'em all now to do their duty, to + exclude and excommunicate for ever the unrighteous brethren—and to + make them over to Satan without further delay."</p> + + <p>The shout with which the proposition was received, decided the fate of + poor Thompson and myself. It was hardly submitted, before it was carried + <i>nemine contradicente</i>; and immediately afterwards, Thompson buttoned + his coat in disgust, and was hooted out of the assembly. I followed him.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s4" id="bw327s4"></a>IMAGINARY CONVERSATION.</h2> + + <h3>BY WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR.</h3> + + <h3>TASSO AND CORNELIA.</h3> + <hr /> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—She is dead, Cornelia—she is dead!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Torquato! my Torquato! after so many years of + separation do I bend once more your beloved head to my embrace?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—She is dead!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Tenderest of brothers! bravest and best and most + unfortunate of men! What, in the name of heaven! so bewilders you?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Sister! sister! sister! I could not save her.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Certainly it was a sad event; and they who are out + of spirits may be ready to take it for an evil omen. At this season of the + year the vintagers are joyous and negligent.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—How! what is this?</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—The little girl was crushed, they say, by a wheel + of the car laden with grapes, as she held out a handful of vine-leaves to + one of the oxen. And did you happen to be there just at the moment?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—So then the little too can suffer! the ignorant, the + indigent, the unaspiring! Poor child! She was kind-hearted; else never would + calamity have befallen her.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—I wish you had not seen the accident.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—I see it? I? I saw it not. There is but one crushed + where I am. The little girl died for her kindness!—natural death!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Be calm, be composed, my brother!</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—You would not require me to be composed or calm if + you comprehended a thousandth part of my sufferings.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Peace! peace! we know them all.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Who has dared to name them? Imprisonment, derision, + madness.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Hush! sweet Torquato! If ever these existed, they + are past.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—You do think they are sufferings? ay?</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Too surely.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—No, not too surely: I will not have that answer. They + would have been; but Leonora was then living. Unmanly as I am! did I + complain of them? and while she was left me?</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—My own Torquato! is there no comfort in a sister's + love? Is there no happiness but under the passions? Think, O my brother, how + many courts there are in Italy; are the princes more fortunate than you? + Which among them all loves truly, deeply, and virtuously? Among them all is + there any one, for his genius, for his generosity, for his gentleness, ay, + or for his mere humanity, worthy to be beloved?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Princes! talk to me of princes! How much + coarse-grained wood a little gypsum covers! a little carmine quite + beautifies! Wet your forefinger with your spittle; stick a broken gold-leaf + on the sinciput; clip off a beggar's beard to make it tresses, kiss it; fall + down before it; worship it. Are you not irradiated by the light of its + countenance? Princes! princes! Italian princes! Estes! What matters that + costly carrion? Who thinks about it? (<i>After a pause</i>.) She is dead! + She is dead!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—We have not heard it here.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—At Sorrento you hear nothing but the light surges of + the sea, and the sweet sprinkles of the guitar.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Suppose the worst to be true.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Always, always.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—If she ceases, as then perhaps she must, to love + and to lament you, think gratefully, contentedly, devoutly, that her arms + had encircled your neck before they were crossed upon her bosom, in that + long sleep which you have rendered placid, and from which your harmonious + voice shall once more awaken her. Yes, Torquato! her bosom had throbbed to + yours, often and often, before the organ-peel shook the fringes round the + catafalc. Is not this much, from one so high, so beautiful?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Much? yes; for abject me. But I did so love her! so + love her!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Ah! let the tears flow: she sends thee that balm + from heaven.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—So loved her did poor Tasso! Else, O Cornelia, it had + indeed been much. I thought in the simplicity of my heart that God was as + great as an emperor, and could bestow, and had bestowed on me as much as the + German had conferred, or could confer on his vassal. No part of my insanity + was ever held in such ridicule as this. And yet the idea cleaves to me + strangely, and is liable to stick to my shroud.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Woe betide the woman who bids you to forget that + woman who has loved you: she sins against her sex. Leonora was unblameable. + Never think ill of her for what you have suffered.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Think ill of her? I? I? I? No; those we love, we love + for every thing; even for the pain they have given us. But she gave me none: + it was where she was not, that pain was.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Surely, if love and sorrow are destined for + companionship, there is no reason why the last comer of the two should + supersede the first.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Argue with me, and you drive me into darkness. I am + easily persuaded and led on while no reasons are thrown before me. With + these, you have made my temples throb again. Just heaven! dost thou grant us + fairer fields, and wider, for the whirlwind to lay waste? Dost thou build us + up habitations above the street, above the palace, above the citadel, for + the Plague to enter and carouse in? Has not my youth paid its dues, paid its + penalties? Cannot our griefs come first, while we have strength to bear + them? The fool! the fool! who thinks it a misfortune that his love is + unrequited. Happier young man! look at the violets until thou drop asleep on + them. Ah! but thou must wake!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—O heavens! what must you have suffered. For a + man's heart is sensitive in proportion to its greatness.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—And a woman's?</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Alas! I know not; but I think it can have no + other. Comfort thee—comfort thee, dear Torquato!</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Then do not rest thy face upon my arm; it so reminds + me of her. And thy tears, too! they melt me into her grave.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Hear you not her voice as it appeals to you: + saying to you as the priests around have been saying to <i>her</i>, Blessed + soul! rest in peace?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—I heard it not; and yet I am sure she said it. A + thousand times has she repeated it, laying her hand on my heart to quiet + it—simple girl! She told it to rest in peace, and she went from me! + Insatiable love! ever self-torturer, never self-destroyer! the world, with + all its weight of miseries, cannot crush thee, cannot keep thee down. + Generally mens' tears, like the droppings of certain springs, only harden + and petrify what they fall on; but mine sank deep into a tender heart, and + were its very blood. Never will I believe she has left me utterly. + Oftentimes, and long before her departure, I fancied we were in heaven + together. I fancied it in the fields, in the gardens, in the palace, in the + prison. I fancied it in the broad daylight, when my eyes were open, when + blessed spirits drew around me that golden circle which one only of earth's + inhabitants could enter. Oftentimes in my sleep also I fancied it—and + sometimes in the intermediate state—in that serenity which breathes + about the transported soul, enjoying its pure and perfect rest, a span below + the feet of the Immortal.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—She has not left you; do not disturb her peace by + these repinings.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—She will bear with them. Thou knowest not what she + was, Cornelia; for I wrote to thee about her while she seemed but human. In + my hours of sadness, not only her beautiful form, but her very voice bent + over me. How girlish in the gracefulness of her lofty form! how pliable in + her majesty! what composure at my petulance and reproaches! what pity in her + reproofs! Like the air that angels breathe in the metropolitan temple of the + Christian world, her soul at every season preserved one temperature. But it + was when she could and did love me! Unchanged must ever be the blessed one + who has leaned in fond security on the unchangeable. The purifying flame + shoots upward, and is the glory that encircles their brows when they meet + above.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Indulge in these delightful thoughts, my Torquato! + and believe that your love is and ought to be imperishable as your glory. + Generations of men move forward in endless procession to consecrate and + commemorate both. Colour-grinders and gilders, year after year, are + bargained with to refresh the crumbling monuments and tarnished decorations + of rude unregarded royalty, and to fasten the nails that cramp the crown + upon the head. Meanwhile, in the laurels of my Torquato, there will always + be one leaf, above man's reach, above time's wrath and injury, inscribed + with the name of Leonora.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—O Jerusalem! I have not then sung in vain the Holy + Sepulchre.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—After such devotion of your genius, you have + undergone too many misfortunes.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Congratulate the man who has had many, and may have + more. I have had, I have, I can have—one only.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Life runs not smoothly at all seasons, even with + the happiest; but after a long course, the rocks subside, the views widen, + and it flows on more equably at the end.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Have the stars smooth surfaces? No, no; but how they + shine!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Capable of thoughts so exalted, so far above the + earth we dwell on, why suffer any to depress and anguish you?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Cornelia, Cornelia! the mind has within it temples, + and porticoes, and palaces, and towers: the mind has under it, ready for the + course, steeds brighter than the sun, and stronger than the storm; and + beside them stand winged chariots, more in number than the Psalmist hath + attributed to the Almighty. The mind, I tell thee again, hath its hundred + gates, compared whereto the Theban are but willow wickets; and all those + hundred gates can genius throw open. But there are some that groan heavily + on their hinges, and the hand of God alone can close them.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Torquato has thrown open those of his holy temple; + Torquato hath stood, another angel, at his tomb; and am I the sister of + Torquato? Kiss me, my brother, and let my tears run only from my pride and + joy! Princes have bestowed knighthood on the worthy and unworthy; thou hast + called forth those princes from their ranks, pushing back the arrogant and + presumptuous of them like intrusive varlets, and conferring on the + bettermost crowns and robes, imperishable and unfading.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—I seem to live back into those days. I feel the + helmet on my head; I wave the standard over it; brave men smile upon me; + beautiful maidens pull them gently back by the scarf, and will not let them + break my slumber, nor undraw the curtain. Corneliolina!——</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Well, my dear brother! Why do you stop so suddenly + in the midst of them? They are the pleasantest and best company, and they + make you look quite happy and joyous.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Corneliolina, dost thou remember Bergamo? What city + was ever so celebrated for honest and valiant men, in all classes, or for + beautiful girls? There is but one class of those: Beauty is above all ranks; + the true Madonna, the patroness and bestower of felicity, the queen of + heaven.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Hush, Torquato, hush! talk not so.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—What rivers, how sunshiny and revelling, are the + Brembo and the Serio! What a country the Valtellina! I went back to our + father's house, thinking to find thee again, my little sister—thinking + to kick away thy ball of yellow silk as thou went stooping for it, to make + thee run after me and beat me. I woke early in the morning; thou wert grown + up and gone. Away to Sorrento—I knew the road—a few strides + brought me back—here I am. To-morrow, my Cornelia, we will walk + together, as we used to do, into the cool and quiet caves on the shore; and + we will catch the little breezes as they come in and go out again on the + backs of the jocund waves.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—We will, indeed, to-morrow; but before we set out + we must take a few hours' rest, that we may enjoy our ramble the better.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Our Sorrentines, I see, are grown rich and + avaricious. They have uprooted the old pomegranate hedges, and have built + high walls to prohibit the wayfarer from their vineyards.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—I have a basket of grapes for you in the bookroom + that overlooks our garden.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Does the old twisted sage-tree grow still against the + window?</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—It harboured too many insects at last, and there + was always a nest of scorpions in the crevice.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—O! what a prince of a sage-tree! And the well too, + with its bucket of shining metal, large enough for the largest + cocomero<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href= + "#footnote9"><sup>9</sup></a> to cool in it for dinner!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—The well, I assure you, is as cool as ever.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Delicious! delicious! And the stone-work round it, + bearing no other marks of waste than my pruning-hook and dagger left + behind?</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—None whatever.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—White in that place no longer? There has been time + enough for it to become all of one colour; grey, mossy, half-decayed.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—No, no; not even the rope has wanted repair.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Who sings yonder?</p> + + <p>Cornelia.—Enchanter! No sooner did you say the word + <i>cocomero</i>, than here comes a boy carrying one upon his head.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Listen! listen! I have read in some book or other + those verses long ago. They are not unlike my <i>Aminta</i>. The very + words!</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Purifier of love, and humanizer of ferocity! how + many, my Torquato, will your gentle thoughts make happy!</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—At this moment I almost think I am one among + them.<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href= + "#footnote10"><sup>10</sup></a></p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Be quite persuaded of it. Come, brother, come with + me. You shall bathe your heated brow and weary limbs in the chamber of your + boyhood. It is there we are always the most certain of repose. The child + shall sing to you those sweet verses; and we will reward him with a slice of + his own fruit.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—He deserves it; cut it thick.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Come then, my truant! Come along, my sweet smiling + Torquato!</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—The passage is darker than ever. Is this the way to + the little court? Surely those are not the steps that lead down toward the + bath? Oh yes! we are right; I smell the lemon-blossoms. Beware of the old + wilding that bears them; it may catch your veil; it may scratch your + fingers! Pray, take care: it has many thorns about it. And now, Leonora! you + shall hear my last verses! Lean your ear a little toward me; for I must + repeat them softly under this low archway, else others may hear them too. + Ah! you press my hand once more. Drop it, drop it! or the verses will sink + into my breast again, and lie there silent! Good girl!</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>Many, well I know, there are</p> + + <p>Ready in your joys to share,</p> + + <p>And (I never blame it) you</p> + + <p>Are almost as ready too.</p> + + <p>But when comes the darker day,</p> + + <p>And those friends have dropt away;</p> + + <p>Which is there among them all</p> + + <p>You should, if you could, recall?</p> + + <p>One who wisely loves, and well,</p> + + <p>Hears and shares the griefs you tell;</p> + + <p>Him you ever call apart</p> + + <p>When the springs o'erflow the heart;</p> + + <p>For you know that he alone</p> + + <p>Wishes they were <i>but</i> his own.</p> + + <p>Give, while these he may divide,</p> + + <p>Smiles to all the world beside.</p> + </div> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—We are now in the full light of the chamber: + cannot you remember it, having looked so intently all around?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—O sister! I could have slept another hour. You + thought I wanted rest: why did you waken me so early? I could have slept + another hour, or longer. What a dream! But I am calm and happy.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—May you never more be otherwise! Indeed, he cannot + be whose last verses are such as those.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Have you written any since that morning?</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—What morning?</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—When you caught the swallow in my curtains, and trod + upon my knees in catching it, luckily with naked feet. The little girl of + thirteen laughed at the outcry of her brother Torquatino, and sang without a + blush her earliest lay.</p> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—I do not recollect it.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—I do.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>Rondinello! rondinello!</p> + + <p>Tu sei nero, ma sei bello.</p> + + <p>Cosa fà se tu sei nero?</p> + + <p>Rondinello! sei il premiero</p> + + <p>De' volanti, palpitanti</p> + + <p>(E vi sono quanti quanti!)</p> + + <p>Mai tenuto a questo petto,</p> + + <p>E percio sei il mio diletto.<a id="footnotetag11" name= + "footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11"><sup>11</sup></a></p> + </div> + + <p><i>Cornelia</i>.—Here is the cocomero; it cannot be more insipid. + Try it.</p> + + <p><i>Tasso</i>.—Where is the boy who brought it? where is the boy who + sang my Aminta? Serve him first; give him largely. Cut deeper; the knife is + too short: deeper, mia brave Corneliolina! quite through all the red, and + into the middle of the seeds. Well done!</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s5" id="bw327s5"></a>THE WORLD OF LONDON. SECOND + SERIES.</h2> + + <h3>PART I.</h3> + + <h3>ARISTOCRACIES OF LONDON LIFE.</h3> + <hr /> + + <h3>OF ARISTOCRACIES IN GENERAL.</h3> + + <p>The cumulative or aggregative property of wealth and power, and in a less + degree of knowledge also, make up in time a consolidation of these elements + in the hands of particular classes, which, for our present purposes, we + choose to term an aristocracy of birth, wealth, knowledge, or power, as the + case nay be. The word aristocracy, distinctive of these particular classes, + we use in a conventional sense only, and beg leave to protest, <i>in + limine</i>, against any other acceptation of the term. We use the word, + because it is popularly comprehensive; the <span class="greek" title= + "hoi aristoi">οι + αριστοι,</span> distinguished from the + <span class="greek" title="hoi polloi">οι + πολλοι</span> : "good men," as is the + value of goodness in the city; "the great," as they are understood by + penners of fashionable novels; "talented," or "a genius," as we say in the + <i>coteries</i>; but not a word, mark you, of the abstract value of these + signs—their positive significations; good may be bad, great mean, + talented or a genius, ignorant or a puppy. We have nothing to do with that; + these are thy terms, our Public; thou art responsible for the use made of + them. Thou it is who tellest us that the sun rises and sets, (which it does + not,) and talkest of the good and great, without knowing whether they are + great and good, or no. Our business is to borrow your recognized + improprieties of speech, only so far as they will assist us in making + ourselves understood.</p> + + <p>When Archimedes, or some other gentleman, said that he could unfix the + earth had he a point of resistance for his lever, he illustrated, by a + hypothesis of physics, the law of the generation of aristocracies. + Aristocracies begin by having a leg to stand on, or by getting a finger in + the pie. The multitude, on the contrary, never have any thing, because they + never <i>had</i> any thing, they want the <i>point d'oppui</i>, the + springing-ground whence to jump above their condition, where, transformed by + the gilded rays of wealth or power, discarding their several skins or + sloughs, they sport and flutter, like lesser insects, in the sunny beams of + aristocratic life.</p> + + <p>Indeed, we have often thought that the transformation of the insect + tribes was intended, by a wise Omnipotence, as an illustration (for our own + benefit) of the rise and progress of the mere aristocracy of fashionable + life.</p> + + <p>The first condition of existence of these diminutive creatures, is the + egg, or <i>embryo</i> state; this the anxious parent attaches firmly to some + leaf or bough, capable of affording sufficient sustenance to the future + grub, who, in due course, eats his way through the vegetable kingdom upon + which he is quartered, for no merit or exertion of his own; and where his + career is only to be noted by the ravages of his insatiable jaws. After a + brief period of lethargy or <i>pupa</i> state, this good-for-nothing + creature flutters forth, powdered, painted, perfumed, scorning the dirt from + which he sprung, and leading a life of uselessness and vanity, until death, + in the shape of an autumnal shower, prostrates himself and his finery in the + dust.</p> + + <p>How beautiful and how complete is the analogy between the insect and his + brother butterfly of fashionable life! While yet an <i>embryo</i>, a worm, + he <i>grubs</i> his way through a good estate, and not a little ready money. + Then, after a long sojourn in the <i>pupa</i> or <i>puppy</i> + state—longer far than that of any other maggot—he emerges a + perfect butterfly, vain, empty, fluttering, and conceited, idling, flirting, + flaunting, philandering, until the summer of his <i>ton</i> is past, when he + dies, or is arrested, and expiates a life of puerile vanity in Purgatory or + the Queen's Bench.</p> + + <p>Let the beginning once be made—the point of extreme depression once + be got over: the cares of the daily recurring poor necessities of + life—shelter, clothing, food, be of no moment: let a man taste, though + it were next to nothing, of the delicious luxury of accumulation, let him, + with every hoarded shilling, or half-crown, or pound, carry his head higher, + smiling in secret at the world and his friends, and the aristocrat of wealth + is formed: he is removed for ever from the hand-to-mouth family of man, and + thenceforth represents his breeches pocket.</p> + + <p>It is the same with the aristocrat of birth: some fortunate + accident—some well-aimed and successful stroke of profligacy, or more + rarely of virtue, redeems an individual from the common herd: the rays, + mayhap, of royal favour fall upon him, and he begins to bloat; his growth is + as the growth of the grain of mustard-seed, and in a little while he + overshadoweth the land: Noble and Right Honourable are his posterity to the + end of time.</p> + + <p>There is a poor lad sitting biting his nails till he bites them to the + quick, wearing out his heart-strings in constrained silence on the back + benches of Westminster Hall: he maketh speeches, eloquent, inwardly, and + briefless, mutely bothereth judges, and seduceth innocent juries to his + <i>No</i>-side: he findeth out mistakes in his learned brethren, and + chuckleth secretly therefor: he scratcheth his wig with a pen, and thinketh + by what train of circumstantial evidence he may be able to prove a dinner: + he laugheth derisively at the income-tax, and the collectors thereof: yet, + when he may not have even a "little brown" to fly with, haply, some good + angel, in mortal shape of a solicitor, may bestow on him a brief: rushing + home to his chambers in the Temple, he mastereth the points of the case, + cogitating <i>pros</i> and <i>cons</i>: he heareth his own voice in court + for the first time: the bottled black-letter of years falleth from his lips, + like treacle from a pipkin: he maketh good his points, winneth the verdict + and the commendations of the judge: solicitors whisper that there is + something in him, and clerks express their conviction that he is a "trump:" + the young man eloquent is rewarded in one hour for the toil, rust, and + enforced obscurity of years: he is no longer a common soldier of the bar; he + steppeth by right divine, forth of the ranks, and becometh a man of mark and + likelihood: he is now an aristocrat of the bar—perhaps, a + Lyndhurst.</p> + + <p>Again, behold the future aristocrat of literary life: to-day regard him + in a suit of rusty black, a twice-turned stock, and shirt of Isabella + colour, with an affecting hat: in and out of every bookseller's in the Row + is he, like a dog in a fair: a brown paper parcel he putteth into your hand, + the which, before he openeth, he demands how much cash down you mean to give + for it: then, having unfolded the same, giveth you to understand that it is + such a work as is not to be seen every day, which you may safely swear to. + He journeyeth from the east to the west, from the rising of the sun to the + setting thereof, manuscript in hand: from Leadenhall Street, where Minerva + has her press, to the street hight Albemarle, which John Murray delighteth + to honour, but to no purpose: his name is unknown, and his works are nothing + worth. Let him once make a <i>hit,</i> as it is termed, and it is no longer + hit or miss with him: he getteth a reputation, and he lieth in bed all day: + he shaketh the alphabet in a bag, calling it his last new work, and it goeth + through three editions in as many days: he lordeth it over "the trade," and + will let nobody have any profit but himself: he turneth up his nose at the + man who invites him to a plain dinner, and utterly refuseth evening parties: + he holdeth <i>conversaziones</i>, where he talks you dead: he driveth a + chay, taketh a whole house, sporteth a wife and a minute tiger: in brief, he + is now an aristocrat of letters.</p> + + <p>The materials for the growth and preservation of these several + aristocracies abound in London; and no where on the earth have we the same + facilities for the study and investigation of their family likenesses and + contrasts, their points of contact and repulsion.</p> + + <h3>THE ARISTOCRACY OF FASHION.</h3> + + <p>Approach, reader, but <i>awful</i>, as Pope says—approach "with + mincing steps and bow profound;" we are about to introduce you to persons of + quality.</p> + + <p>It is an extraordinary fact, illustrative how far the ignorance of a + discerning public will carry those who make a living by practising upon + their credulity, that notwithstanding there is an immense number of books + annually presented to the do-nothing world, under the curiosity-provoking + title of fashionable novels, we have hardly more than one or two generally + recognised true and faithful pictures of really fashionable life. The + caricatures of caricatures of this Elysian state are + numberless—imagination has been exhausted, sense confounded, grammar + put on the rack, the "well of English undefiled" stirred up from the very + dregs, to give the excluded pictures of the life of the + exclusives—yet, what have we? You will excuse us, reader, disturbing + the current of our thoughts, by recollecting any of this forty novel-power + of inanity, vulgarity, and pertness; but if you take up any of the many + volumes in marbled boards, with calf backs, that you will find in cart-loads + at the circulating libraries, and look over a page of the fashionable + "<i>lingo</i>" the Lord Jacob talks to the Lady Suky, or the conversation + between Sir Silly Billy and the Honourable Snuffy Duffy; or what the Duke of + Dabchick thinks of the Princess Molly; and when you are satisfied, which we + take it will be in the course of two pages, if you do not throw down the + book, and swear by the Lord Harry—why then, read on and be jolly!</p> + + <p>The indescribable absurdities, vices, and follies of the bulk of that + class of literature called the fashionable novel, are past the power of + catalogue-makers to record; but perhaps overwhelming ignorance of the + peculiar class they pretend to describe is not the least conspicuous. Next + to lack of knowledge, or sound materials deduced from actual observation, we + may place want of taste. There are writers to write the exclusives up, and + writers to write them down; one raises our envy, and makes us miserable, + because we are not permitted to enter their paradise of social life; another + devotes three volumes post octavo, in exemplification of the not altogether + forgotten moral fiction of the fox and the sour grapes.</p> + + <p>The writers of fashionable novels may be divided, as to their social + positions, into the tolerated fashionable novel writers, and the intolerable + fashionable novel writers; the first, moving in phases more or less + equivocal round their centre and their deity, the exclusive set; the last, + desperate from the fact of their total and permanent exclusion from society, + but still moving round the outside of the boundary wall, and peeping through + chinks in the palings. From the former we have the eulogistic, from the + latter the depreciatory fashionable novels; these make us familiar with the + celestial attributes of countesses-dowager, and the amiability of their + pugs. They are slavering, servile, self-degrading productions, and only + serve the exclusives as provocatives to laughter; they are usually written + by tutors, ladies who have married tutors, or superannuated governesses, + patronized by some charitable member of some distinguished family.</p> + + <p>The depreciatory or vilificatory fashionable novel delights in exposing + the peccadilloes, or imagined peccadilloes, (for it is all the same,) of + young or old people of fashion: a <i>gourmand</i> peer, a titled demirep, a + "desperate dandy," a black-leg, and a few such other respectable characters, + are dialogued through the customary number of chapters, and conducted to the + usual catastrophe: virtue is triumphant, vice abashed, towards the latter + end of the last volume; and some low-born hero and heroine, introduced to + exhibit, by contrast, the vices of the aristocracy, suddenly, and without + any effort of their own, acquire large fortunes, perhaps titles, which it + would have been just as easy to have given them at first—go to church + in an orthodox manner, and set up a virtuous aristocracy of their own.</p> + + <p>We are indebted for this class of fashionable novel to outlaws of both + sexes; persons who might have held, but for their own misconduct, + respectable positions in society; persons of this sort have the impudence, + with their no-characters staring them in the face, to set up as public + instructors, and to give us ensamples, drawn from their own perverted + imaginations, of a class of which they might have known something, but which + it is now past human possibility they can ever know.</p> + + <p>These people are not merely not in society—which implies no + crime—but they are, notwithstanding their nominal rank or title, + <i>out</i> of society, for reasons well and thoroughly known: they are those + not merely who cannot come in, but those who, if they did intrude, would be + immediately turned out.</p> + + <p>Next, ascending from this equivocal class, we have the fashionable novel + writers of fashionable life. I do not mean exclusive fashionable life, for + there are no writers of these works in that class; but I allude to those who + mingle with general fashionable society upon such terms, that if they + possessed the talent, they might have supplied with ease the want of which + the world complains—that of a just and natural picture of the lives of + those forming the Corinthian capital of society in London.</p> + + <p>Take, for example, a noble and late viceregal lord and his brother, the + Honourable Edmund Phipps. These gentlemen have written fashionable novels, + and ought to have written good ones; yet we don't know how it is, but + whenever we send to a circulating library to enquire whether they have "YES + AND NO," the noes have it; and when we venture to ask for the "FERGUSONS," + we find that the three post octavo gentlemen of that title not only do not + lodge here or there, but that they don't lodge <i>any where</i>.</p> + + <p>The fact is, opportunity of observation will do little or nothing without + <i>faculty</i> of observation: though the whole social world, old or new, + lay bare under the eyes of some men, not one idea could they extract from + it; and who, wanting also the descriptive power, still more rare, fail in + any attempt to give to the world the results of their experience.</p> + + <p>Of this class is the larger number of writers of the better sort, in the + line we are talking of: they go into society as they go to galleries, not to + copy pictures, but to enjoy them. They enter into the amusements and + dissipation of their class, not to look on merely, but to play the game.</p> + + <p>In addition to all this, there is a point of honour involved, we think an + erroneous one, among persons of quality, as to violating the freemasonry, + the signs, ceremonies, and absurdities, of their privacy. Now, this applies + only so far as individuals are indicated, and it is so far right. But + fashionable classes are fair game, if not shot at sitting; or poached, or + snared, or bagged, in any ungentlemanlike, unsportsmanlike fashion. They + belong to human character, and human nature; and the reason they have seldom + been painted well is, that they have seldom been painted after nature; and + any artist will inform you, that whatever is painted to the life, must be + painted from the life.</p> + + <p>They have not been painted by themselves, because they would have their + lives, like the walls that encircle their town houses, impervious to the + curious excursive eye; they have not been painted by themselves, because, + secondly, the power of depicting graphically what they are in the daily + habit of seeing, is not in them, not having been cultivated by study and + practice; and thirdly, not being stimulated to literary activity by that + Muse of the imperative mood, Necessity, they find more pleasure in having + these things brought under their eyes, results of the mental toil and + culture of others.</p> + + <p>There is a vulgar error uppermost in the minds of some men, which is + this: the world of fashion has not hitherto been painted with effect, for + the same reason that nobody thinks it worth while to describe a ditch; both + being, in the estimation of these persons, stagnant perfumed entities, rich + in peculiarly useless vegetation, abounding in vermin and animalculae, and + diffusing a contagious effluvia over the surface of society. This error, + like many other errors, is an excuse for ignorance, and only shows the + innate uncharitableness of some men; they run down, like other sceptics, + what they do not know and cannot understand, nor will they believe there can + be any good therein; forgetting, knaves and fools as they are, that the + aristocratic classes are human beings, with the same intermingled elements + of good and ill as themselves, modified by accidental circumstances, which, + as the Parliamentary people say, they cannot control, and possessing at + least as much of the ordinary good principles and feelings of our common + nature, as any other class of our graduated social scale.</p> + + <p>Can any thing be more illiberal, more ignorant, more stupid, than for a + low man to turn leveller, because he is a low man, and attack, without + ceremony and without mercy, people of whom he can by any possibility know no + more than the worst side, that is to say, the <i>outside</i>: and whom he + considers, like the gilt gingerbread he sees in his biennial visit to + Greenwich Fair, as vastly fine, but exceedingly unwholesome?</p> + + <p>The truth is, fashionable life has been exalted above its just and proper + level, and depressed below it, by the slaverers and the vituperaters, solely + because they cannot get at it; the former are idolatrous from hope, the + latter devilish in despair; and the result we are familiar with, in + caricatures portraying this sort of life alternately as a Heaven and a + Hell.</p> + + <p>The peculiarities of fashionable life are, it is true, few, but they are + characteristic, and we now proceed to—</p> + + <p><i>You</i> proceed to—! Now, my good fellow, tell us, will you, how + such a person as you, a garreteer, confessing to dining upon the heel of a + twopenny loaf and half an onion; making no secret of running up beer scores + at public houses, when they will trust you; retailing your nasty scenes of + low life, creatures dying in hospitals, work-house funerals, the adventures + of street apple-women, and matters and things incomprehensible to genteel + families like ourselves living in Russell Square; an outlaw, living from + tavern to tavern, from pot-house to pot-house, without name, residence, or + station; a mere fellow, subsisting on the misplaced indulgence of an + undiscerning public, and one who, if gentlemen and ladies (like ourselves) + would only condescend to write, would find his appropriate circle in a + work-house, unless he escaped it by dying in an hospital. <i>You</i> proceed + to——! What, in the name of gentility, can <i>you</i> know of + fashionable life?</p> + + <p>Sir, or madam, have mercy, or at least have manners. How astonished you + will be—we say, how astonished you <i>will</i> be—if in the + fulness of time our title shall dignify the title-page; when it might + appear, that by the pen of a peer these papers were made apparent; when, + instead of the sort of person you have chosen to imagine your caterer for + the good things of fashionable life in London, you may discern to your + dismay that a lord—a real lord, alive and kicking, has made a + Bude-light of himself, illuminating the shadows of your ignorance: you may + read a preparatory memoir, informing you how these ideas of ours were + collected in a coach and four, and transmitted to paper in a study + overlooking the Green Park; with paper velvet-like, and golden pen + ruby-headed, upon rose-wood desk inlaid with ivory, you may find that these + essays have been transcribed: you will grovel, you will slaver, you will rub + your nose in the pebbles, like a salmon at spawning-time, when this very + immortal work shall come out, clothed in purple morocco, our arms emblazoned + on the covers, and coroneted on the back, after the manner of publication of + the works of royal and noble authors. Then, what running to Debrett for our + genealogy, our connexions, our <i>set</i>, and all that customary + inquisition of the affairs of the great which makes the delight of the + little: the "Book of Beauty," and "Pictures of the Nobility," will be + ransacked, of course, for verses by our lordship, or portraits of our + lordship's ladyship, or of the ladies Exquisitina or Nonsuchina, daughters + of our lordship, with slavering verses by intolerable poets; then it will be + discovered, and the discovery duly recorded, that our lordship's eldest son, + Viscount Ne'er-do-weel, and the Honourable Mr Nogo, are pursuing cricket and + pie-crust (commonly called their <i>studies</i>) at Eton or Harrow, but are + expected at our lordship's seat in Some-Shire for their holidays: then we + will be proposed, seconded, and elected, like other noblemen equally + undistinguished in the world of science, a fellow of the Royal Society and a + fellow of the Society of Arts—and for the same good reason, because we + may be a lord; and you, and all the world, will say it was very proper that + I should have been elected, though knowing no more of science than that + acoustics (if we mistake not) means a pump; or of arts, than that + calico-printing and letterpress printing are, somehow or other, not exactly + one and the same thing.</p> + + <p>Then, sir, we shall hear no more of the bread and cheese and onions, + pot-house scores, and low company, with which you have so unceremoniously + taxed our lordship. You will drive your jumped-up coach, with your awkward + wives and dowdy daughters, and your tawdry liveries, all the way from + Russell Square to the Green Park, to catch the chance of a glimpse of our + lordship. You find out from our lordship's footman that our lordship wears a + particular collar to his coat, and you will move heaven and earth to find + out our lordship's tailor. When you apply to him to make a coat in our + lordship's style, our tailor, who sees at a glance that you are not fit to + be his customer, will tell you with an air, that he "declines to + execute."</p> + + <p>You will discover, from the same authority, that our lordship smokes a + particular tobacco, to be had only at a particular shop; and forthwith even + real Havannah stinks in your nostrils, and you apply to Pontet. Pontet gives + you a tobacco, (<i>not</i> our tobacco,) and you go away in the innocent + consciousness of smoking the exclusive weed of a man of fashion.</p> + + <p>Prithee, fool, mind thy own business, and stick to thy shop or thy + station, whatever it may be; to which while thou stickest, thou must be + respectable, but which when thou wouldst quit, desperately to seize the hem + of our lordship's garment, thou becomest the laughing-stock of us and of our + class, and we cannot choose but despise thee thoroughly.</p> + + <p>When we look at the shelves of a circulating library, groaning beneath + that generally despicable class of volumes called fashionable novels, when + we take up, only to lay down in disgust, "NOTORIETY, OR FASHIONABLES + UNVEILED," "PAVILION, OR A MONTH AT BRIGHTON," "MEMOIRS OF A PEERESS," + "MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE," "ALMACK S REVISITED," or some such stuff, we cannot + but infer, that it is not the vices or absurdities of what is ignorantly + called fashionable life that creates this never-ceasing demand for trash and + nonsense, but rather a morbid appetite for vapidity and small-talk, a + lady's-maid's curiosity of the secrets of her betters, a servile love of + imitating what is unworthy imitation, and of following that which is not + worth following, simply because it is supposed that these ridiculous + caricatures represent the real life of</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"The twice ten thousand for whom earth was made,"</p> + </div> + + <p>When we recollect, to our shame, that not only these swarms of trashy + volumes, which penetrate even into the back-slums, and may be seen unfolded + in the paper-patched windows of eighteen-penny milliners in the lowest + quarters of our metropolis, find a never-failing succession of ravenous + readers, but that newspapers—Sunday newspapers, forsooth—devoted + to smutty epigrams, low abuse, vile insinuations, and openly indecent + allusion to the connexions, habits of life, and even personal appearance, of + fashionable and <i>pseudo</i>-fashionable people, receive a disgraceful and + dangerous support; we must come to the conclusion, that in this, as in all + other merchandize, the demand creates the supply, and that it is among the + lower orders of the middle classes that these caricaturers by profession of + the upper, their slanderers and their eulogists, find sympathy and + encouragement.</p> + + <p>There is a sort of "hero-worship," as Mr Carlyle would term it, attaching + to the most absurd, ridiculous, and even vicious doings of people who + <i>might be</i> fashionable; a counter-jumper, barber's clerk, medical + student, or tailor's apprentice, adores the memory of that great man whom we + are happy to be able to style the <i>late</i> "markis." The + <i>pavé</i> of the Haymarket he considers classic ground, and the + "Waterford Arms" a most select wine-bibbing establishment. If he does not + break a dozen bells or wrench three or four brace of knockers in the season, + this penny-cigar-smoking creature hardly thinks he attains to his fractional + proportion of humanity.</p> + + <p>This may be relied on, that the great inducement of young scapegraces of + fashion to the committal of their diurnal and nocturnal outrages upon + propriety, is the mischievous gratification they derive from the awkward + imitation of their inferiors; and the most effectual method of bringing + these aristocratic pranks into disrepute, will be, to treat them as merely + vulgar outrages, and punish the perpetrators accordingly.</p> + + <p>If, indeed, the small-fry of society would set themselves to imitate all + that is worthy imitation in the better sort of their betters, following good + examples instead of bad, it would be something to talk of. But since it is + not to be expected that they will pursue virtue, piety, good sense, and good + breeding for their own sakes, and as these attributes, when they exist in + fashionable life—and they <i>do</i> exist among the most fashionable + of fashionable people—are in their nature retiring and unobtrusive, + while all that is bad in good society is pushed into notoriety, for the + example of the mob, we must take pains to point out at some length the + difference between really "good society" and what is vulgarly called good + society; that is, in fact, the difference between good and bad, and to mark + the distinguishing characteristics of the truly fashionable and the vulgarly + fashionable man, as wide and deep as is the gulf between a gent and a + gentleman.</p> + + <p>If the fashionable world be truly represented, as it is not, in the + swarms of so-called fashionable novels, gleaned from the sloppy conversation + of footmen's ordinaries, or the retail tittle-tattle of lady's-maids in + waiting at the registry-offices, how little is it to the credit of the mass + of the reading public that they peruse such stuff; or would it be perused at + all, but for that vulgar love, so prevalent about town, of imitation of the + Lady Fannys and Lady Mary Dollymops, their <i>nonchalance</i>, their + insipidity, their studied ease, and their affectation of being + unaffected?</p> + + <p>We therefore desire, before we begin, that our young lady readers, our + jury of maidens, will do us the favour to dismiss from their recollection + all that they may have heard and read of the fashionable world; that they + will not believe the exclusives to be as dull as so many bottles of stale + small-beer, or as lively as Seltzer water from the spring, with a dash of + brandy in it; that they will forget that there is, in fashionable life, any + thing worthy their imitation or adoption, unless it should otherwise appear + by the evidence; and that they will not once take up a professedly + fashionable novel till they have carefully studied and slept upon what we + are going to say.</p> + + <p>The word "world" is a comprehensive term, and should be taken in all its + relations with great latitude, whether with adjectives or without. For + example, the "fashionable world" is far from being an integral quantity, or + capable of being reasoned upon as if it were as definite in its relations + and proportions as an equilateral triangle. It contains within itself a + complete gradation from fashionable excellence to fashionable villany; from + fashionable virtue to fashionable vice; fashionable ladies and gentlemen, + fashionable pimps, demireps, and profligates. It must be individualized if + we wish to treat it fairly, as judges try prisoners severally, not in a + lump. But our impressions of the fashionable world, as a class, must be + taken from the general preponderating characteristics of good or evil of the + whole.</p> + + <p>Hast ever been, reader, to Bartlemy fair? If you have, you may have + seen—nay, you <i>must</i> have seen—Richardson's immortal show. + You must have seen a tall platform in front of the migratory edifice, and on + that platform you must have delighted your visual orb with the clown, the + pantaloon, the harlequin, the dancing ladies, the walking dandy, the king + with his crown, the queen in her rabbit-skin robes, the smock-frocked + countryman, the top-booted jockey, and all the <i>dramatis personæ</i> + of the performance that every moment of every day, during every fair, is for + ever "going to begin." You may hardly have observed, sliding quietly through + all this tinselled and spangled poverty, a plain carpenter-like man, in a + decent suit, who looks as if he had never seen a performance in the whole + course of his life, and as if he never cared to see one. This man is, or + rather was, the late Mr Richardson, who died worth thirty thousand pounds, + and all the clowns, harlequins, pantaloons, dancing ladies, walking dandies, + kings with their crowns, and queens in their rabbit-skins, and the rest, are + poor pinch-bellied devils, caricaturing humanity for some twelve or fourteen + shillings a-week, finding their own paint and frippery. Now, whenever you + wish to form a correct idea of the two great classes of fashionable life, + call to your remembrance the gentlemen who, like the late lamented Mr + Richardson, are proprietors of shows, and the berouged, bedraggled creatures + who exhibit on the platform outside for their living.</p> + + <p>To be sure, there may be a little difference in names. The proprietors of + the show may be dukes, and earls, and marquisses, and so forth. The + mountebanks outside may be called counts, chevaliers, knights of the order + of the golden fleece, or of the thimble, or of Malta. But the realities are + the same. Fashionable life is a show, truly fashionable people are the + proprietors, who are never prominently or ridiculously seen therein; and + these several orders of over dressed, under-fed, empty-pocketed mountebanks, + are the people put on the platform outside, to astonish the eyes and ears of + the groundlings.</p> + + <p>The <i>physique</i> of the true fashionable is peculiar and + characteristic. From the toe of his boot to the crown of his hat, there is + that unostentatious, undefinable something about him distinctive of his + social position. Professional men, every body knows, have an expression + common to their profession. A purblind cyclops could never mistake the + expression of an Independent preacher, an universal free-black-nigger + Baptist minister, or a Jesuit. Every body knows an infantry officer, with + his "eyes right" physiognomy, his odious black-stock, and his habit of + treading on his heels, and can distinguish him from the cavalry man, + straddling like a gander at a pond side. Your medical doctor has an + obsequious, mealy-mouthed, hope-I-see-you-better face, and carries his hands + as if he had just taken his fingers from a poultice; while your lawyer is + recognised at once by his perking, conceited, cross-examination phiz, the + exact counterpart to the expression of an over-indulged jackdaw.</p> + + <p>The gentleman of fashion has nothing in common with the professional + gentleman, or any other. He stands alone, "like Adam's recollection of his + fall." He has an air, it is true, but his air is not a breeze, like the air + of a pretender to fashion. The air of the man of fashion is a zephyr.</p> + + <p>The expression of the man of fashion is the more difficult to reduce to + words, in that it is mostly negative. It is easier to say what this + expression is not, than what it is. We can only say, that there is nothing + professionally distinctive about it. It is the expression of a man perfectly + at ease in his position, and so well aware that he is so, that he does not + <i>seem</i> to be aware of it. An absence of all straining after effect; a + solicitude rather to avoid than to court observation. If there is any thing + positively indicative in his expression, by which I include his manner, it + is that of a good-humoured indifference, an inoffensive, unobtrusive + stoicism. He would seem to have adopted the excellent advice given by the + Apostle to the Thessalonians—"STUDY TO BE QUIET." This is his rule of + life, and he acts upon it upon great and small occasions. He only desires + that you will have the goodness to let him alone. If he is cheated by a man + of his own <i>set</i>, (for he knows that he is cheated, as a matter of + course, by tradespeople,) he <i>cuts</i> the fellow coolly. If he is + insulted, he coolly calls out his man. He falls in love with coolness, + marries coolly, and leads a cool connubial life. Whether he wins or loses, + whatever happens to disturb the world or himself, he takes coolly, and if he + has an aspiration on earth, it is that he may be cool and comfortable.</p> + + <p>His philosophy is the mingled Stoical and Epicurean. With him life is a + trifle to be gracefully played with—a "froward child, to be humoured + till it falls asleep, and all is over." His indifference is imputed to him + as a crime; but it should not be forgotten that, if there be any fault at + all in this indifference, it is the fault of his position. Fortune is to + blame, not he, for setting up a man with no other enemy than time, and no + other business than amusement. We do not say that this is the true end of + life; we do not enter into the enquiry, which might carry us to leeward of + our subject, whether men who have the means of enjoying life, do not show + the truest wisdom in pursuing enjoyment. We only know that most men + similarly circumstanced would act similarly; and whether there is most vice + or greatest misery in the idleness of fashionable life, or in the business + of the busy world, <i>as it is carried on in our time</i>, I leave to those + who have experience and leisure to determine.</p> + + <p>Those who wish to study the subject further, may read at their leisure + the pleasant paper in which an agreeable writer, Fontenelle, describes + Aristotle and Anacreon contending for the prize of wisdom; and may decide + with the essayist, giving the prize to the generous old toper of Scios, as + we should have done, or to the beetlebrowed Reviewer, according to their + humour.</p> + + <p>The constitutional and habitual indifference of the man of fashion is + generally supposed by those who do not know it, to be an effect of pride; + but it is, generally speaking, a symptom of something more akin to + humility—of timidity, in short. It is part of his system to avoid + contact, save with his fellows; and with those who are not his fellows, or + of his <i>set</i>, he is altogether out of his element. Therefore, as he is + afraid of giving, and incapable of taking offence, he entrenches himself in + the unstudied reserve which he finds by experience renders his individuality + least assailable, exactly as he surrounds his ornamental woods, his + shrubberies, and his parterres with fences, not the less strong because they + are invisible.</p> + + <p>With adventurers, people who are treading upon his kibes, equivocal + pretenders who are galling his heel, he is hopelessly exclusive, preserving + towards them an armed neutrality. His friendship is extended to his equals, + and to his equals alone: with these his intercourse is free and + unrestrained. These alone see the English man of fashion as he really + exists, denuded of that armour of reserve with which he goes clothed + <i>cap-à-pie</i> in public. Towards others he is distantly polite; + and with such nice tact does he blend a distant manner with politeness, that + you cannot carp at the former, or catch at the latter. He lets you see that + you cannot be <i>one of them</i>, but in such a way that you may not quarrel + with the manner in which he conveys his intimation.</p> + + <p>With his inferior he will not be intimate, nor towards him will he be + "proudly condescending." He declines to forget himself so far as for a + moment to put you on a level with him; but he will not (as <i>you</i> too + often do) degrade you by sinking you below your own level. He holds the even + tenor of his way whether you trot, spaniel-like, at his heels or no; nor + will he once turn round to bestow upon you either cuffs or caresses.</p> + + <p>Although by leisure, education, and intelligence, he is qualified to + converse with men of genius, he prefers conversing with them through the + medium of their works. He is aware that the days of subscriptions, and + "striking for dedications," are past and gone, and that the public have + taken the place of the patron. He knows that the habits, employments, and in + most instances the circumstances, of intellectual men preclude their + mingling familiarly in fashionable circles, on equal terms, and that upon no + other terms will they consent to be met. He neither patronizes nor neglects + them, but is content to stand in the relation towards them of one of the + reading public.</p> + + <p>His indifference to the fate and fortunes of deserving men has been, + among the vulgar, a common imputation upon the man of fashion, of which + class most frequently is the man of power. He is accused of lavishing his + favours only upon the toady and the tuft-hunter, and leaving men of + independent mind to the caprice of fortune.</p> + + <p>This complaint comes with a very bad grace from men who would be thought + independent. The man who wants the patronage of the great, must go in search + of it, whether he call himself independent or no. Men in power are + accustomed to be met more than half way; and the independent man, whether he + have merit or no, who expects people of rank to come in search of him, and + to hunt him out of the obscurity of his garret, will find himself very much + mistaken.</p> + + <p>None are truly independent while in pursuit of objects which are + attainable only by the pleasure of another. The truly independent are those + who not only do not solicit favours, but those who do not want them: and + there is seen too often, among needy and struggling men of merit, an + irritable pride, a "<i>fierté</i>," arising not from a sense of + independence, but a consciousness of neglect; and many men boast of the + pleasure of an independent life, as many ladies exalt the delights of single + blessedness, only because they have never had the offer of changing their + condition.</p> + + <p>It is quite as unfair, too, to accuse people of condition of bestowing + all their favours upon toadies, tuft-hunters, and bear-leaders. The truth + is, as they are not in the habit of going into the highways to lookout for + persons whereupon to confer obligations, they are obliged to take up with + such as offer themselves to their notice. While the man of independence is + dreaming away his existence over books and papers in his closet, and cursing + the barbarism of the age that does not take him by the hand, and set him up + in high places, the man of the world is pushing his fortune in a worldly + way, and is content not to talk of independence until he has secured it. The + hard words, tuft-hunter, toady, and so forth, are applied, it may be, + oftener than they are deserved: led-captain is a term of frequent reproach, + but it must always be considered that that sort of talent will be chiefly + noticed and rewarded which is in demand in certain circles; fashionable + people desire neither to be deafened with wit, nor bewildered with + philosophy, nor oppressed with learning; their business, to which they have + been brought up, is to glide smoothly through life, and their patronage is + chiefly extended to those who offer to relieve them of its petty cares and + small annoyances, which men of solid and sterling merit are not able, and, + if they were able, are not willing to do.</p> + + <p>A wealthy cit has as little regard for men of letters as a fashionable, + nor has he the same tact of concealing his indifference; the well-bred man + of fashion, who is alone truly the man of fashion, studies <i>tact</i> above + all things, and his tact prevents him ever regarding men of mind with any + thing approaching contempt.</p> + + <p>His friendly offices, which his equals never require, he generally + bestows upon men whose position in society is marked and permanent, and who + never can by any possibility compete with him; to these, if they be + <i>safe</i>—that is, if they keep quiet, and are content to enjoy a + sort of unpretending familiarity, without boasting or pluming themselves + upon their position, he does the kindest and most liberal things, in the + kindest and most liberal way; in a way that no other man than one truly + fashionable can accomplish. He confers benefits with an affable and + disinterested air, which, while it increases the burden of obligation, seems + to demand no acknowledgement; he bestows without seeming to know that he is + bestowing, and knowing enough of human nature to be aware that to the + deserving, obligations have something humiliating, he wishes to make the + burden as light as possible.</p> + + <p>One of the most amiable qualities about the aristocracy is their + liberality and kindness to their dependents; you seldom or never hear any + one who has served them faithfully and long having reason to complain. To do + something for these people is part of their system, and not to see them + neglected or in want, a point of honour. This kindly feeling they extend, as + far as their power or influence extends—to humble friends, + electioneering partizans, poor connexions. They are always kind and + considerate, provided only these persons possess that unpresuming quietude + of manner, which makes up a considerable part of that character they delight + in, and which they call <i>safe</i>. If you introduce to one of these people + of fashion, any man who may have an object in view, the first enquiry is, + what are his claims—that is, what equivalent has he given, or can he + give, for the favours he expects? for it is with the high, as with the low + world, nothing for nothing; and secondly, you must be prepared to answer for + his <i>safety</i>, so that, whatever may be said or done, nothing may, by + any possibility, leak out of the <i>protegé</i>. This accounts for so + many perfumed, be-wigged, purblind, silky fellows being taken in and "done + for" by the great; and although these fellows dress like fools, and look + like fools, depend on't, they are not the fools you take them for: they are + aware, that nothing so effectually throws off their guard and disarms the + great, as a well-carried affectation of gentlemanly effeminacy, and "a still + small voice, like a woman's." We happen to know that some of these people, + for this very delicacy of air and manner picked out of the dirt, and carried + into high places, who are <i>au naturel</i>, as we may say, when they go + home, and have laid aside the wigs, silk waistcoats, quizzing-glasses, and + the rest of their disguise, as honest, friendly, and unaffected fellows, as + are in the world—only they do not desire that any body should say + so.</p> + + <p>Of a man with a stiff back, black beard, short hair, loud voice, and buff + waistcoat, people of fashion, on the contrary, stand in continual awe; his + tongue is to them a rattlesnake's tail wagging only as a signal for them to + get out of his way; they quiver like an aspen at the sound of his voice, and + for their own particular, would rather hear the sharpening of a saw: if such + a one courts their acquaintance, they are hopelessly, despairingly polite; + if, as is usual, he then waxes insolent, and, as the fast fellows would call + it, <i>slangs</i> them, they are delighted with the opportunity of + displaying that placid indifference upon which they pride themselves as one + of their exclusive accomplishments.</p> + + <p>Another peculiarity of truly fashionable people is, that they never say + or do spiteful, or vindictive things; revenge and spite they consider + <i>low</i>, plebeian, and vulgar; besides, vindictiveness of any kind + disturbs their equanimity, puts them out of their way, and levels them with + the people who may have injured or annoyed them; they cannot endure jaundice + of body or mind, and equally abhor any thing that sticks either in the gall, + bladder, or "gizzard." Their defensive armour, than which none can be less + penetrable, is equanimity; their weapons, unstudied indifference and + dignified neglect.</p> + + <p>Towards their own "order," they are invariably consistent in kindness and + consideration; they stand by, and stand to, one another with a paternal + amity, which is only <i>outwardly</i> disturbed by politics; embarrassment + or necessity effaces conventional distinctions of politics, and Whig or Tory + is always ready to provide for "honest Jack," or "do something" for "poor + Fred." But we are not to consider their exertions in this way, accompanied + with any self-sacrifice or self-denial; holding in their own hands the means + of providing for their friends or relatives, they usually so contrive + matters that they lose nothing by it.</p> + + <p>To the peculiar quietude of manner, and characteristic gentleness of + persons of fashion, in their intercourse with each other, we have many + concurring testimonies of impartial observers: of these, the most just at + once, and eloquent, that we remember to have read, is that contained in an + ever-memorable letter from a Mr Tomkins to a Mrs Jenkins, attributed (with + what justice, deponent knoweth not) to a noble and learned lord, supreme in + natural theology and excitability, remarkable for versatile nose and + talents, and distinguished for chequered fortunes, and "inexpressibles" to + match. This learned lord, or Tomkins aforesaid, or whoever may have been the + inditer of the epistle <i>ad</i> Jenkins, is eloquent exceedingly upon the + <i>narcotine</i> of fashionable life: declares that its soothing influences + were unequalled by vapour of purest mundungus, or acetate of morphia, or + even pill of opium, blended intimately with glass of <i>eau-de-vie</i>. + Tomkins is quite right: no man, admitted by whatever door, or ascending by + whatever staircase, to the <i>salons</i> of the great, fails to be impressed + with the idea that there exists among what the <i>Post</i> calls the "gay + and fastidious <i>habitués</i>" of the place, every disposition to + place him perfectly at his ease: and, if he cannot be at ease, the fault is + in him, not in his entertainers. To a great <i>nisi prius</i> lawyer, + accustomed during a long life to the discrimination of character in the way + of his profession, such a contrast as is presented by the repose and + unobtrusive <i>politesse</i> of high life, compared with the + <i>brusquerie</i> of the world below, must have been doubly delightful; and + we are glad to have upon record the just and eloquent testimony to its + existence and social value from so eloquent a pen.</p> + + <p>The world without is apt to confound reserve and distance among the + great, with pride and insensibility: even those who, admitted by sufferance + to fashionable circles, behold the peculiar charm of high life through a + wintry atmosphere: the free and unrestrained converse of men of fashion with + their equals, none but themselves can know, and none but themselves + describe.</p> + + <p>Their habit of living, among themselves, is generally simple, and devoid + of extravagance or ostentation: they have the best of every thing it is + true, but then they have all the advantages of unbounded competition. and + unlimited credit: they pay when they think proper, but no tradesman ever + dares venture to ask them for money: such as have the bad taste to "dun" are + "done:" the patient and long-suffering find their money "after many days." + Their amusements among themselves are inexpensive, almost to meanness: the + subscription to Almacks, that paradise of exclusives, and envy of the + excluded, amounts to not more than half a-guinea a ball, if so much: a stall + at the opera costs a young man of fashion, for the season, forty, fifty, or + sixty pounds, according to position: for this he is entitled to an ivory + ticket, which, when he does not feel inclined to go himself, he can transfer + for the evening to another. If he have the misfortune to be a younger + brother, many little windfalls come to his share, the results of his + relationship. He has an apartment at his elder brother's town-house, or he + resides with the dowager, or with a maiden aunt; somebody keeps his cab + horse, and some other body keeps the saddle-horse that Lady Mary or Jack + Somebody gave him; his "tiger" has the run of all his friends' kitchens as a + matter of course, and, as a matter of course, himself has two or three + invitations a-day during the season; though, like other poor men, he prefers + dining independently at his club. He is on very good terms with the "girls" + of his <i>set</i>, and is allowed a little innocent flirtation, because he + is known to have <i>tact</i> enough not to compromise himself or them by + falling in love, or paying "ridiculous" addresses: although a little "fast" + perhaps, he is perfectly <i>safe</i>, and is on good terms with every body + except his eldest brother: he is the idol of countesses-dowager, who hand + him a few hundreds whenever he is short, pay his debts for him—give + him good advice, and call him "Freddy dear:" in short, although he has + nothing, excepting his boot-hooks, that he can possibly call his own, he is + a merry, good-natured, honest, harmless fellow, a favourite with every body, + and envied for his light-heartedness even by his more fortunate elder + brother.</p> + + <p>In a book published some five-and-thirty years ago, is an account of the + then prevailing method of killing a fashionable day: as the pursuit of + inanity and folly has a tedious sameness about it, this picture will answer, + with a few variations, for the man of fashion of to-day.</p> + + <p>"About twelve, he (the man of fashion) rises, lolls upon a sofa, skims + the newspaper, and curses its stupidity. He is particularly angry if he does + not find in it a paragraph which he sent to the agent of a fashionable + newspaper, generally the <i>Morning Post</i>, who lives by procuring such + sort of intelligence, containing an account of his having dined at some + titled man's table the day before, with whom, if he has no rank himself, he + is particularly anxious to mingle. After swallowing several cups of tea and + cocoa, and slices of foreign sausages and fowls, he assumes his riding coat, + and sallies out to his stables to inspect his horses, and chat with his + coachman and grooms.</p> + + <p>"Having finished this review and audience, he orders his curricle, and, + followed by a couple of grooms, he dashes through most of the principal + streets, and calls upon the most celebrated coach and harness makers; at the + latter he is shown several new bits for his approbation. He then proceeds to + his breeches-maker, thence to Tattersall's, where he is sure to meet a great + number of friends, with whom he kills another hour discussing the merits of + the different animals he meets with there. These important duties being + done, he strolls to an exhibition, or to a print-shop, and looks over a + portfolio of caricatures; thence he keeps on moving to a fashionable hotel, + to take white spruce beer(!) and sandwiches; here, after arranging his + parties for the evening, be returns home to dress. After looking over the + cards which have been left for him, he proceeds to his <i>toilette</i> with + his valet, and is dressed about seven, when his chariot is at the door, and + he drives either to some family to dinner, or to the hotel he visited in the + morning, when he perhaps formed a party of four. At ten o'clock he enters + the Opera, and like a butterfly moves from box to box; thence behind the + scenes; after which he proceeds to one or two routs, or some fashionable + gaming-house, and about four is in bed, to recruit himself for a repetition + of the same course the next day.</p> + + <p>"These loungers have a phraseology peculiar to themselves. A short time + since, if one of them was asked how he was, the answer would have been, 'we + are in <i>force</i> to-day;' if his wife was enquired after, 'she is in high + preservation;' if asked how often he had been at the opera, 'it is my + <i>second</i> opera.' They also say, perhaps, speaking of some illustrious + hero, 'he's a fine brave fellow, but he ties his handkerchief most + shockingly.' I also remember being one day in Hyde Park, when a gentleman + rode up to one of these loungers, and after exchanging salutations, the + former said to the latter, I wish much to have the pleasure of seeing + you—are you engaged next Wednesday? Upon which the other turned round + to a little half starved groom, and said, 'John, am I engaged next + Wednesday?'</p> + + <p>"The women of fashion," observes this writer, "are just as great and as + insipid idlers, in their way, as are the male triflers. They seldom walk in + the streets, but are almost always cooped up in their carriages, driving + about the streets, and leaving their cards at the houses of their friends, + whom they never think of seeing, although they may be at home at the time; + thence they proceed to the most expensive jewellers, where they order a + piece of plate or a trinket; thence to some fashionable milliner."</p> + + <p>This picture is not altogether like, but some of the features may + certainly be easily reorganized; if we substitute sherry, a chop, and a club + in Pall-Mall, for white spruce beer, sandwiches, and a tavern; replacing the + curricle and footman by a cab and tiger, the remainder, with trivial + alterations, may stand good of the fashionable idler of to-day, as of him of + the last century.</p> + + <p>In childhood, nay, even in infancy, for all I can see to the contrary, + the <i>physique</i> of persons of fashion is sufficiently distinctive and + characteristic of the class. If you walk in the parks and gardens, and + notice these young thoroughbreds exercising under the care of their nurses, + their tutors, and their nursery governesses, you will be perfectly convinced + that they are as easily to be distinguished in all their points and paces + from the children of the <i>mobility</i>, as is a well-blooded Arabian from + a Suffolk punch.</p> + + <p>The small oval head, clustered with <i>rippling</i> ringlets, as Alfred + Jennyson calls them; the clear laughing eye, the long fair neck, the + porcelain skin, warmed with the tenderest tinge of pink, so transparent + withal that you almost see the animal spirit careering within; the + <i>drooping</i> shoulder, the rounded bust, clean limbs, well-turned ankle, + fine almost to a fault, the light springy step, the graceful easy carriage, + the absence of sheepishness or shyness, an air cheerful without noise, a + manner playful without rudeness, and you have the true son or daughter of + the Englishman of fashion.</p> + + <p>Then, how characteristic of the class of which these children are the + rising hope, is the taste displayed in their dress; they are attired with + costly simplicity; or, if a fond mamma indulges in any little extravagance + of childish costume, you see that it is the extravagance of taste; there is + no tawdriness, no over-dressing, no little ones in masquerade, they dress + appropriately, and, at the same time, distinctively.</p> + + <p>Pretty souls! Many a time and oft have we wandered forth of the turbulent + town, less to brace our unstrung nerves by the elastic air—less to + bathe our wearied eyes in the green light of earth's bosom, than to drive + away sad thoughts in the contemplation of your innocent gambols; with our + stick; delight we to launch your mimic barks from the sandy shores of + Serpentine; with you, glad are we to make haste, expecting the fastest + sailer on the further shore; with you, we exult, once more a boy, in the + speed of our trim-built favourite.</p> + + <p>We love the old Newfoundland dog, ay, and the old footman, as much as you + do, and could hang like you about both their necks; we wish you would not + think us too big a boy to "stop" for you at single-wicket; imaginary hoops + we trundle in your gleesome train; like you, we have a decided aversion to + "taw," considering it not young-gentleman-like; we, too, forgetting that the + governess is single and two-and-thirty, wonder on earth what <i>can</i> make + governess so cross; we love you, when we see you hand in hand squiring your + little sister, saluting your little sister's little friends, carrying their + little parasols, and helping them over little stony places, like little + gentlemen. Happy, happy dogs! we envy neither your birth nor the fortune + that awaits you, nor repine we that our fate condemns us to tug the + unremitting oar against that tide of fortune upon which, with easy sail, you + will float lightly down to death; the whole heart, the buoyant spirit, the + conscience yet unstung by mute reproach of sin; these things we envy + you—not the things so mean a world can give, but the things which, + though it cannot give, soon—alas, how soon—it takes away!</p> + + <p>Contrast these children with the children of Mr Deputy Stubbs of the ward + of Farringdon Within, or common Councillor Muggs of Bassishaw; they really + do not look like animals of the same species.</p> + + <p>The rising Stubbses and Muggses have heads shaped like a China orange, + croppy hair, chubby chins, chubby cheeks, and blazing red and chubby + noses—short, pursy, apoplectic necks, like their fathers—squab, + four-square figures, mounted upon turned legs, with measly skins; so that, + taken altogether, they are exceedingly offensive and disagreeable. Then they + eat, these young, Stubbses and Muggses, how they <i>do</i> eat! then they + are dressed, how they <i>are</i> dressed! five different tartans, four + colours in velvet, seven sorts of ribbons, and a woolpack of fleecy hosiery, + as if there wasn't another Stubbs or Muggs in existence; then how they annoy + and infest, with bad manners and noise, the deputies and common-councilmen + who visit at Stubbses and Muggses; how the maids "drat them" all day long, + and how Mrs Stubbs and Mrs Muggs <i>hate</i> Mr Sucklethumb, the butterman, + because he never "notices the child."</p> + + <p>Another extraordinary phenomenon you cannot fail to observe in the + children of the aristocracy; they seem to skip over the equivocal period, + the neutral ground of human life, and emerge from the chrysaloid state of + childhood, into the full and perfect <i>imago</i> of little lords and + gentlemen, and little ladies, without any of those intermediate conditions + of laddism, hobble-de-hoyism, or bread-and-butterishness, so prominently + characteristic of the approaching puberty of the rest of the rising + generation. Your Eton boy is not a boy, he is a young gentleman; your Lady + Louisa is not a girl, she is only not yet "come out;" how to account for the + peculiarity I know not, except the knowledge of the fact, that attention to + the <i>petites morales</i> forms so great a part of the education of our + rising aristocracy, and is considered so vitally important to their proper + carriage, as well in their <i>set</i> as out of it, that their children are + as far advanced in this particular at fifteen, as the children of middling + people at twenty-five. The petticoat-string by which the youth of the + non-fashionable class is tied to their mother, is a ligature not in use + among the fashionable world; from the earliest period professional persons + are employed in their education, and the <i>mother</i> never shows in the + matter. Whether this, or any other peculiarity of the class, be an advantage + or a disadvantage, natural or unnatural, right or wrong, it is not for the + writer to say; he only points out what he has observed; and if he has failed + to state it properly, let him be properly corrected.</p> + + <p>Our aristocratic youth we take the liberty to classify, as they do + coaches, of which they are so passionately fond, into</p> + + <ol> + <li>FAST,</li> + + <li>SLOW.</li> + </ol> + + <p>The fast youths have several degrees of swiftness, from the railway pace, + down through imperceptible gradations, to ten miles an hour, at which rate + of going the fast fellows end, and the slow fellows begin.</p> + + <p>Of these last there are also many varieties, from the tandem and tax-cart + down to the waggon and dog-truck; and it cannot be denied, that as regards + the former more especially, there is a great similarity between the youths + themselves and the vehicles they govern; they go very fast, don't know what + they are driving at, are propelled in any direction by much more sagacious + animals than themselves, and are usually empty inside. The fast fellows are + divided, moreover, into the occasional and permanently fast; and first of + the occasional fast fellows:—</p> + + <p>These form a very considerable proportion of our fashionable youth, and + combine the gentleman with a dash of the <i>petit-maitre</i>, overlaying a + naturally good disposition with a surface of scampishness, which, however, + they lay down when they marry, and thenceforward they belong altogether to + the slow school.</p> + + <p>The permanently fast fellows deserve a more detailed notice, since they + are always before the police magistrates and the public, in one shape or + another; and although often committing themselves, are seldom or never + committed.</p> + + <p>The members of this class it is who furnish the democratic Sunday papers + with a never-ending succession of articles, headed "THE ARISTOCRACY AGAIN," + "BRUTALITY OF THE HIGHER CLASSES," "DEPRAVITY OF THE NOBBY ONES," and the + like and it is from these fast fellows, unfortunately, that a great many + ignorant people draw their conclusions of fashionable life and conversation + in general, extending the vices of a few shameless profligates to the entire + of the little world, commonly called the great.</p> + + <p>The permanently fast fellows, or, as we think their general demeanour + entitles them to be called, "Blackguard Nobs," are a lot of little, scrubby, + bad-blooded, groom-like fellows, who have always, even from childhood, been + incorrigible, of whom nursery governesses could make nothing, and whose + education tutors abandoned in despair; expelled from Eton, rusticated at + Cambridge, good for nothing but mischief in boyhood, regularly bred scamps + and profligates in youth, and, luckily for mankind, generally worn-out + before they attain the wrong side of forty. A stable is their delight, + almost their home, and their olfactories are refreshed by nothing so much as + by the smell of old litter, to which attar of roses is assafoetida in + comparison.</p> + + <p>Their knowledge of horses, which they get at second-hand from Field, or + some of the other <i>crack</i> veterinaries, is their only pride, and indeed + the only thing they imagine any man ought to be proud of; they reverence a + fellow who has a good seat in his saddle, and delight in horsemanship, + because horsemanship requires no brains; driving a "buggy" in good style is + respectable, but "shoving along" a four-in-hand the highest exercise of + human intellect, as for Milton and Shakspeare, and such inky-fingered old + prigs, who never had a good horse in their lives, they despise such low + fellows thoroughly. Their chief companions, or rather, their most intimate + friends, are the fellows who hang about livery stables, betting-rooms, + race-courses, and hippodromes; crop-eared grooms, <i>chaunters</i>, + dog-stealers, starveling jockeys, blacklegs, foreign counts, breeders, + feeders; these are all "d—d honest fellows," and the "best fellows in + the world," although they get their living by cheating the fast fellows, who + patronize them.</p> + + <p>Of money, they know no more than that it is a necessary instrument of + their pleasures, and must be got some how or anyhow; accordingly, they are + on intimate terms with a species of shark called a bill-discounter, who + commits upon them every sort of robbery, under the sanction of the law; and + who also is always a "d—d honest fellow."</p> + + <p>They can be sufficiently liberal of their money, whenever they have any, + to all who do not want, or who do not deserve it; if a prize-fighter becomes + embarrassed in his circumstances, or a jockey is "down upon his luck," it is + quite refreshing to see the madness with which the fast fellows strike for a + subscription; an opera-dancer out of an engagement, or an actress in the + same interesting condition, provided they are not modest women, have, they + think, a claim upon their generosity—and perhaps they have.</p> + + <p>They think it ungentlemanly to cheat, or, as they call it, "<i>stick</i>" + any of their own set, except in matters of horse-flesh; but "sticking" any + body out of their own set, especially tradesmen, is considered an excellent + joke, and the "sticker" rises several degrees in public estimation.</p> + + <p>We should be doing great injustice to the fast fellows if we omitted a + brief notice of their accomplishments. Driving is, of course, the chief; + and, by long experience and impunity, wonderfully grand exploits are + achieved by the fast fellows in this department.</p> + + <p>One of the most original is to get into a strong cab, with a very + powerful horse, lamps lit, tiger inside, and to go quietly along, keeping a + sharp look-out for any night cabman who may be "lobbing," as the phrase is, + off his stand, the moment the "game," who is generally one part asleep and + three parts drunk, is espied, put your horse to full gallop, and, guiding + your vehicle with the precision fast fellows alone attain, whip inside the + cabwheel, and take it off. The night cab comes down by the run, the night + cabman tumbles off, breaking his nose or neck, as it may happen, and you + drive off as if the devil kicked you. When you have gone a couple of miles, + make a circumbendibus back again to the night-house frequented by your set, + and relate the adventure, with the same voice and countenance as a broker + quotes the price of stocks; then order a cool bottle of claret with the air + of a man who has done a meritorious action!</p> + + <p>Another accomplishment, at which not a few of the fast fellows excel, is + that of imitating upon a key-bugle various animals, in an especial manner + the braying of an ass: when the fast fellows drive down to the Trafalgar at + Greenwich, the Toy at Hampton Court, or the Swan at Henley upon Thames, the + bugle-player mounts aloft, the rest of the fast fellows keeping a lookout + for donkeys; when one is seen, a hideous imitative bray is set up by the man + of music, and his quadrupedal brother, attracted by the congenial sound, + rushes to the roadside—mutual recognition, with much merriment, is the + result.</p> + + <p>The fast fellow who does this best, is considered one of the immortals; + and we are not without expectation, in due time, of seeing his talent + rewarded by a pension.</p> + + <p>Breaking bells, twisting knockers, and "knapping" rail-heads, has + descended so low of late that the fast fellows are ashamed of it, and have + resigned it to the medical students, patriotic young members of Parliament, + and others of the imitative classes; but there yet exists, or very lately + existed, a collection of these and various other surreptitiously acquired + properties, known among the fast fellow by the title of ——'s + Museum, every article being ticketed artistically, and the whole presenting + an example of devotion to the cause of science, we believe, without a + parallel.</p> + + <p>These are a few of the comparatively innocent amusements of the fast + fellows; others there are of graver character, which we need not refer to, + especially as the fast school is fast wearing itself out, and many of the + fast fellows already begin to "put on the drag," and go at a more reasonable + pace.</p> + + <p>Their ignorance, with the single exception of horse-flesh, is appalling. + Nobody who does not know the fast fellows, would credit that men could by + any possibility grow up in such absolute ignorance of whatever a gentleman + is expected to know; whatever a gentleman is expected not to know, they have + at their tongues' and fingers' ends.</p> + + <p>Intellectual men, of whatever description, they regard with the most + perfect indifference—an indifference too passive for contempt; they + affect to wonder, or probably do wonder, what such men are for, or why + people sometimes talk about them. Books they find convenient for putting + under the legs of barrack-room tables, to bring them to a level, and think + they are made of different sizes for that purpose; but no fast fellow was + ever yet detected in looking into one of them, to see whether there was any + thing inside. Such as have been taught to spell, employ part of the Sunday + in deciphering the smutty jokes of the <i>Satirist</i>, and pronounce the + jokes "d—d good," and the paper "a d—d honest paper." If they + happen, by any chance, to come into contact with one of the slow school, or + any body who has been taught to read, they have a method of silencing his + battery, which they think "capital." If a man should say in their company, + that Chaucer was a great poet, one will immediately enquire, "<i>how + much?</i>" while another wishes to know if Chaucer is entered for the + "Derby?" "How much?" is the invariable slang, whenever a man gets the bit + out of his mouth, or, in other words, talks of any thing but horses.</p> + + <p>There is no novelty in this; it is only a second edition of Dean Swift's + "new-fashioned way of being witty," which, in his fashionable day, was + called "a bite." "You must ask a bantering question," he informs Stella, "or + tell some damned lie in a serious manner, and then they will answer or speak + as if you were in earnest; then cry you, 'there's a <i>bite</i>.' I would + not have you undervalue this, for it is the constant amusement in court, and + every where else among the great people; and I let you know it, in order to + have it obtain amongst you, and teach you a new refinement."</p> + + <p>If they accept an invitation from Lord Northampton to go to one of his + <i>soirées</i>, which they sometimes do for a "lark," their antics + are vastly amusing; they put on grave, philosophic faces, and mimic the + <i>savans</i> to the life; if the noble president, thinking he is doing the + polite thing, points out to them a poet, for example, or a professor, they + have a knack of elevating the shoulders, looking at the man with a pitying + air, and whispering the words "<i>poor beast</i>," with a tone and manner + quite inimitable. Indeed this is one of the few clever things they do, and + on or off the stage we have never seen any thing like it.</p> + + <p>If Dickens were to die—an event that, we hope and trust, may not + occur these fifty years, the fast fellows would have some such conversation + upon the event, as follows:—</p> + + <p>A. So, Dickens, I hear, is dead.</p> + + <p>B. How much?</p> + + <p>C. What's that?</p> + + <p>A. Why, Pickwick, to be sure.</p> + + <p>B. Oh! Eh? Pickwick—Moses—Bath coach—<i>I</i> know.</p> + + <p>C. Pickwick—near Chippenham? Paul Methven lives + there—<i>I</i> know.</p> + + <p>A. No—no—I tell you, he's a man that writes.</p> + + <p>B. Is he? He may be. How should I know?</p> + + <p>C. Well—it's a d——d hard case, that, at the beginning + of the season, I should have lost a d——d good tiger. Has any + body got a d——d small tiger for sale?</p> + + <p>As we are in the humour for dialogue, we may as well give a + <i>verbatim</i> report of our last interview with Lord——, who + had been a fast fellow in his youth. We encountered him on the sunny side of + St James's Street, the other day, tottering to Brookes's: although we don't + expect you to believe it, what passed was, as we recollect it, exactly as + follows:—</p> + + <p>"Well, my Lord, I hope your gout is better?"</p> + + <p>"Eh—how are you? Well, I think I <i>am</i> better, d'ye know."</p> + + <p>"Glad to hear it."</p> + + <p>"Thankee—thankee—d'ye know, eh, I've changed my doctor?"</p> + + <p>"Well, and how d'ye like your new one?"</p> + + <p>"Capitally—eh—d'ye know, he's a clever fellow. + Young—eh—but clever—very. D'ye know, eh—he + corresponds regularly with—eh—with Sir <i>Humphrey</i> Newton + and Sir <i>Isaac</i> Davy!"</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s6" id="bw327s6"></a>THE DREAM OF LORD NITHSDALE.</h2> + + <h3>BY CHARLES MACKAY.</h3> + + <blockquote class="note"> + [Lord Nithsdale, as is well known, was condemned to death for his + participation in the Rebellion of 1715. By the exertions of his + true-hearted wife, Winifred, he was enabled to escape from the Tower of + London on the night before the morning appointed for his execution. The + lady herself—noble soul!—has related, in simple and touching + language, in a letter to her sister, the whole circumstances of her lord's + escape. The letter is preserved in the Appendix to "Cromek's Remains of + Nithsdale and Galloway Song," page 313 to 329—London, 1810.] + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Farewell to thee, Winifred, dearest and best!</p> + + <p class="i2">Farewell to thee, wife of a courage so high!—</p> + + <p>Come hither, and nestle again in my breast,</p> + + <p class="i2">Come hither, and kiss me again ere I die!—</p> + + <p>And when I am laid bleeding and low in the dust,</p> + + <p class="i2">And yield my last breath at a tyrant's decree,</p> + + <p>Look up—be resign'd—and the God of the just</p> + + <p class="i2">Will shelter thy fatherless bairnies and thee!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>She wept on his breast, but, ashamed of her tears,</p> + + <p class="i2">She dash'd off the drops that ran warm down her cheek;</p> + + <p>"Be sorrow for those who have leisure for tears—</p> + + <p class="i2">O pardon thy wife that her soul was so weak!</p> + + <p>There is hope for us still, and I will not despair,</p> + + <p class="i2">Though cowards and traitors exult at thy fate;</p> + + <p>I'll show the oppressors what woman can dare,</p> + + <p class="i2">I'll show them that love can be stronger than hate!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lip to lip, heart to heart, and their fond arms entwined,</p> + + <p class="i2">He has kiss'd her again, and again, and again;</p> + + <p>"Farewell to thee, Winifred, pride of thy kind,</p> + + <p class="i2">Sole ray in my darkness, sole joy in my pain!"</p> + + <p>She has gone—he has heard the last sound of her tread;</p> + + <p class="i2">He has caught the last glimpse of her robes at the + door;—</p> + + <p>She has gone, and the joy that her presence had shed,</p> + + <p class="i2">May cheer the sad heart of Lord Nithsdale no more.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And the prisoner pray'd in his dungeon alone,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thought of the morn and its dreadful array,</p> + + <p>Then rested his head on his pillow of stone,</p> + + <p class="i2">And slumber'd an hour ere the dawning of day.</p> + + <p>Oh, balm of the Weary! Oh, soother of pain!</p> + + <p class="i2">That still to the sad givest pity and dole;</p> + + <p>How gently, oh sleep! lay thy wings on his brain,</p> + + <p class="i2">How sweet were thy dreams to his desolate soul!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Once more on his green native braes of the Nith,</p> + + <p class="i2">He pluck'd the wild bracken, a frolicsome boy;</p> + + <p>He sported his limbs in the waves of the Frith;</p> + + <p class="i2">He trod the green heather in gladness and joy;—</p> + + <p>On his gallant grey steed to the hunting he rode,</p> + + <p class="i2">In his bonnet a plume, on his bosom a star;</p> + + <p>He chased the red deer to its mountain abode,</p> + + <p class="i2">And track'd the wild roe to its covert afar.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The vision was changed. In a midsummer night</p> + + <p class="i2">He roam'd with his Winifred, blooming and young;</p> + + <p>He gazed on her face by the moon's mellow light,</p> + + <p class="i2">And loving and warm were the words on his tongue.</p> + + <p>Thro' good and thro' evil, he swore to be true,</p> + + <p class="i2">And love through all fortune his Winnie alone;</p> + + <p>And he saw the red blush o'er her cheek as it flew,</p> + + <p class="i2">And heard her sweet voice that replied to his own.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Once more it has changed. In his martial array,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lo, he rides at the head of his gallant young men!</p> + + <p>And the pibroch is heard on the hills far away,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the clans are all gather'd from mountain and glen.</p> + + <p>For exiled King Jamie, their darling and lord,</p> + + <p class="i2">They raise the loud slogan—they rush to the war.</p> + + <p>The tramp of the battle resounds on the sward—</p> + + <p class="i2">Unfurl'd is the banner—unsheath'd the claymore!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The vision has fled like a sparkle of light,</p> + + <p class="i2">And dark is the dream that possesses him now;</p> + + <p>The morn of his doom has succeeded the night,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the damp dews of death gather fast on his brow.</p> + + <p>He hears in the distance a faint muffled drum,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the low sullen boom of the death-tolling bell;</p> + + <p>The block is prepared, and the headsman is come,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the victim, bareheaded, walks forth from his + cell.—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No! No! 'twas a vision! his hour was not yet,</p> + + <p class="i2">And waking, he turn'd on his pallet of straw,</p> + + <p>And a form by his side he could never forget,</p> + + <p class="i2">By the pale misty light of a taper he saw.</p> + + <p>"'Tis I! 'tis thy Winifred!"—softly she said,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Arouse thee, and follow—be bold, never fear!</p> + + <p>There was danger abroad, but my errand has sped,</p> + + <p class="i2">I promised to save thee—and lo I am here!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He rose at the summons, and little they spoke,</p> + + <p class="i2">The gear of a lady she placed on his head;</p> + + <p>She cover'd his limbs with a womanly cloak,</p> + + <p class="i2">And painted his cheeks of a maidenly red.</p> + + <p>"One kiss, my dear lord, and begone!—and beware!</p> + + <p class="i2">Walk softly—I follow!" Oh guide them, and save,</p> + + <p>From the open assault, from the intricate snare,</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou, Providence, friend of the good and the brave!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>They have pass'd unsuspected the guard at the cell,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the sentinel band that keep watch at the gate;</p> + + <p>One peril remains—it is past—all is well!</p> + + <p class="i2">They are free; and her love has proved stronger than + hate.</p> + + <p>They are gone—who shall follow?—their ship's on the + brine,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they sail unpursued to a far friendly shore,</p> + + <p>Where love and content at their hearth may entwine,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the warfare of kingdoms divide them no more.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s7" id="bw327s7"></a>TWO HOURS OF MYSTERY.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>CHAPTER I.</h3> + + <p>One bright day, last June, one of the London coaches rattled at an + amazing rate down the main street of a garrison town, and, with a sudden + jerk which threw the smoking horses on their haunches, pulled up at the door + of the Waterloo hotel. A beautiful sight it is—a fine, well appointed + coach, of what we must now call the ancient fashion, with its smart driver, + brilliant harness, and thoroughbred team. Then it is a spectacle pleasing to + gods and men, the knowing and instantaneous manner in which the grooms + perform their work in leading off the horses, and putting fresh ones + to—the rapid diving for carpet-bags and portmanteaus into the various + boots and luggage holes—the stepping down or out (as the case may be) + of the passengers—the tip to the coachman—the touch of the hat + in return—the remounting of that functionary into his chair of + honour—the chick, chick! with which he hints to the pawing greys he is + ready for a start—and, finally, the roll off into dim distance of the + splendid vehicle, watched by the crowd that have gathered round it, till it + is lost from their sight. A steam-coach, with its disgusting, hissing, + sputtering, shapeless, lifeless engine, ought to be ashamed of itself, and + would probably blush for its appearance, if it were not for the quantity of + brass that goes to its composition. On the above-mentioned bright day in + June, only two passengers go out from the inside of the Celerity. The + outsides, who were apparently pushed for time, urged them to make haste; and + the lady, the first who stept on the pavement, took their admonitions in + good part. With only a small basket on her arm, and a dark veil drawn close + down over her face, she dropt half-a-crown into the hand of the expectant + coachman, and walked rapidly up the street. The gentleman, however, put off + a good deal of time in identifying his carpet-bag—then his pocket + seemed to be indefinitely deep, as his hand appeared to have immense + difficulty in getting to the bottom of it. At last he succeeded in catching + hold of some coin, and, while he dropt it into the extended palm of the + impatient Jehu, he sad, "Hem! I say, coachie, who is that lady? Eh! fine + eyes—hem!"</p> + + <p>"Can't say, sir—no name in the way-bill—thank ye, sir."</p> + + <p>"Then you can't tell me any thing about her? Prettiest critter I ever saw + in my life. As to Mrs Moss"—</p> + + <p>But before the inquisitive gentleman, who stood all this time with the + carpet-bag in his hand, had an opportunity of making any further revelation + as to Mrs Moss, or any more enquiries as to his unknown travelling + companion, the coachman had mounted the box, and, after asserting in a very + complacent tone that it was all right, had driven off, and left him in the + same state of ignorance as before.</p> + + <p>"Sleep here, sir?—Dinner, sir?—This way to the coffee-room," + said a smart young man, with long hair and a blue coat, with a napkin over + his arm.</p> + + <p>"Oh! you're the waiter, I suppose. Now, waiter, I want to find out + something, and I daresay you can help me"—</p> + + <p>"This way, sir. You can have a mutton-chop in twenty minutes."</p> + + <p>"No—listen to me—I'm going to ask you some questions. Did you + see the lady that got out of the coach when I did? She's a beautiful + critter; such black eyes!—such a sweet voice!—such a small hand! + We travelled together the whole way from town. She spoke very little, and + kept her name a secret. I couldn't find out what she came here for. Do you + understand?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir—perfectly," said the waiter, at the same time evidently + understanding nothing about it.</p> + + <p>"Well, you see, I don't know what you think of it down here; but, for my + part, I think ladies at forty-five are past their prime. Now, my next + neighbour in London—Mrs Moss is her name—she's exactly that age. + You hear what I am saying, waiter?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir."</p> + + <p>"Now, I don't think this young lady, from her eyes and mouth, can be more + than twenty-three—a charming age, waiter—hem! You never saw her + before, did you?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir—never."</p> + + <p>"Well, its very astonishing what a beautiful girl she is. I am retired + from the lace and ribbon business, waiter, but I think she's the sweetest + specimen of the fair sex I ever saw. And you don't know who she is, do + you?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir. You'll sleep here, sir, I think you said? shammaid!"</p> + + <p>"No—I haven't said so yet," said the stranger, rather sharply.</p> + + <p>"Oh!" said the waiter, who had not attended to a syllable the gentleman + had spoken—and retired under the archway into the hotel.</p> + + <p>"The only way to get information," mused the gentleman with the + carpet-bag, still standing on the pavement, "is to have your eyes about you + and ask questions. It's what I always do since I have begun to travel for + improvement—I got all the waiter knew out of him in a moment—I + ought to have been an Old Bailey barrister—there ain't such a + cross-questioner as I am in the whole profession."</p> + + <p>The person who possessed such astonishing powers of investigation, was a + man about fifty years of age, little and stout, with a face of perfect + good-nature, and presenting the unmistakeable appearance of a prosperous + man. The twinkle about his eye spoke strongly of the three-and-a-half per + cents, and a mortgage or two might be detected in the puckers round his + mouth. I shouldn't at all care to change banker's books with him on + chance.</p> + + <p>"How lucky I haven't proposed to Mrs M.! Charming woman, but + fat—decidedly fat—and a little dictatorial too. Travel, says + she—enlarge your mind—why, how big would she have + it?—expand your intellect—does she think a man's brains are + shaped like a fan? I wish to heaven I could find out who this + beautiful"—</p> + + <p>But, as if his wish was that moment to be gratified, a small light hand + was laid upon his shoulder, and, on turning round, he saw his fair + fellow-traveller.</p> + + <p>"Excuse me, sir," she said, in a very sweet but slightly agitated voice, + "excuse me for addressing you, but I am emboldened by your appearance + to"—</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am—you're very polite—I feel it a great compliment, I + assure you."</p> + + <p>"The benevolent expression of your counternance encourages me + to"—</p> + + <p>"Oh, ma'am, don't mention it, I beg"—</p> + + <p>"To ask your assistance in my present difficulty."</p> + + <p>"Now, then," thought the gentleman thus appealed to, "I'll find out all + about her—how I'll question her!"</p> + + <p>"You will help me, I feel sure," continued the lady.</p> + + <p>"Oh, certainly—how can you doubt it?—(Hem—what white + teeth! Mrs. M. is a martyr to toothache.) How can I be useful, ma'am? Don't + you think it's a curious coincidence we travelled together, ma'am, and both + of us coming to the same town? It strikes me to be very singular; doesn't it + you, ma'am?"</p> + + <p>"I shall be glad of it, if"—</p> + + <p>"Ah! by-the-bye—another queer thing is your applying to me—a + man past the bloom of boyhood, to be sure, in fact a little + beyond"—</p> + + <p>"The prime of life," added the lady, not regarding the disappointed look + with which her interpolation was received; "it is for that reason, sir, I + throw myself on your kindness; you have perhaps daughters, sir, or + grandchildren, who"—</p> + + <p>"Devil a one. Gad, ma'am, I wish you heard Mrs M., a neighbour of + mine—why, she's always talking of my wildness and juvenile liveliness, + and all that sort of thing; an excellent woman Mrs M., but + stout—certainly stout."</p> + + <p>"Are you acquainted with this town, sir?" said the lady.</p> + + <p>"God bless ye! read an immense account of it in the Penny Magazine ever + so long ago; but whether it is famous for a breakwater, or a harbour, or a + cliff, or some dock-yard machinery, I can't recollect; perhaps it's all of + them together; we shall find out soon; for travelling, as Mrs M. says, + enlarges the mind, and expands the intellect."</p> + + <p>The lady looked in the face of the disciple of Mrs M. with an anxious + expression, as if she repented having addressed him.</p> + + <p>"But are you acquainted with the localities here?" she said at last. "As + to myself, I am utterly ignorant of the place I have to go to; and if you + knew what reason I have to"—</p> + + <p>"Ah! that's the very thing; give me your confidence, and I can refuse you + nothing."</p> + + <p>"My confidence!—alas, the business I come on can only be + interesting to the parties concerned. I came from London for one sole + object; and if I fail, if any delay occurs, the consequences may + be—oh, I dread to think of them!"</p> + + <p>"You don't say so? Lord! what a thing it is to travel!"</p> + + <p>"It was of the utmost consequence that my journey here should be unknown. + I had no one to trust. Alas, alas! I have no friend in all the world in whom + I could confide!"</p> + + <p>"Hem, hem!" said the little man, moved by the earnest sadness of her tone + and looks, "you have one friend, ma'am; you may trust <i>me</i> with any + thing in the world; yes, me, Nicholas Clam, No. 4, Waterloo Place, + Wellington Road, Regent's Park, London. I tell you my name, that you may + know I am somebody. I retired from business some years ago, because uncle + John died one day, and left me his heir; got into a snug cottage, green + verandah, trellice porch, green door, with bell handle in the wall; next + door to Mrs Moss—clever woman, but large—very large. And now + that you know who I am, you will perhaps tell me"—</p> + + <p>"I have little to tell, sir; I came here to see an officer who was to + have landed this morning from foreign service; if I don't see him instantly + there will be death—ah!"—</p> + + <p>"Soldiers—death—ah!" thought Mr Clam; "wild fellows them + officers—breach of promise—short memories—a lovely + critter, but rather silly I'm afraid; I should like to see a soldier coming + the sentimental over Mrs M. Well, ma'am?"</p> + + <p>The lady perceived something in the expression of Mr Clam's face (which + was radiant with the wonderful discovery he thought he had made) which + probably displeased her; for she said, in a very abrupt and almost + commanding manner—</p> + + <p>"Do you know the way, sir, to the infantry barracks?"</p> + + <p>"Not I, ma'am; never knew a soldier in my life. (Think of Mrs M. paying a + morning visit to the barracks! What a critter this is!")</p> + + <p>"Then you can't assist me, sir, as I had hoped, and therefore"—</p> + + <p>"Oh, by no means, ma'am; I can find out where the barracks are in a + moment. There's a young officer crossing the street; I'll ask him, and be + back in a minute."</p> + + <p>So saying, Mr Clam placed his, carpet-bag in safety inside the archway of + the hotel, and started off in pursuit of information. While her Mercury was + gone on his voyage of discovery, the lady looked at the officer he was + following. He was a young handsome man of two or three-and-twenty, lounging + slowly along with the air of modest appreciation of his own value to Queen + and country—not to mention private dinner parties and county + balls—which seems soon to become a part of the military character in a + garrison town. As he turned round to speak to Mr Nicholas Clam, the lady + half shrieked, and pulled her veil more carefully over her face.</p> + + <p>"I'm lost! I'm lost!" she said; "'tis Chatterton himself! Oh, why did I + allow this talkative old man to trouble himself with my affairs? If the + meeting takes place before I can explain, my happiness is gone for + ever!"</p> + + <p>She turned away, and walked as quickly as she could up one of the side + streets. Not daring to turn round, she was alarmed by hearing steps rapidly + nearing her in pursuit; and, from the heaviness of the sound, concluded at + once that there was more than one person close behind. It turned out, + however, to be nobody but her portly, and now breathless companion, Mr + Clan.</p> + + <p>"Stop, for heaven's sake, ma'am! that ain't the way," he said. "What a + pace she goes at! Ma'am! ma'am! She's as deaf as a post, and would drive me + into consumption in a week; and this in a hot day in June, too! Mrs M. has + more sense—stop!"</p> + + <p>"Have you discovered the way, sir?" she enquired, hurriedly.</p> + + <p>"Haven't I? I certainly have the knack of picking up information. I told + the young man I had travelled with you from London; that you had some secret + business at the barracks; that I didn't know what it was; and the moment I + asked him all these questions"—</p> + + <p>"Questions, sir?" said the lady, spitefully; "it strikes me you were + telling every thing, and asking nothing"—</p> + + <p>"The moment he found out, I say, that there was a lady in the case, and + that you wanted to know the way to the barracks, he insisted on coming to + show you the way himself—a civil young man."</p> + + <p>"Oh, why did you speak to him?" exclaimed the lady, still hurrying on; + "to him of all men? you have ruined me!"</p> + + <p>"Me ruined you! That's going it a little too strong. I never ruined any + body in my life. How did I know you knew the man? There's some awful mystery + in this young woman," muttered Mr Clam, puffing like a broken-winded coach + horse, "and if I live I'll find it out. There's nothing improves the mind, + as Mrs M. says, so much as curiosity."</p> + + <p>"Is it far to the barracks, sir?"</p> + + <p>"This ain't the way, ma'am; you're making it further every minute; and, + besides, you're running away from the young officer."</p> + + <p>"I <i>mustn't</i> meet him, sir—do you hear me?—I <i>must</i> + not be recognized."</p> + + <p>"Well, ma'am," said Mr Clam, "there's no great harm done yet; I did every + thing for the best—following the dictates of an unbiassed judgment, as + Mrs M. says; and if I've brought you into a scrape, I'll get you out of it. + Take my arm, ma'am, turn boldly round, and I'll soon set him about his + business."</p> + + <p>The lady did as she was told, and they retraced their steps. The young + officer now approached, and touching his hat with an air of unspeakable + elegance, and then swinging his cane, said, "You asked me, sir, to show the + way to the barracks."</p> + + <p>"Quite a mistake, sir," replied Mr Clam, drily; "we know the way + perfectly well ourselves."</p> + + <p>"It isn't far," pursued the officer; "and I shall be delighted to + accompany you. Any thing that you, sir, or your beautiful companion, may + require, I shall be happy to procure for you. Is there any one you wish to + see at the barracks?"</p> + + <p>This question was addressed to the lady, who drew back, and made no + reply.</p> + + <p>"If there's any body we want to see," said Mr Clam, "we'll ask for him; + but we're in a hurry, sir. This lady travelled all the way from London + expressly on purpose to"—</p> + + <p>But here a pinch in the arm prevented any further revelation, and made Mr + Clam wince as if he had been stung by an adder.</p> + + <p>"You needn't grip, so hard," he said to his companion; "for its my solemn + opinion you've taken the bit out. Let us go, sir," he continued, addressing + the officer once more. "We don't need your assistance."</p> + + <p>The young man looked surprised.</p> + + <p>"Well, sir," he said, "it was entirely to do you a favour that I + came."</p> + + <p>"You'll do us a far greater if you'll go," replied Mr Clam, becoming + boisterous and dignified, after the manner of a turkey-cock.</p> + + <p>"Sir, I don't understand such language," said the officer.</p> + + <p>"Then your education has been neglected, sir. It's English—plain, + downright English. We have no desire for your society, sir.—Right + about wheel—march."</p> + + <p>"<i>You</i> are below my notice," said the young man, flushing up; "and + your insolent vulgarity is, therefore, safe. At the same time, if the lady + needs my assistance"—</p> + + <p>"She doesn't need your assistance—far from it—she told me she + wished never to"—</p> + + <p>Another pinch, more powerful apparently than the former, from the + writhing of the sufferer, interrupted once more the stream of his eloquence; + and he was worked up into a tremendous passion, partly, perhaps, by the cool + contempt of the young officer, and principally by the pain he suffered in + his arm.</p> + + <p>"You're an impudent fellow, sir," he said. "I don't care twopence for all + the puppies that ever wore red coats, sir. My name is Nicholas Clam, Esq., + No. 4, Waterloo Place, Wellington Road, Regent's Park, London; and I can + shoot at a popinjay as well as another."</p> + + <p>"You shall hear from me, sir," said the officer, biting his lips. "My + name is Chatterton—Lieutenant Chatterton. Good day, sir."</p> + + <p>He touched his hat proudly, and walked away.</p> + + <p>"A good riddance, ma'am," said Mr Clam. "Them young chaps think to have + it all their own way. I wish I had seen a policeman or a serjeant of + soldiers; I would have charged him, as sure as a gun!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, come quick, quick!" exclaimed the lady, pressing more hurriedly on + his arm. "Take me to the barracks! I must see him instantly!"</p> + + <p>"Who?" enquired Mr Clam. "I'm all on the teeters to understand what all + this is about. Who is it you must see? Now, for my own part, I don't want to + see any one; only I wish you would tell me what"—</p> + + <p>"Oh, spare me the recital at present. I'm so agitated by recent events, + that, that—indeed you must excuse me. Oh come—quickly, quickly, + come!"</p> + + <p>There was no answer possible to such a request, more especially as by + suiting the action to the word, and drawing her companion forward at a + tremendous rate, she had entirely taken away the quantity of breath required + to carry on a conversation. Mr Clam's cogitations, however, were deep; and, + among them, the most prominent was a doubt as to the great advantages to be + derived from travel, and a firm persuasion that it is a very foolish thing + to become the champion of any lady whatever, more particularly if she + conceals her name, and refuses to satisfy one's curiosity in the smallest + point.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER II.</h3> + + <p>The young man who has been introduced to us as Lieutenant Chatterton, + pursued his way up the main street in no very equable temper. A little, + grey-eyed, snub-nosed civilian, to have insulted an officer and a gentleman! + the disgrace was past all bearing, especially as it had been inflicted on + him in the presence of a lady. Burning with the indignation befitting his + age and profession, and determined to call out the insulter, his present + object was to meet with a friend whom he might send with the message. + Luckily for his purpose, he was met by Major McToddy.</p> + + <p>"Ha! major—never was so happy to see any one in my life," exclaimed + Chatterton, seizing the hand of his friend—a tall, raw-boned, + red-faced man, with a good-natured expression of face, not unmixed with a + considerable share of good sense.</p> + + <p>"I really," replied the major, in an accent that was a great deal more + redolent of Renfrew than Middlesex—"I really jist at this moment dinna + happen to have a single guinea aboot me, so ye needna go on wi' your + compliments; but at hame in the kist,—the <i>arca</i>, as a body may + say"—</p> + + <p>"Poh! I don't want to borrow just now—except, indeed, your + assistance in a matter of the highest importance. You have always been so + kind, so obliging, that I am sure you wont refuse."</p> + + <p>"Weel, say awa', speak on; <i>perge, puer</i>, as a body may say," + interrupted the major, who seemed resolved to show what command of language + he had, for he uniformly began his speeches in his vernacular, and + translated them, though with an effort, into English, or any other tongue he + chanced to recollect.</p> + + <p>"Did you see a lady near the Waterloo? tall, graceful, timid; by heavens, + a shape to dream of, not to see?"</p> + + <p>"Then, what for did ye look at it?—answer that if you + please—<i>responde, s'il vous plait</i>."</p> + + <p>"A creature so sweet, so beautiful; ah, McToddy!"</p> + + <p>"What's a' this aboot. What's the meaning of all this? Is't in some wild + play aboot a woman—<i>une femme,</i>—a <i>fæmina</i>, as a + body may say, you want my help? Gae wa' wi' ye—be off with + you,—<i>apage, Sathanas</i>, as a body may say—I'm owre auld in + the horn for sic nonsense—<i>non mihi tantas</i>."</p> + + <p>"I tell you, major, she is the loveliest creature in Europe. Such a foot + —such shoulders—such a walk—by heavens! I'll shoot him as + dead as Julius Cæsar."</p> + + <p>"Who are you going to shoot?—is't a woman in man's claes?" enquired + the major, astonished.</p> + + <p>"I'll shoot him—the cursed, fat, pudgy, beastly rascal, her + husband. I've never seen her face, but"—</p> + + <p>"Lord seff us!—heaven preserve us, as a body may say. Is that a + respectable reason for shooting a man that you have never seen his wife's + face? Come, come, be cool, John Chatterton—be cool; <i>animum + rege</i>, as a body may"—</p> + + <p>"Cool? a pretty thing for a steady old stager like you, to tell me to be + cool. I tell you, I've been insulted, threatened, quizzed, laughed at."</p> + + <p>"Wha laughed at ye?" enquired the major.</p> + + <p>"The woman. I'm certain, she must have laughed. How could she avoid it? I + know she laughed at me; for though I couldn't see her face for the horrid + veil she kept over it, I saw from the anxiety she was in to hide it, from + the shaking, of her whole figure, that she was in the convulsions of a + suppressed titter. I'll shoot him as I would a partridge."</p> + + <p>"But ye've nae license, sir, nor nae qualification either that I can + see—for what did the honest man do?" said the major, amazed at the + wrath of his companion.</p> + + <p>"Do! He didn't actually call me a puppy, but he meant it. I know he + did—I saw it in the twinkle of his light, prying, silly-looking + eyes—the pucking up of his long, red, sneering lip."</p> + + <p>"But ye canna fecht a man—you can't challenge a person, as a body + may say, for having light eyes and long lips—what mair? <i>quid + ultra?</i> as a body"—</p> + + <p>"He asked me the way to the barracks."</p> + + <p>"Weel, there's no great harm in that—<i>non nocet</i>, as + a"—</p> + + <p>"I told him the way, and offered to escort them there; I offered to be of + any use to them in my power, for I knew every officer in garrison, you know, + except our own regiment, that only came in to-day; and just when I was going + to offer my arm to the lovely creature at his side, he said that they didn't + need my guidance, that they did not desire my society—that he could + shoot at a popinjay; now, what the devil <i>is</i> a popinjay?"</p> + + <p>"I'm thinking jay is the English for some sort of a pyet—a + tale-bearer, as a body may say—a blab."</p> + + <p>"A blab!—by heavens, Major M'Toddy, I don't know what to + say—if I thought the fellow really meant to insinuate any thing of + that kind, I would horsewhip him though I met him in a church."</p> + + <p>"Oho! so your conscience is pricked at last?—<i>mens sibi non + conscia</i>, as a body may say," answered the major. "Noo, I want to speak + to you on a point of great importance to yourself, my young friend, before + you get acquainted with the regiment. Hoo long have you been in the depot + here, John Chatterton?"</p> + + <p>"Eighteen months."</p> + + <p>"Weel, man, that's a-year-and-a-half, and you must be almost a man + noo."</p> + + <p>The youth looked somewhat inclined to be angry at this mode of hinting + that he was still rather juvenile—but the major went on.</p> + + <p>"And you were engaged, six months ago, to the beauty you used to tell me + so much about, Miss Hope of Oakside."</p> + + <p>"Yes—yes—well?" replied the youth.</p> + + <p>"And what for have ye broke off in such a sudden manner?—<i>unde + rixa?</i> as a body may say."</p> + + <p>"I broke off, Major M'Toddy? I tell you <i>she</i> broke off with + me."</p> + + <p>"Did she tell you so?" enquired the senior.</p> + + <p>"No—do you think I would condescend to ask her? No; but doesn't + every body know that she is married?"</p> + + <p>"Have you seen the announcement in the papers?"</p> + + <p>"I never look at the papers—but I tell you I know from the best + authority, that she is either married, or is going to marry an old worn-out + fellow of the name of Smith. A friend of Smith's told me so, the last time I + came down by the coach."</p> + + <p>"A man on the top of the coach told you that she was going to be + married—that is, <i>in vulgum pargere voces</i>, as a body may + say—capital authority! And what did you do then?"</p> + + <p>"Sent her back her letters—with a tickler to herself on her + conduct."</p> + + <p>"And was that a'?—did you not write to any of her family?"</p> + + <p>"No. Her eldest sister is a very delightful, sensible girl, and I am + certain must have been as angry at Marion's behaviour as I was."</p> + + <p>"And now her brother's come home to-day—you're sure to meet + him—it'll be an awkward meeting."</p> + + <p>"I can meet him or any man in England," replied the youth. "If there's + any awkwardness about it, it sha'n't be on my side."</p> + + <p>"Noo, John Chatterton, my young friend, I'm going to say some words to + you that ye'll no like. Ye're very vain o' yoursel'—but maybe at your + time o' life it's not a very great fault to have a decent bump o' + self-conceit; you're the best-hearted, most honourable-minded, pleasantest + lad I know any where, and very like some nephews of my own in the Company's + service: ye'll be a baronet when your father dies, and as rich as a Jew. But + oh, John Chatterton, ye're an ass—a reg'lar donkey, as a body may say, + to get into tiffs of passion, and send back a beautiful girl's letters, + because some land-louping vagabond on the top of a coach told you some + report or other about a Mr Smith"—</p> + + <p>"<i>Captain</i> Smith," said Chatterton, biting his lips; "he's a well + known man; he was an ensign in this very regiment, succeeded to a large + fortune, and retired: he's a very old man."</p> + + <p>"He's very fine fellow, and as gallant a soldier as ever lived," answered + the major; "and if you think that a man of six or seven-and-thirty is ow'r + auld to marry, by my troth, Mister Chatterton, I tak' the liberty to tell + you that you labour under a very considerable mistake."</p> + + <p>Chatterton looked at the irate face of his companion, in which the + crow-feet of forty years were distinctly visible, and perceived that he had + gone on a wrong tack.</p> + + <p>"Well, but then, major, what the deuce right had she to marry without + giving me notice of her intentions?"</p> + + <p>"Set ye up, and push ye forrit!—marry come up! as a body may + say—who made you the young lassie's guardian? If you were really + engaged to her, why didn't you go to Oakside at once and find out the truth, + and then go instantaneously and kick the fellow you met on the top of the + coach, round and round the barrack yard, till there was not enough of him + left to plant your boot on?"</p> + + <p>The young man looked down as if a little ashamed of himself.</p> + + <p>"Never mind, major," said he, "it can't be helped now; so do, like a good + fellow, go and find out the little rascal who insulted me so horribly just + now. It would be an immense satisfaction to pull his nose with a regulation + glove on."</p> + + <p>"But you must describe him, and tell me his name, for it would be a sad + occurrence if I were to give your message to the wrong man."</p> + + <p>"You can't mistake him; the most impudent-looking vulgarian in England. + His name is Nicholas Clam, living in some unheard-of district near the + Regent's Park."</p> + + <p>"And the lady is his wife, is she?"</p> + + <p>"Of course. Who the devil would walk with such a fellow that wasn't + obliged to do it by law?"</p> + + <p>"Well, my young friend, I'll see what's to be done in this matter, and + will bring you, most likely, a solemn declaration that he never shot at a + popinjay in his life. And you're really going to end the conversation + without asking me for a loan? You're not going to be like Virtus, <i>post + nummos</i> after the siller, as a body may say?"</p> + + <p>"No, not to-day, thank you. The governor keeps me rather short just now, + and won't come down handsome till I'm married; but"—</p> + + <p>"So you've lost that and the girl too—the lass and the tocher, as a + body may say—all by the lies of a blackguard on the top of a coach? + Ye're a wild lad, John Chatterton, and so <i>vale, et memor esto + mei—au revoir</i>, as a body may say."</p> + + <p>The major turned away on warlike thoughts intent, that is to say, with + the intention of finding out Mr Clam, and enquiring into the circumstances + of the insult to his friend. Mr Chatterton was also on the point of hurrying + off, when a gentleman, who had overheard the last sentence of the + sonorous-voiced major's parting speech, stopped suddenly, as if struck by + what was said, and politely addressed the youth.</p> + + <p>"I believe, sir, I heard the name of Chatterton mentioned by the + gentleman who has just left you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, he was speaking of him."</p> + + <p>"Of your regiment, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, we have a man of that name," replied Mr Chatterton. "What the deuce + can this fellow want?"</p> + + <p>"I am extremely anxious to meet him," continued the stranger, "as I have + some business with him of the highest importance."</p> + + <p>"Oh, a dun, by Jupiter!" thought the young soldier. He looked at the + stranger, a very well dressed gentlemanly man—too manlike for a tailor + —too polished for a horse-dealer; his Wellingtons were brightly + polished—he was perhaps his boot-maker. "Oh, you wish to see Mr + Chatterton?" he said aloud.</p> + + <p>"Very much," replied the stranger. "I have some business with him that + admits of no delay."</p> + + <p>"An arrest at least," thought the youth. "I wish to heaven M'Toddy had + not left me! Is it fair to ask," he continued, aloud, "of what nature your + business is with Mr Chatterton? I am his most intimate acquaintance; + whatever you say to me is sure to reach him."</p> + + <p>"I must speak to him myself, sir," replied the stranger, coldly. "Where + am I likely to find him?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, most likely at the bankers," said the young man, by way of putting + his questioner on the wrong scent. "He has just stept into an immense + fortune from a maiden aunt, and is making arrangements to pay off all his + debts."</p> + + <p>"There are some he will find it difficult to settle," replied the + stranger with a sneer, "in spite of his new-found wealth."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, sir! What an exorbitant Jew this fellow is; and yet I never + signed any bond!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir," continued the other, with a bitterer sneer than before, "and + at the same time such as he can't deny. I have vouchers for every + charge."</p> + + <p>"Well, he will not dispute your charges. I daresay they are much the same + as those of other people in the same situation with yourself."</p> + + <p>"Are there others in that condition?" enquired the stranger; "what an + unprincipled scoundrel!"</p> + + <p>"Who, sir? How dare you apply such language to a gentleman?"</p> + + <p>"I did not, sir, apply it to a gentleman; I applied it to Mr + Chatterton."</p> + + <p>"To <i>me</i>, sir! It was to me! <i>I'm</i> Mr Chatterton, sir; and now, + out with your writ—whose suit? What's the amount? Is it Stulz or + Dean?"</p> + + <p>The stranger steps back on this announcement, and politely but coldly + lifted his hat.</p> + + <p>"Oh, curse your politeness!" exclaimed the young man, in the extremity of + anger. "Where's the bill?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know your meaning, sir," answered the stranger, "in talking + about writs and bills; but"—</p> + + <p>"Why—are you not a tailor, or a bootmaker, or something of the + kind? Don't you say you have claims on me, and don't you talk of charges + with vouchers, and heaven knows what? Come, let us hear. I'll give you a + promissory note, and I daresay my friend Major M'Toddy will give me his + security."</p> + + <p>"I thought you had recently succeeded to a fortune, sir? but that, I + suppose, was only another of your false and unfounded assertions. Do you + know me, sir?"</p> + + <p>"No—except that you are the most insulting scoundrel I ever met, + and that I wish you were worth powder and shot."</p> + + <p>"Let that pass, sir," continued the stranger, with a bitter smile. "Did + you ever hear of Captain Smith, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Of twenty, sir. I know fifteen Captain Smiths most intimately."</p> + + <p>"But I happen to be one of the five unhonoured by your acquaintance. You + are acquainted with Mrs Smith; sir?"</p> + + <p>"I'm acquainted with three-and-twenty, sir. What then?"</p> + + <p>"I was in hopes, that the recollection of Oakside would have induced you + to treat her name with more respect."</p> + + <p>Chatterton's brow grew dark with rage. "So, then," he said, lifting his + hat with even more pride and coldness than his adversary—"so, then, + you're the Captain Smith I have heard of, and it was no false report? I am + delighted, sir, to see you here, and to know that you are a gentleman, that + I may, without degradation to her Majesty's commission, put a bullet or two + into your body. Your insulting conduct deserves chastisement, sir, and it + shall have it."</p> + + <p>"With all my heart," replied Captain Smith; the pleasure of calling you + to account was the object of my visit. I accept your challenge—only + wondering that you have spirit and honour enough left to resent an + intentional affront. Can we meet to-night?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly. I shall send a friend to you in half an hour. He is gone on a + similar message to another person already; and I will let you know at what + hour I shall be disengaged."</p> + + <p>"Agreed," said Captain Smith; and the enemies, after a deep and formal + bow on either side, pursued their way in different directions.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER III.</h3> + + <p>In the meanwhile Mr Nicholas Clam, and the lady leaning on his arm, had + proceeded in silence, for the lady's thoughts were so absorbed that she paid + no attention to the many prefatory coughs with which her companion was + continually clearing his throat. He thought of fifty different ways of + commencing a conversation, and putting an end to the rapid pace they were + going at. But onward still hurried the lady, and breathless, tired, + disconcerted, and very much perplexed, Mr Clam was obliged to continue at + her side.</p> + + <p>"This all comes of Mrs Moss writing a book," he muttered, "and being a + philosophical character. What business had she to go publishing all that + wonderful big volume above my mantel-piece—'Woman's Dignity; developed + in Dialogues?' Without that she never would have found out that I could not + be a sympathizing companion without the advantages of travel, and I never + should have left number four, to be quarrelled with by every whipper-snapper + of a soldier, and dragged to death by a woman unknown—a synonymous + personage, as Mrs M. would say, that I encountered in a coach. 'Pon my word, + ma'am," he added aloud, driven to desperation by fear of apoplexy from the + speed they were hurrying on with, "this is carrying matters a little too + far, or a great deal too fast at least. Will you let me ask you one + question, ma'am?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly, sir," replied the lady; "but oh, do not delay!"</p> + + <p>"But I must delay though, for who do you think can have breath enough + both to speak and run? And now, will you tell me, ma'am, what all this is + about—why that young soldier and I were forced to quarrel—what + you came down from London for, and what you are going to do at the + barracks?"</p> + + <p>"You will hear it all, sir; you shall know all when we arrive. But do not + harrow my feelings at present, I beseech you. It may all end well, if we are + in time; but if not"—</p> + + <p>The look of the lady, and her tone as she said this, did not by any means + contribute to Mr Clam's satisfaction. However, he perceived at once that + further attempts to penetrate the mystery would be useless, and he kept + musing on the strangeness of the circumstance, as profoundly puzzled as + before. On getting into the barrack-yard, the lady muffled herself in her + veil more closely than ever, and asked one of the soldiers she met in the + archway, if Captain Hope "was in his room?"</p> + + <p>"He's not come ashore yet, ma'am," said the soldier, "we expect him every + moment with the last detachment from the transport."</p> + + <p>"Not come yet?" exclaimed the lady; "which way will they march in?"</p> + + <p>"Up the Main Street, and across the drawbridge," said the soldier, + goodnaturedly.</p> + + <p>"I wished to see him—to see him alone. Oh, how unfortunate he is + not arrived!"</p> + + <p>"Now, 'pon my word," muttered Mr Clam, "this is by no means a favourable + specimen of woman's dignity developed in dialogues. I wish my infernal + thirst for knowledge and swelling-out the intellect hadn't led me into an + acquaintance with a critter so desperate fond of the soldiers; and Captain + Hope, too! Oh, I see how it is—this here lady, in spite of all her + veils and pretences, is no better than she should be; or rather, a great + deal worse. Think of Mrs M. falling into hysterics about a Captain Hope! + It's a case of a breach of promise. What should we do now, ma'am?" he said, + anxious to disengage himself, and a little piqued at the want of confidence + his advances had hitherto been received with. "If you'll tell me the whole + story, I shall be able to advise"—</p> + + <p>"Oh, you will know it all ere long. Soldier," she said to the man who had + answered her former questions, "is there any lady in the barrack—the + wife of one of the officers?"</p> + + <p>"There's our colonel, ma'am—at least the colonel's wife, ma'am; + she's inspecting the regiments baggage in the inner court"</p> + + <p>"Come, come!" said the lady hurriedly, on hearing this, and again Mr Clam + was forced along. In the inner court a stout lady, dressed in a man's hat + and a green riding-habit without the skirts, was busily employed in taking + the numbers of an amazing quantity of trunks and boxes, and seeing that all + was right, with the skill and quickness of the guard of a heavy coach. She + looked up quickly when she saw Mr Clam and his companion approach.</p> + + <p>"I hope you will pardon me, madam, for addressing you," said the latter, + dropping Mr Clam's arm, and lifting her veil.</p> + + <p>"Be quick about it," said the colonel's wife; "I've no time to put off. + Hand down that box, No. 19, H. G.," she continued to a sergeant who was + perched on the top of the luggage.</p> + + <p>"I wished to see you on a very interesting subject, madam."</p> + + <p>"Love, I'll bet a guinea—who has deserted you now?—that green + chest, Henicky, No. 34."</p> + + <p>"There is an officer in this regiment of the name of Chatterton?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, he's one of my young men, though I've not seen him yet. What + then?"</p> + + <p>"Can I speak to you for a minute alone?"</p> + + <p>"If it's on regimental business, I shall listen to you, of course; but if + it's some nonsensical love affair, you must go to Colonel Sword. I never + trouble myself about such matters."</p> + + <p>"If I could see Colonel Sword, madam"—</p> + + <p>"Why can't you see him? Go into the commandant's room. You'll find him + rocking the cradle of Tippoo Wellington, my youngest son! That other box, + Henicky, L. M. And who is this old man with you?" continued Mrs Sword. "Your + attorney, I suppose? See that you aren't ducked at the pump before you get + out, old man; for I allow no lawyers inside these walls."</p> + + <p>"Ma'am?" enquired Mr Clam, bewildered at the sudden address of the + officer in command.</p> + + <p>"It's a fact, as you'll find; so, make haste, young woman, and Sword will + settle your business."</p> + + <p>"Captain Hope is not come on shore yet, I believe?" said the lady.</p> + + <p>"Charlie Hope? No! he's bringing the men and baggage. Has <i>he</i> + deserted you too? Go to Sword, I tell you; and let your legal friend retreat + without beat of drum. How many chests is this, Henicky?"</p> + + <p>The Amazonian Mrs Sword proceeded with her work, and Mr Clam stood + stupified with surprise. His companion, in the mean time, proceeded as + directed to the commandant's house, and in a short time found herself in + presence of Colonel Sword.</p> + + <p>The colonel was a tall thin man, with a very pale face, and a very hooked + nose. He was not exactly rocking the cradle of Tippoo Wellington, as + supposed by his wife, but he was reposing in an easy attitude, with his head + thrown back, and his feet thrown forward, and his hands deeply ensconced in + his pockets. The apparition of a stranger roused him in a moment. He was as + indefatigable in politeness, as his wife had been in her regimental + duties.</p> + + <p>"I was in hopes of finding my brother, Captain Hope, in the barracks, + sir," she began; "but as I am disappointed, I throw myself on your + indulgence, in requesting a few minutes' private conversation."</p> + + <p>"A sister of Captain Hope? delighted to see you, my dear—did you + see Mrs Sword as you came in?"</p> + + <p>"For a minute, but she was busy, and referred me to you."</p> + + <p>"She's very good, I am sure," said the colonel.—"How can I be of + use?"</p> + + <p>"I have a sister, Colonel Sword, very thoughtless, and very young. She + became acquainted about a year ago with Mr Chatterton of your + regiment—they were engaged—all the friends on both sides + approved of the match, and all of a sudden Mr Chatterton wrote a very + insulting letter, and withdrew from his engagement."</p> + + <p>"The devil he did? Is your sister like you, my dear?"</p> + + <p>"We are said to be like, but she is much younger—only + eighteen."</p> + + <p>"Then this Chatterton is an ass. Good God! what chances silly fellows + throw away! And what would you have me do?"</p> + + <p>"Prevent a duel, Colonel Sword. My brother is hot and fiery; Mr + Chatterton is rash and headstrong. There will be enquiries, explanations, + quarrels, and bloodshed. Oh, Colonel, help me to guard against so dreadful a + calamity. I was anxious to see Charles, to tell him that the rupture was on + Marion's side—that she had taken a dislike to Chatterton. We have kept + it secret from every body yet. I haven't even told my husband."</p> + + <p>"You're married, then?"</p> + + <p>"To Captain Smith, once of this regiment."</p> + + <p>"Ah, an old friend. Give me your hand, my dear—we must keep those + wild young fellows in order. If I see them look at each other, I'll put them + both in arrest. But what can be the meaning of Chatterton's behaviour? I + hear such good reports of him from all hands! M'Toddy writes me he is the + finest young man in the corps."</p> + + <p>"I can't pretend to guess. He merely returned all my sister's letters, + and wished her happy in her new position."</p> + + <p>"What position was that?"</p> + + <p>"A very unhappy one. She has been ill and nervous ever since."</p> + + <p>"So she liked the rascal. Strange creatures you girls are! Well, I'll do + my best. I'll give my wife a hint of it, and you may depend on it, if she + takes it in hand, there will be no quarrelling under her—I mean under + my command. If you go towards the harbour, you'll most likely encounter your + brother. In the meantime, I will go to Chatterton, and take all necessary + precautions. And Captain Smith knows nothing of this?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing.—He was on a visit at Oakside, my sister's home, and I + took the opportunity of his absence, to run down and explain matters to + Charles. I must return to town immediately; for if I am missed, my husband + will make enquiries, and he will be more difficult to pacify than my + brother." So saying, they parted after a warm shake of the hand—but + great events had occurred in the meantime in the barrack-yard.</p> + + <p>"Who is that young woman?" said the Colonel's wife, to our astonished + friend Mr Clam. "Have you lost your tongue, sir?—who is she, I + say?"</p> + + <p>"If you were to draw me with horses, I could'nt tell you, + ma'am—'pon my solemn davit," said Mr Clam.</p> + + <p>"Oh, you won't tell, won't you?" returned the lady, cocking her hat, and + leaving the mountain of baggage to the care of her friend Sergeant Henicky. + "I tell you, sir, I insist on knowing; and if you don't confess this moment, + I shall perhaps find means to make you."</p> + + <p>"Me, ma'am? How is it possible for me to confess, when I tell you I know + nothing about her? I travelled with her from London in the coach—am + very likely to get shot by a young soldier on her account—brought her + here at a rate that has taken away all my breath—and know no more + about her than you do."</p> + + <p>"A likely story!—but it won't do for me, sir; no, sir—I see + you are an attorney—ready to prosecute some of my poor young men for + breach of promise; but we stand no nonsense of that kind in the gallant + Sucking Pidgeons. So, trot off, old man, and take your decoy-duck with you, + or I think its extremely likely you'll be tost in a blanket. Do you + hear?—go for your broken-hearted Desdemona, and double-quick out of + the yard. I'll teach a set of lawyers to come playing the Jew to my young + men. They shall jilt every girl in England if they think proper, and serve + them right too—and no pitiful green-bag rascal shall trouble them + about such trifles—right about face—march"—</p> + + <p>"Madam," said Mr Clam, in the extremity of amazement and fear, "did you + ever happen to read 'Woman's Dignity, developed in Dialogues?' It's written + by my friend, Mrs Moss, No. 5, Waterloo Place, Wellington Road, Regent's + Park—in fact, she's my next door neighbour—a clever woman, but + corpulent, very corpulent—you never met with 'Woman's Dignity, + developed in Dialogues?'"</p> + + <p>"Woman's idiocy, enveloped in petticoats! Who the devil cares about + woman, or her dignity either? I never could bear the contemptible wretches. + No—give me a man—a good, stout-hearted, front-rank + man—there's some dignity there—with the eye glaring, nostril + widening, bayonet fixed, and double-quick the word, against the enemies' + line. But woman's dignity!—let her sit and sew—work squares for + ottomans, or borders for chair-bottoms—psha!—beat a retreat, old + man, or you'll be under the pump in two minutes. I'll teach you to talk + nonsense about your women—I will—as sure as my name is Jane + Sword and I command the Sucking Pigeons!"</p> + + <p>"Pigeons don't suck, ma'am. Mrs M. lent me book of nat'ral + history"—</p> + + <p>"You'll find they'll bite, tho'—Henicky, take a corporal's guard, + and"—</p> + + <p>"Oh no, for heaven's sake, ma'am!" exclaimed Mr Clam. "Your servant, + ma'am. I'm off this moment."</p> + + <p>The unhappy victim of Mrs Moss's advice to travel for the improvement of + his mind, thought it best to follow the orders of the military lady in the + riding-habit, and retired as quickly as he could from the barrack yard. But, + on arriving at the outer archway, shame, or curiosity, or some other + feeling, made him pause. "Am I to go away," he thought, "after all, without + finding out who the lady is or what business brought her here—what she + knows about Chatterton—and what she wants with Hope? There's a mystery + in it all. Mrs M. would never forgive me if I didn't find it out. I'll wait + for the pretty critter—for she is a pretty critter, in spite of her + not telling me her story—I think I never saw such eyes in my life. + Yes—I'll wait." Mr Clam accordingly stopped short, and looked sharply + all round, to watch if his fair companion was coming. She was still detained + in the colonel's room.</p> + + <p>"Will you pardon me for addressing a stranger, sir?" said a gentleman, + politely bowing to Mr Clam.</p> + + <p>"Oh, if it's to ask what o'clock it is, or when the coach starts, or any + thing like that, I shall be happy to answer you, sir, if I can," replied Mr + Clam, whose liking for new acquaintances had not been much increased by the + events of the day.</p> + + <p>"I should certainly not have taken the liberty of applying to you," + continued the stranger, "if it had not been under very peculiar + circumstances."</p> + + <p>"Are they very peculiar, sir?" enquired Mr Clam.</p> + + <p>"Yes—as you shall have explained to you some other time."</p> + + <p>"Oh, you won't tell them now, won't you? Here's another mystery. 'Pon my + word, sir, so many queer things happen in this town, that I wish I had never + come into it. I came down only to-day per coach"—</p> + + <p>"That's fortunate, sir; if you are a stranger here, your service to me + will be greater."</p> + + <p>"What is it you want? My neighbour in No. 5—a very talented woman, + but big, uncommonly big—says in her book, never purchase the offspring + of the sty enveloped in canvass—which means, never meddle with any + thing you don't know."</p> + + <p>"You shall know all—but I must first ask, if you are satisfied, + will you be my friend in a troublesome matter in which I am a party?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, you're in a troublesome matter too, are you?—as for me, I came + down from London with such a critter, so pretty, so gentle, such a perfect + angel to look at!"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I don't wish to have your confidence in such affairs. I am pressed + for time," replied the stranger, smiling.</p> + + <p>"But I tell you, I am trying to find out what the matter is that you need + my help in."</p> + + <p>"I beg pardon. I thought you were telling me an adventure of your + own"—</p> + + <p>"Well sir, this beautiful critter asked my help, just as you're + doing—dragged me hither and thither, first asking for one soldier, + then another."</p> + + <p>"And finally, smiling very sweetly on yourself. I know their + ways—said the stranger.</p> + + <p>"Do you, now? Not joking?—Oh lord! the sooner the better, for such + lips to smile with, are not met with every day. Well sir, then there came up + a puppy fellow of the name of Chatterton."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Chatterton!" said the stranger; "that is curious."</p> + + <p>"And insulted us, either her or me I forget which; but I blew him up, and + he said he would send a friend to me"—here a new thought seemed to + strike Mr Clam—his countenance assumed a very anxious + expression—"you're not his friend, sir?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"No sir; far from it. He is the very person with whom I have the + quarrel."</p> + + <p>"You've quarrelled with him too? Another breach of promise?—a wild + dog that Chatterton."</p> + + <p>"Another breach! I did not know that that was <i>your</i> cause of + quarrel."</p> + + <p>"Nor I; 'pon my solemn davit, I'm as ignorant as a child of what my + quarrel is about; all that I know is, that my beautiful companion seemed to + hate the sight of him."</p> + + <p>"Then I trust you won't refuse me your assistance, since you have insults + of your own to chastise. I expect his message every moment. My name is + Captain Smith."</p> + + <p>"And mine, Nicholas Clam, No. 4, Waterloo Place, Welling"—</p> + + <p>"Then, gentlemen," said Major M'Toddy, lifting his hat, "I'm a lucky + man—<i>fortunatus nimium</i>, as a body may say, to find you both + together; for I am charged with an invitation to you from my friend Mr + Chatterton."</p> + + <p>"Oh! he wants to make it up, does he, and asks us to dinner? No. I won't + go," said Mr Clam.</p> + + <p>"Then you know the alternative, I suppose!" said the Major.</p> + + <p>"To pay for my own dinner at the inn," replied Mr Clam; "of course I know + that."</p> + + <p>The Major threw a glance at Mr Clam, which he would probably have taken + the trouble to translate into two or three languages, although it was + sufficiently intelligible without any explanations, but he had no time. He + turned to Captain Smith, and said:—</p> + + <p>"I'm very sorry, Captain Smith, to make your acquaintance on such a + disagreeable occasion. I've heard so much of you from mutual friends, that I + feel as if I had known you myself, <i>quod facit per alium facit per + se</i>—I'm Major M'Toddy of this regiment."</p> + + <p>"I have long wished to know you, Major, and I hope even this matter need + not extend any of its bitterness to us."</p> + + <p>The gentlemen here shook hands very cordially—</p> + + <p>"Well, that's a rum way," said Mr Clam, "of asking a fellow to go out and + be shot at. But this whole place is a mystery. I'll listen, however, and + find out what this is all about."</p> + + <p>"And noo, Captain Smith, let me say a word in your private ear."</p> + + <p>"Privateer! that's a sort of ship," said Mr Clam.</p> + + <p>"I hate eaves-droppers," continued the Major, with another glance at Mr + Clam—"<i>odi profanum vulgus</i>, as a body may say—and a + minute's talk will maybe explain matters."</p> + + <p>"I doubt the power of a minute's talk for any such purpose," said Captain + Smith, with a smile; "but," going a few yards further from Mr Clam at the + same time—"I shall listen to you with pleasure."</p> + + <p>"Weel, then, I canna deny—<i>convenio</i>, as a body may + say—that in the first instance, you played rather a severe trick on Mr + Chatterton."</p> + + <p>"I play a trick!" exclaimed Captain Smith; "I don't understand you. But + proceed, I beg. I will not interrupt you."</p> + + <p>"But then, on the other hand, it's not to be denied that Mr Chatterton's + method of showing his anger was highly reprehensible."</p> + + <p>"His anger, Major M'Toddy!"</p> + + <p>"'Deed ay, just his anger—<i>ira furor brevis</i>—and it's + really very excusable in a proud-spirited young man to resent his being + jilted in such a sudden and barefaced manner."</p> + + <p>"<i>He</i> jilted! but again I beg pardon—go on."</p> + + <p>"Nae doubt—<i>sine dubio</i>, as a body may say—the lassie + had a right to change her mind; and if she thought proper to prefer you to + him, I canna see what law, human or divine"—</p> + + <p>"Does the puppy actually try to excuse himself on so base a calumny as + that Marion preferred me? Major M'Toddy, I am here to receive your message; + pray deliver it, and let us settle this matter as soon as possible."</p> + + <p>"Whar's the calumny?" said the major. "You wadna have me to believe, + Captain Smith, that the lady does not prefer you to him?"</p> + + <p>"Now perhaps she does, for she has sense enough and pride enough, I hope, + to despise him; but never girl was more attached to a man in the world than + she to Chatterton. Her health is gone—she has lost the liveliness of + youth. No, no—I am much afraid, in spite of all that has passed, she + is fond of the fellow yet."</p> + + <p>"How long have you suspected this?" enquired the major.</p> + + <p>"For some time; before my marriage, of course, I had not such good + opportunities of judging as I have had since."</p> + + <p>"Of course, of course," said the major, in a sympathizing tone; "it's bad + business. But if you had these suspicions before, what for did you + marry?"</p> + + <p>"Why? Do you think things of that sort should hinder a man from marrying + the girl he likes? Mrs Smith regrets it as much as I do."</p> + + <p>"Then what for did she not tell Chatterton she was going to marry + you?"</p> + + <p>"What right had he to know, sir?"</p> + + <p>"A vera good right, I think; or if he hadna, I wad like to know wha + had?"</p> + + <p>"There, sir, we differ in opinion. Will you deliver your message, name + your place and hour, and I shall meet you. I shall easily get a friend in + this town, though I thought it better at one time to apply to a civilian; + but I fear," he added, with a smile, "my friend Mr Clam will scarcely + do."</p> + + <p>"I really dinna ken—I positively don't know, as a body may say, how + to proceed in this matter. In the first place, if your wife is over fond of + Chatterton."</p> + + <p>"My wife, sir?"</p> + + <p>"'Deed ay—<i>placens uxor</i>, as a body may say—I say if + your wife continues to like Chatterton, you had better send a message to + him, and not he to you."</p> + + <p>"So I would, if she gave me occasion, Major M'Toddy; but if your friend + boasts of any thing of that kind, his conduct is still more infamous and + intolerable than I thought it."</p> + + <p>"But your ainsel'—your own self told me so this minute."</p> + + <p>"You mistake, sir. I say that Marion Hope, my wife's sister, is still + foolish enough to like him."</p> + + <p>"Your wife's sister! You didna marry Chatterton's sweetheart?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir—her elder sister."</p> + + <p>"Oh, lord, if I had my fingers round the thrapple o' that leein' + scoundrel on the tap of the coach! Gie me your hand, Captain + Smith—it's all a mistake. I'll set it right in two minutes. Come with + me to Chatterton's rooms—ye'll make him the happiest man in England. + He's wud wi' love—mad with affection, as a body may say. He thought + you had run off with his sweetheart, and it was only her sister!"</p> + + <p>Captain Smith began to have some glimmerings of the real state of the + case; and Mr Clam was on the point of going up to where they stood to make + further enquiries for the improvement of his mind, when his travelling + companion, again deeply veiled, laid her hand on his arm.</p> + + <p>"Move not for your life!" she said.</p> + + <p>"I'm not agoing to move, ma'am."</p> + + <p>"Let them go," she continued; "we can get down by a side street. If they + see me, I'm lost."</p> + + <p>"Lost again! The mystery grows deeper and deeper."</p> + + <p>"One of these is my husband."</p> + + <p>Mr Clam drops her arm. "A married woman, and running after captains and + colonels! Will you explain a little ma'am, for my head is so puzzled, that + hang me if I know whether I stand on my head or my heels?"</p> + + <p>"Not now—sometime or other you will perhaps know all; but come with + me to the beach—all will end well."</p> + + <p>"Will it?—then I hope to heaven it will end soon, for an hour or + two more of this will kill me."</p> + + <p>The two gentlemen, in the meantime, had disappeared, and Mr Clam was on + the eve of being hurried off to the harbour, when a young officer came + rapidly towards them.</p> + + <p>"Charles!" cried the lady, and put her arms round his neck.</p> + + <p>"There she goes!" said Mr Clam—"another soldier!—She'll know + the whole army soon."</p> + + <p>"Mary!" exclaimed the soldier—"so good, so kind of you to come to + receive me."</p> + + <p>"I wished to see you particularly," she said, "alone, for one + minute."</p> + + <p>The brother and sister retired to one side, leaving Mr Clam once more out + of ear-shot.</p> + + <p>"More whispering!" muttered that disappointed gentleman. "This can never + enlarge the intellect or improve the mind. Mrs M. is a humbug—not a + drop of information can I get for love or money. Nothing but whisperings + here, closetings there—all that comes to my share is threats of + shootings and duckings under pumps. I'll go back to Waterloo Place this + blessed night, and burn 'Woman's Dignity' the moment I get home."</p> + + <p>"Then let us go to Chatterton's rooms," said the young officer, giving + his arm to his sister; "I have no doubt he will explain it all, and I shall + be delighted to see your husband."</p> + + <p>"She's going to see her husband! She's the wickedest woman in England," + said Mr Clam, who caught the last sentence.</p> + + <p>"Still here'" said a voice at his ear—"lurking about the + barracks!"</p> + + <p>He looked round and saw the irate features of the tremendous Mrs Sword. + He made a rapid bolt and disappeared, as if he had a pulk of Cossacks in + full chase at his heels.</p> + + <p>The conversation of the good-natured Colonel Sword with Chatterton had + opened that young hero's eye so entirely to the folly of his conduct, that + it needed many encouraging speeches from his superior to keep him from + sinking into despair.—"That I should have been such a fool," he said, + "as to think that Marion would prefer any body to me!" Such was the style of + his soliloquy, from which it will be perceived, that in spite of his + discovery of his stupidity, he had not entirely lost his good opinion of + himself—"to think that she would marry an old fellow of thirty-six! + What will she think of me! How lucky I did not write to my father that I had + broken matters off. Do you think she'll ever forgive me, colonel?"</p> + + <p>"Forgive you, my, dear fellow?" said the colonel; "girls, as Mrs Sword + says, are such fools, they'll forgive any thing."</p> + + <p>"And Captain Smith!—a fine gentlemanly fellow—the husband of + Marion's sister—I have insulted him—I must fight him, of + course."</p> + + <p>"No fighting here, young man; you must apologize if you've done wrong; if + not, he must apologize to you; Mrs Sword would never look over a duel + between two Sucking Pigeons."</p> + + <p>"Then <i>I</i> must apologize."</p> + + <p>"Ye canna have a better chance—you can't have a better opportunity, + as a body may say," said the bilingual major, entering the room, "for here's + Captain Smith ready to accept it."</p> + + <p>"With all his heart, I assure you," said that gentleman, shaking + Chatterton's hand; "so I beg you'll say no more about it."</p> + + <p>"This is all right—just as it should be," said the Colonel. + "Captain Smith, you'll plead poor Chatterton's cause with the offended + lady."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps the culprit had better be his own advocate—he will find + the court very favourably disposed; and as the judge is herself at the + Waterloo hotel"—</p> + + <p>"Marion here!" exclaimed Chatterton; "good heavens, what an atrocious ass + I have been!"</p> + + <p>"She is indeed," replied the Captain. "I knew she would be anxious to + receive her brother Charles on his landing, and as I had wormed out from her + the circumstances of this lover's quarrel"—</p> + + <p>"<i>Amantium ira amoris redintegratio est</i>—as a body may say," + interposed Major M'Toddy.</p> + + <p>"And was determined to enquire into it, I thought that the pretence of + welcoming Captain Hope would allay any suspicion of my intention; and so, + with her good mother's permission, I brought her down, leaving my wife in + Henley Street"—</p> + + <p>"Where she didn't long remain," said no other than Captain Charles Hope, + himself leading in Mrs Smith, the mysterious travelling acquaintance of Mr + Clam.</p> + + <p>"Do you forgive me," she said to her husband, "for coming down without + your knowledge?"</p> + + <p>"I suppose I must," said Captain Smith, laughing, "on condition that you + pardon me for the same offence?"</p> + + <p>"And noo, then," said Major M'Toddy, "I propose that we all, together and + singly, <i>conjunctim ac separatim</i>—as a body may say—go down + instanter to the Waterloo Hotel. We can arrange every thing there better + than here, for we must hear the other side—<i>audi alteram partem</i>, + as a body may say."</p> + + <p>"This will be a regular <i>jour de noce</i>, as you would say, Major," + remarked Colonel Sword, giving his arm to Mrs Smith.</p> + + <p>"It's a <i>nos non nobis</i>, poor auld bachelors—as a body may + say," replied the Major, and the whole party proceeded to the hotel.</p> + + <p>Mr Clan, on making his escape from the fulminations of Mrs Sword, had + been rejoiced to see his carpet-bag still resting against the wall under the + archway of the inn, as he had left it when he first arrived.</p> + + <p>"Waiter!" he cried; and the same long-haired individual in the blue coat, + with the napkin over his arm, came to his call.</p> + + <p>"Is there any coach to London this evening?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir—at half-past six."</p> + + <p>"Thank heaven!" exclaimed Mr Clam, "I shall get out of this infernal + town. Waiter!"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir."</p> + + <p>"I came from London to-day with a lady—close veiled, all muffled + up. She is a married woman, too—more shame for her."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir. Do you dine before you go, sir." said the waiter, not + attending to Mr Clan's observations.</p> + + <p>"No. Her husband doesn't know she's here; but, waiter, Mr Chatterton + does." Mr Clam accompanied this piece of information with a significant + wink, which, however, made no sensible impression on the waiter's mind.</p> + + <p>"Yes, Chatterton does; for you may depend on it, by this time he's found + out who she is."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir. Have you secured a place, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Now, she wouldn't have her husband know she is here for the world."</p> + + <p>"Outside or in, sir? The office is next door"—continued the + waiter.</p> + + <p>"Then, there's a tall gentleman, who speaks with a curious accent. I + wonder who the deuce <i>he</i> can be."</p> + + <p>"No luggage but this, sir? Porter will take it to the office, sir."</p> + + <p>"Nor that dreadful he-woman in the hat—who the mischief can + <i>she</i> be? What had Chatterton done?—who is the husband?—who + is the lady? Waiter, is there a lunatic asylum here?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir. We've a penitentiary."</p> + + <p>"Then, 'pon my davit, the young woman"—</p> + + <p>But Mr Clam's observation, whatever it was—and it was evidently not + very complimentary to his travelling companion—was interrupted by the + entrance of the happy party from Chatterton's rooms.</p> + + <p>Mr Clam looked first at the colonel and Captain Hope, and Mrs + Smith—but they were so busy in their own conversation, that they did + not observe him. Then followed Major M'Toddy, Captain Smith, and Mr + Chatterton.</p> + + <p>"Here's our civil friend," said the Major—"<i>amicas noster</i>, as + a body may say."</p> + + <p>"Oh, by Jove!" said Mr Chatterton, "I ought to teach this fellow a lesson + in natural history."</p> + + <p>"He's the scientific naturalist that called you popinjay," continued the + major—"<i>ludit convivia miles</i>, as a body may say."</p> + + <p>"He's the fellow that refused to be my friend, and told me some foolish + story of his flirtations with a lady he met in the coach," added Captain + Smith.</p> + + <p>"Gentlemen," said Mr Clam, "I'm here in search of information; will you + have the kindness to tell me what we have all been fighting, and + quarrelling, and whispering and threatening about for the last two hours? My + esteemed and talented neighbour, the author of 'Women's Dignity developed in + Dialogues'"—</p> + + <p>"May gang to the deevil," interposed Major M'Toddy—<i>abeat in + malam crucem</i>, as a body may say—We've no time for havers, <i>i + prae, sequar</i>, as a body may say. What's the number of her room?"</p> + + <p>"No. 14," said the Captain, and the three gentlemen passed on.</p> + + <p>"<i>Her</i> room!" said Mr Clam, "another lady! Waiter!"</p> + + <p>"Yes sir."</p> + + <p>"I'll send you a post-office order for five shillings, if you'll find out + all this, and let me know the particulars—address to me, No. 4, + Waterloo Place, Wellington Road, Regent's Park, London. I've done every + thing in my power to gain information according to the advice of Mrs M., but + it's of no use. Let me know as soon as you discover any thing, and I'll send + you the order by return of post."</p> + + <p>"Coach is coming, sir," said the waiter.</p> + + <p>"And I'm going; and very glad I am to get out of the town alive. And as + to the female banditti in the riding habit, with all the trunks and boxes; + if you'll let me know"—</p> + + <p>"The coach can't wait a moment, sir."</p> + + <p>Mr Clam cast a despairing look as he saw his last hope of finding out the + mystery disappear. He stept into the inside of the coach—</p> + + <p>"Coachman," he said, with his foot on the step—"There's no lady + inside, is there?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir."</p> + + <p>"Then drive on; if there had been, I wouldn't have travelled a mile with + her." The roll of the coach drowned the remainder of Mr Clam's eloquence; + and it is much feared that his enquiries have been unsuccessful to the + present day.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s8" id="bw327s8"></a>THE EAST AND SOUTH OF EUROPE.</h2> + + <blockquote class="note"> + A Steam-voyage to Constantinople, by the Rhine and Danube, in 1840-41, and + to Portugal, Spain, &c. By the Marquis of Londonderry. In 2 vols. 8vo. + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <p>We have a very considerable respect for the writer of the Tour of which + we are about to give extracts in the following pages. The Marquis of + Londonderry is certainly no common person. We are perfectly aware that he + has been uncommonly abused by the Whigs—which we regard as almost a + necessary tribute to his name; that he has received an ultra share of libel + from the Radicals—which we regard as equally to his honour; and that + he is looked on by all the neutrals, of whatever colour, as a personage too + straightforward to be managed by a bow and a smile. Yet, for all these + things, we like him the better, and wish, as says the old song—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"We had within the realm</p> + + <p>Five hundred good as he."</p> + </div> + + <p>He is a straightforward, manly, and high-spirited noble, making up his + mind without fee or reward, and speaking it with as little fear as he made + it up; managing a large and turbulent population with that authority which + derives its force from good intention; constant in his attendance on his + parliamentary duty; plainspoken there, as he is every where; and possessing + the influence which sincerity gives in every part of the world, however + abounding in polish and place-hunting.</p> + + <p>His early career, too, has been manly. He was a soldier, and a gallant + one. His mission to the Allied armies, in the greatest campaign ever made in + Europe, showed that he had the talents of council as well as of the field; + and his appointment as ambassador to Vienna, gave a character of spirit, and + even of splendour, to British diplomacy which it had seldom exhibited + before, and which, it is to be hoped, it may recover with as little delay as + possible.</p> + + <p>We even like his employment of his superfluous time. Instead of giving + way to the fooleries of fashionable life, the absurdities of galloping after + hares and foxes, for months together, at Melton, or the patronage of those + scenes of perpetual knavery which belong to the race-course, the Marquis has + spent his vacations in making tours to the most remarkable parts of Europe. + It is true that Englishmen are great travellers, and that our nobility are + in the habit of wandering over the Continent. But the world knows no more of + their discoveries, if they make such, or of their views of society and + opinions of governments, if they ever take the trouble to form any upon the + subject, than of their notions of the fixed stars. That there are many + accomplished among them, many learned, and many even desirous to acquaint + themselves with what Burke called "the mighty modifications of the human + race," beginning with a land within fifteen miles of our shores, and + spreading to the extremities of the earth, we have no doubt. But in the + countless majority of instances, the nation reaps no more benefit from their + travels than if they had been limited from Bond Street to Berkeley Square. + This cannot be said of the Marquis of Londonderry. He travels with his eyes + open, looking for objects of interest, and recording them. We are not now + about to give him any idle panegyric on the occasion. We regret that his + tours are so rapid, and his journals so brief. He passes by many objects + which we should wish to see illustrated, and turns off from many topics on + which we should desire to hear the opinions of a witness on the spot. But we + thank him for what he has given; hope that he will spend his next autumn and + many others as he has spent the former; and wish him only to write more at + large, to give us more characters of the rank with which he naturally + associates, draw more contrasts between the growing civilization of the + European kingdoms and our own; and, adhering to his own straightforward + conceptions, and telling them in his own sincere style, give us an annual + volume as long as he lives.</p> + + <p>Steam-boats and railways have produced one curious effect, which no one + anticipated. Of all <i>levellers</i> they are the greatest. Their + superiority to all other modes of travelling crowds them with the peer as + well as the peasant. Cabinets, and even queens, now abandon their easy, but + lazy, equipages for the bird-like flight of iron and fire, and though the + "special train" still sounds exclusive, the principle of commixture is + already there, and all ranks will sweep on together.</p> + + <p>The Marquis, wisely adopting the bourgeois mode of travelling, set forth + from the Tower Stairs, on a lovely morning at the close of August 1840. + Fifty years ago, the idea of a general, an ambassador, and a peer, with his + marchioness and suite, embarking on board the common conveyance of the + common race of mankind, would have been regarded as an absolute + impossibility; but the common sense of the world has now decided otherwise. + Speed and safety are wisely judged to be valuable compensations for state + and seclusion; and when we see majesty itself, after making the experiment + of yachts and frigates, quietly and comfortably return to its palace on + board a steamer, we may be the less surprised at finding the Marquis of + Londonderry and his family making their way across the Channel in the + steamer Giraffe. Yet it is to be remarked, that though nothing can be more + miscellaneous than the passengers, consisting of Englishmen, Frenchmen, + Germans, and Yankee; of Jews, Turks, and heretics; of tourists, physicians, + smugglers, and all the other diversities of idling, business, and knavery; + yet families who choose to pay for them, may have separate cabins, and enjoy + as much privacy as is possible with specimens of all the world within + half-an-inch of their abode.</p> + + <p>The voyage was without incident; and after a thirty hours' passage, the + Giraffe brought them to the Brill and Rotterdam. It has been an old + observation that the Dutch clean every thing but themselves; and nothing can + be more matter of fact than that the dirtiest thing in a house in Holland is + generally the woman under whose direction all this scrubbing has been + accomplished. The first aspect of Rotterdam is strongly in favour of the + people. It exhibits very considerable neatness for a seaport—the + Wapping of the kingdom; paint and even gilding is common on the outsides of + the shops. The shipping, which here form a part of the town furniture, and + are to be seen every where in the midst of the streets, are painted with + every colour of the rainbow, and carved and ornamented according to such + ideas of taste in sculpture as are prevalent among Dutchmen; and the whole + exhibits a good specimen of a people who have as much to struggle with mud + as if they had been born so many eels, and whose conceptions of the real + colour of the sky are even a shade darker than our own.</p> + + <p>The steam-boats also form a striking feature, which utterly eluded the + wisdom of our ancestors. There are here, bearing all colours, from all the + Rhenish towns, smoking and suffocating the Dutch, flying past their + hard-working, slow-moving craft; and bringing down, and carrying away, + cargoes of every species of mankind. The increase of Holland in wealth and + activity since the separation from Belgium, the Marquis regards as + remarkable; and evidently having no <i>penchant</i> for our cousin Leopold, + he declares that Rotterdam is at this moment worth more solid money than + Antwerp, Brussels, and, he believes, "all Leopold's kingdom together."</p> + + <p>At Antwerp, he happened to arrive at the celebration of the fête in + honour of Rubens. "To commemorate the painter may be all very well," he + observes; "but it is not very well to see a large plaster-of-Paris statue + erected on a lofty pedestal, and crowned with laurels, while the whole + population of the town is called out for fourteen days together, to indulge + in idleness and dissipation, merely to announce that Rubens was a famed + <i>Dutch</i> painter in times long past." We think it lucky for the Marquis + that he had left Antwerp before he called Rubens a Dutch painter. We are + afraid that he would have hazarded a summary application of the Lynch law of + the Flemish avengers of their country.</p> + + <p>"If such celebrations," says the Marquis, "are proper, why not do equal + honour to a Shakspeare, a Pitt, a Newton, or any of those illustrious men by + whose superior intelligence society has so greatly profited?" The obvious + truth is, that such "celebrations" are not to our taste, that there is + something burlesque, to our ideas, in this useless honour; and that we think + a bonfire, a discharge of squibs, or even a discharge of rhetoric, and a + display of tinsel banners and buffoonery, does not supply the most natural + way of reviving the memory of departed genius. At the same time, they have + their use, where they do not create their ridicule. On the Continent, life + is idle; and the idlers are more harmlessly employed going to those + pageants, than in the gin-shop. The finery and the foolery together also + attract strangers, the idlers of other towns; it makes money, it makes + conversation, it makes amusement, and it kills time. Can it have better + recommendations to ninety-nine hundredths of mankind?</p> + + <p>In 1840, when this tour was written, all the politicians of the earth + were deciding, in their various coffee-houses, what all the monarchs were to + do with the Eastern question. Stopford and Napier were better employed, in + battering down the fortifications of Acre, and the politicians were soon + relieved from their care of the general concerns of Europe. England settled + this matter as she had often done before, and by the means which she has + always found more natural than protocols. But a curious question is raised + by the Marquis, as to the side on which Belgium might be inclined to stand + in case of an European struggle; his opinion being altogether <i>for</i> the + English alliance.</p> + + <p>"France could undoubtedly <i>at first</i> seize possession of a country + so close to her empire as to be in fact a province. But still, with Antwerp + and other fortresses, Holland in the rear, and Hanover and Germany at hand, + and, above all, England, aiding perhaps with a British army, the + independence of King Leopold's throne and kingdom might be more permanently + secured by adhering to the Allies, than if he linked himself to Louis + Philippe, in whose power alone, in case of non-resistance to France, he + would ever afterwards remain; and far better would it be, in my opinion, for + this founder of a Belgian monarchy, if he would achieve for his dynasty an + honourable duration, to throw himself into the arms of the many, and reap + advantages from all, than to place his destiny at the mercy of the future + rulers of France."</p> + + <p>No doubt this is sound advice; and if the decision were to depend on + himself, there can be as little doubt that he would be wiser in accepting + the honest aid of England, than throwing his crown at the feet of France. + But he reigns over a priest-ridden kingdom, and Popery will settle the point + for him on the first shock. His situation certainly is a singular one; as + the uncle of the Queen of England, and the son-in-law of the King of France, + he seems to have two anchors dropped out, either of which might secure a + throne in ordinary times. But times that are <i>not</i> ordinary may soon + arise, and then he must cut both cables and trust to his own steerage. If + coldness is prudence, and neutrality strength, he may weather the storm; but + it would require other qualities to preserve Belgium.</p> + + <p>Brussels was full of English. The Marquis naturally talks in the style of + one accustomed to large expenditure. The chief part of the English residents + in Brussels, are families "who live there on three or four thousand + a-year—far better as to luxuries and education than they could in + England for half as much more." He evidently thinks of three or four + thousand a-year, as others might think of as many hundreds. But if any + families, possessed of thousands a-year, are living abroad for the mere sake + of <i>cheaper</i> luxuries and <i>cheaper</i> education, we say, more shame + for them. We even can conceive nothing more selfish and more contemptible. + Every rational luxury is to be procured in England by such an income. Every + advantage of education is to be procured by the same means. We can perfectly + comprehend the advantages offered by the cheapness of the Continent to large + families with narrow incomes; but that the opulent should abandon their + country, their natural station, and their duties, simply to drink champagne + at a lower rate, and have cheaper dancing-masters, we must always regard as + a scandalous dereliction of the services which every man of wealth and rank + owes to his tenantry, his neighbours, and his nation. Of course, we except + the traveller for curiosity; the man of science, whose object is to enlarge + his knowledge; and even the man of rank, who desires to improve the minds of + his children by a view of continental wonders. Our reprobation is, of the + habit of living abroad, and living there for the vulgar and unmanly purpose + of self-indulgence or paltry avarice. Those absentees have their reward in + profligate sons, and foreignized daughters, in giving them manners + ridiculous to the people of the Continent, and disgusting to their + countrymen—morals adopting the grossness of continental life, and + general habits rendered utterly unfit for a return to their country, and, of + course, for any rational and meritorious conduct, until they sink into the + grave.</p> + + <p>The Marquis, who in every instance submitted to the rough work of the + road, took the common conveyance by railroad to Liege. It has been a good + deal the custom of our late tourists to applaud the superior excellence of + the continental railroads. Our noble traveller gives all this praise the + strongest contradiction. He found their inferiority quite remarkable. The + materials, all of an inadequate nature, commencing with their uncouth + engine, and ending with their ill-contrived double seats and carriages for + passengers. The attempts made at order and regularity in the arrangements + altogether failed. Every body seemed in confusion. The carriages are of two + sorts—the first class, and the <i>char-à-banc</i>. The latter + are all open; the people sit back to back, and face to face, as they like, + and get at their places by scrambling, squeezing, and altercation. Even the + Marquis had a hard fight to preserve the seats which he had taken for his + family. At Malines, the train changes carriages. Here a curious scene + occurred. An inundation of priests poured into all the carriages. They came + so thick that they were literally thrown back by their attempt to squeeze + themselves in; "and their cocked hats and black flowing robes gave them the + appearance of ravens with their wide-spreading wings, hovering over their + prey in the vehicles."</p> + + <p>Travelling, like poverty, brings one acquainted with strange companions; + and, accustomed as the Marquis was to foreign life, one railway traveller + evidently much amused him. This was a personage who stretched himself at + full length on a seat opposite the ladies, "his two huge legs and thighs + clothed in light blue, with long Spanish boots, and heavy silver spurs, + formed the foreground of his extended body. A black satin waistcoat, + overlaid with gold chains, a black velvet Spanish cloak and hat, red beard + and whiskers, and a face resembling the Saracen's on Snow-Hill, completed + his <i>ensemble</i>." He was probably some travelling mountebank apeing the + Spanish grandee.</p> + + <p>Aix-la-Chapelle exhibited a decided improvement on the City of the + Congress five-and-twenty years ago. The principal streets were now paved, + with fine <i>trottoirs</i>, the buildings had become large and handsome, and + the hotels had undergone the same advantageous change. From Liege to Cologne + the country exhibited one boundless harvest. The vast cathedral of Cologne + at last came in sight, still unfinished, though the process of building has + gone on for some hundred years. The extraordinary attempt which has been + made, within the last few months, to unite Protestantism with Popery, in the + completion of this gigantic building, will give it a new and unfortunate + character in history. The union is impossible, though the confusion is easy, + and the very attempt to reconcile them only shows to what absurdities men + may be betrayed by political theories, and to what trivial and temporary + objects the highest interests of our nature may be sacrificed. Cologne, too, + is rapidly improving. The free navigation of the Rhine has done something of + this, but the free passage of the English has done a great deal more. A + perpetual stream of British travellers, flowing through Germany, benefits + it, not merely by their expenditure, but by their habits. Where they reside + for any length of time, they naturally introduce the improvements and + conveniences of English life. Even where they but pass along, they demand + comforts, without which the native would have plodded on for ever. The + hotels are gradually provided with carpets, fire-places, and a multitude of + other matters essential to the civilized life of England; for if + civilization depends on bringing the highest quantity of rational enjoyment + within the reach of general society, England is wholly superior in + civilization to the shivering splendours of the Continent. Foreigners are + beginning to learn this; and those who are most disposed to scoff at our + taste, are the readiest to follow our example.</p> + + <p>The streets of Cologne, formerly dirty and narrow, and the houses, old + and tumbling down, have given way to wide spaces, handsome edifices, and + attractive shops. The railway, which we have lent to the Continent, will + shortly unite Brussels, Liege, and Cologne, and the three cities will be + thereby rapidly augmented in wealth, numbers, and civilization.</p> + + <p>The steam-boats on the Rhine are in general of a good description. The + arrangements are convenient, considering that at times there are two hundred + passengers, and that among foreigners the filthy habit of smoking, with all + its filthy consequences, is universal; but, below decks, the party, + especially if they take the <i>pavillion</i> to themselves, may escape this + abomination. The Rhine has been too often described to require a record + here; but the rapturous nonsense which the Germans pour forth whenever they + write about the national river, offends truth as much as it does taste. The + larger extent of this famous stream is absolutely as dull as a Dutch pond. + The whole run from the sea to Cologne is flat and fenny. As it approaches + the hill country it becomes picturesque, and its wanderings among the fine + declivities of the Rheingate exhibit beautiful scenery. The hills, + occasionally topped with ruins, all of which have some original (or + invented) legend of love or murder attached to them, indulge the romance of + which there is a fragment or a fibre in every bosom; and the general aspect + of the country, as the steam-boat breasts the upward stream, is various and + luxuriant. But the German architecture is fatal to beauty. Nothing can be + more <i>barbarian</i> (with one or two exceptions) than the whole range of + buildings, public and private, along the Rhine; gloomy, huge, and + heavy—whether palace, convent, or chateau, they have all a + prison-look; and if some English philanthropist, in pity to the Teutonic + taste, would erect one or two "English villas" on the banks of the Rhine, to + give the Germans some idea of what architecture ought to be, he would render + them a national service, scarcely inferior to the introduction of carpets + and coal-fires.</p> + + <p>Johannisberg naturally attracts the eye of the English traveller, whose + cellar has contributed so largely to its cultivation. This mountain-vineyard + had been given by Napoleon to Kellerman; but Napoleon's gifts were as + precarious as himself, and the Johannisberg fell into hands that better + deserved it. At the peace of 1814 it was presented by the Emperor Francis to + the great statesman who had taught his sovereign to set his foot on the neck + of the conqueror of Vienna. The mountain is terraced, clothed with + vineyards, and forms a very gay object to those who look up to it from the + river. The view from the summit of the hill is commanding and beautiful, but + its grape is <i>unique</i>. The chief portion of the produce goes amongst + the principalities and powers of the Continent; yet as the Englishman must + have his share of all the good things of the earth, the Johannisberg wine + finds its way across the Channel, and John Bull satisfies himself that he + shares the luxury of Emperors.</p> + + <p>The next <i>lion</i> is Ehrenbreitstein, lying on the right bank of the + Rhine, the most famous fortress of Germany, and more frequently battered, + bruised, and demolished, than any other work of nature or man on the face of + the globe. It has been always the first object of attack in the French + invasions, and, with all its fortifications, has always been taken. The + Prussians are now laying out immense sums upon it, and evidently intend to + make it an indigestible morsel to the all-swallowing ambition of their + neighbours; but it is to be hoped that nations are growing wiser—a + consummation to which they are daily arriving by growing poorer. Happily for + Europe, there is not a nation on the Continent which would not be bankrupt + in a single campaign, provided England closed her purse. In the last war she + was the general paymaster: but that system is at an end; and if she is wise, + she will never suffer another shilling of hers to drop into the pocket of + the foreigner.</p> + + <p>The Prussians have formed an entrenched camp under cover of this great + fortress, capable of containing 120,000 men. They are obviously right in + keeping the French as far from Berlin as they can; but those enormous + fortresses and entrenched camps are out of date. They belonged to the times + when 30,000 men were an army, and when campaigns were spent in sieges. + Napoleon changed all this, yet it was only in imitation of Marlborough, a + hundred years before. The great duke's march to Bavaria, leaving all the + fortresses behind him, was the true tactic for conquest. He beat the army in + the field, and then let the fortresses drop one by one into his hands. The + change of things has helped this bold system. Formerly there was but one + road through a province—it led through the principal + fortress—all the rest was mire and desolation. Thus the fortress must + be taken before a gun or a waggon could move. Now, there are a dozen roads + through every province—the fortress may be passed out of gun-shot in + all quarters—and the "grand army" of a hundred and fifty thousand men + marches direct on the capital. The <i>têtes-du-pont</i> on the Niemen, + and the entrenched camp which it had cost Russia two years to fortify, were + turned in the first march of the French; and the futility of the whole + costly and rather timorous system was exhibited in the fact, that the + crowning battle was fought within hearing of Moscow.</p> + + <p>Beyond Mayence the Rhine reverts to its former flatness, the hills + vanish, the shores are level, but the southern influence is felt, and the + landscape is rich.</p> + + <p>Wisbaden is the next stage of the English—a stage at which too many + stop, and from which not a few are glad to escape on any terms. The Duke of + Nassau has done all in his power to make his watering-place handsome and + popular, and he has succeeded in both. The Great Square, containing the + assembly-room, is a very showy specimen of ducal taste. Its colonnades and + shops are striking, and its baths are in the highest order. Music, dancing, + and promenading form the enjoyment of the crowd, and the gardens and + surrounding country give ample indulgence for the lovers of air and + exercise. <i>The</i> vice of the place, as of all continental scenes of + amusement, is gambling. Both sexes, and all ages, are busy at all times in + the mysteries of the gaming-table. Dollars and florins are constantly + changing hands. The bloated German, the meagre Frenchman, the sallow + Russian, and even the placid Dutchman, hurry to those tables, and continue + at them from morning till night, and often from night till morning. The fair + sex are often as eager and miserable as the rest. It is impossible to doubt + that this passion is fatal to more than the purse. Money becomes the price + of every thing; and, without meaning to go into discussion on such topics, + nothing can be clearer than that the female gambler, in this frenzy of + avarice, inevitably forfeits the self-respect which forms at least the + outwork of female virtue. Though the ancient architecture of Germany is + altogether dungeon-like, yet they can make pretty imitations. The summer + palace of the duke at Biberach might be adopted in lieu of the enormous + fabrics which have cost such inordinate sums in our island. "The circular + room in the centre of the building is ornamented with magnificent marble + pillars. The floor is also of marble. The galleries are stuccoed, with gold + ornaments encrusted upon them. From the middle compartment of the great hall + there are varied prospects of the Rhine, which becomes studded here with + small islands: and the multitudinous orange, myrtle, cedar, and cypress + trees on all sides render Biberach a most enchanting abode."</p> + + <p>The Marquis makes some shrewd remarks on the evident attention of the + Great Powers to establish an interest among the little sovereignties of + Germany. Thus, Russia has married "her eldest daughter to an adopted + Bavarian. The Cesarowitch is married to a princess of Darmstadt," &c. He + might have added Louis Philippe, who is an indefatigable advocate of + marrying and giving in marriage. Austria is extending her olive branches as + far as she can; and all princes, now having nothing better to do, are + following her example.</p> + + <p>Yet, we altogether doubt that family alliances have much weight in times + of trouble. Of course, in times of peace, they may facilitate the common + business of politics. But, when powerful interests appear on the stage, the + matrimonial tie is of slender importance; kindred put on their + coats-of-mail, and, like Francis of Austria and his son-in-law Napoleon, + they throw shot and shell at each other without any ceremony. It is only in + poetry that Cupid is more powerful than either Mammon or Mars.</p> + + <p>The next <i>lion</i> is Frankfort—a very old lion, 'tis true, but + one of the noblest cities of Germany, connected with high recollections, and + doing honour, by its fame, to the spirit of commerce. Frankfort has been + always a striking object to the traveller; but it has shared, or rather led + the way to the general improvement. Its shops, streets, and public buildings + all exhibit that march, which is so much superior to the "march of mind," + panegyrised by our rabble orators—the march of industry, activity, and + invention; Frankfort is one of the liveliest and pleasantest of continental + residences.</p> + + <p>But the Marquis is discontented with the inns; which, undoubtedly, are + places of importance to the sojourner—perhaps of much more importance + than the palaces. He reckons them by a "sliding scale;" which, however, is a + descending one—Holland bad, Belgium worse, Germany the third degree of + comparison. Some of the inns in the great towns are stately; but it + unluckily happens that the masters and mistresses of those inns are to the + full as stately, and that, after a bow or curtsey at the door to their + arriving guests, all their part is at an end. The master and mistress + thenceforth transact their affairs by deputy. They are sovereigns, and + responsible for nothing. The <i>garçons</i> are the cabinet, and + responsible for every thing; but they, like superior personages, shift their + responsibility upon any one inclined to take it up; and all is naturally + discontent, disturbance, and discomfort. We wonder that the Marquis has not + mentioned the German <i>table-d'hôte</i> among his annoyances; for he + dined at it. Nothing, in general, can be more adverse to the quiet, the + ease, or the good-sense of English manners. The <i>table-d'hôte</i> is + essentially vulgar; and no excellence of <i>cuisine</i>, or completeness of + equipment, can prevent it from exhibiting proof of its original purpose, + namely—to give a cheap dinner to a miscellaneous rabble.</p> + + <p>German posting is on a par with German inns, which is as much as to say + that it is detestable, even if the roads were good. The roughness, mire, and + continual ascents and descents of the roads, try the traveller's patience. + The only resource is sleep; but even that is denied by the continual + groanings of a miserable French horn, with which the postilion announces his + approach to every village.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"Silence, ye wolves, while tipsy Mein-Herr howls,</p> + + <p>Making night hideous; answer him, ye owls."</p> + </div> + + <p>The best chance of getting a tolerable meal in the majority of these + roadside houses, is, to take one's own provisions, carry a cook, if we can, + and, if not, turn cooks ourselves; but the grand hotels are too "grand" for + this, and they insist on supplying the dinner, for which the general name is + <i>cochonerrie</i>, and with perfect justice.</p> + + <p>On the 12th of September, the Marquis and his family arrived at + Nuremberg, where the Bavarian court were assembled, in order to be present + at a Camp of Exercise. To the eye of an officer who had been in the habit of + seeing the armies of the late war, the military spectacle could not be a + matter of much importance, for the camp consisted of but 1800 men. But he + had been a comrade of the king, when prince-royal, during the campaigns of + 1814 and 1815; and, as such, had helped (and not slightly) to keep the + tottering crown on the brow of Bavaria. He now sent to request the + opportunity of paying his respects; but Germany, absurd in many things, is + especially so in point of etiquette. Those miraculous productions of + Providence, the little German sovereigns, live on etiquette, never abate an + atom of their opportunities of convincing inferior mortals that they are of + a super-eminent breed; and, in part, seem to have strangely forgotten that + salutary lesson which Napoleon and his captains taught them, in the days + when a republican brigadier, or an imperial aid-de-camp, though the son of a + tailor, treated their "Serene Highnesses" and "High Mightinesses" with as + little ceremony as the thoroughly beaten deserved from the conquerors. In + the present instance, the little king did <i>not</i> choose to receive the + gallant soldier, whom, in days of difficulty, he had been rejoiced to find + at his side; and the ground assigned was, that the monarch received none but + in uniform; the Marquis having mentioned, that he must appear in plain + clothes, in consequence of dispatching his uniform to Munich, doubtless + under the idea of attending the court there in his proper rank of a general + officer.</p> + + <p>The Marquis was angry, and the fragment of his reply which we give, was + probably as unpalatable a missive as the little king had received since the + days of Napoleon.</p> + + <p>"My intention was, to express my respect for his majesty, in taking this + opportunity to pay my court to him, in the interesting recollection of the + kindly feelings which he deigned to exhibit to me and my <i>brother</i> at + Vienna, when Prince Royal of Bavaria.</p> + + <p>"I had flattered myself, that as the companion-in-arms of the excellent + Marshal Wrede in the campaigns of 1814 and 1815, his majesty would have + granted this much of remembrance to an individual, without regard to + uniform; or, at least, would have done me the honour of a private audience. + I find, however, that I have been mistaken, and I have now only to offer my + apologies to his majesty.</p> + + <p>"The flattering reception which I have enjoyed in other courts, and the + idea that this was connected with the name and services of the individual, + and not dependent on the uniform, was the cause of my indiscretion. As my + profound respect for his majesty was the sole feeling which led me towards + Munich, I shall not <i>delay a moment</i> in quitting his majesty's + territory."</p> + + <p>If his majesty had been aware that this Parthian arrow would have been + shot at him, he would have been well advised in relaxing his etiquette.</p> + + <p>In the vicinity where this trifling transaction occurred, is the + <i>locale</i> of an undertaking which will probably outlast all the little + diadems of all the little kings. This is the canal by which it is proposed + to unite the Rhine, the Mayne, and the Danube; in other words, to make the + longest water communication in the world, through the heart of Europe; by + which the Englishman embarking at London-bridge, may arrive at + Constantinople in a travelling palace, with all the comforts—nay, all + the luxuries of life, round him; his books, pictures, furniture, music, and + society; and all this, while sweeping through some of the most magnificent + scenery of the earth, safe from surge or storm, sheltered from winter's cold + and summer's sun, rushing along at the rate of a couple of hundred miles + a-day, until he finds himself in the Bosphorus, with all the glories of the + City of the Sultans glittering before him.</p> + + <p>This is the finest speculation that was ever born of this generation of + wonders, steam; and if once realized, must be a most prolific source of good + to mankind. But the Germans are an intolerably tardy race in every thing, + but the use of the tongue. They harangue, and mystify, and magnify, but they + will not act; and this incomparable design, which, in England, would join + the whole power of the nation in one unanimous effort, languishes among the + philosophists and prognosticators of Germany, finds no favour in the eyes of + its formal courts, and threatens to be lost in the smoke of a + tobacco-saturated and slumber-loving people.</p> + + <p>But the chief monument of Bavaria is the Val Halla, a modern temple + designed to receive memorials of all the great names of Germany. The idea is + kingly, and so is the temple; but it is built on the model of the + Parthenon—evidently a formidable blunder in a land whose history, + habits, and genius, are of the north. A Gothic temple or palace would have + been a much more suitable, and therefore a finer conception. The combination + of the palatial, the cathedral, and the fortress style, would have given + scope to superb invention, if invention was to be found in the land; and in + such an edifice, for such a purpose, Germany would have found a truer point + of union, than it will ever find in the absurd attempt to mix opposing + faiths, or in the nonsense of a rebel Gazette, and clamorous Gazetteers.</p> + + <p>Still the Bavarian monarch deserves the credit of an unrivalled zeal to + decorate his country. He is a great builder, he has filled Munich with fine + edifices, and called in the aid of talents from every part of Europe, to + stir up the flame, if it is to be found among his drowsy nation.</p> + + <p>The Val Halla is on a pinnacle of rising ground, about a hundred yards + from the Danube, from whose bank the ascent is by a stupendous marble + staircase, to the grand portico. The columns are of the finest white stone, + and the interior is completely lined with German marbles. Busts of the + distinguished warriors, poets, statesmen, and scholars, are to be placed in + niches round the walls, but <i>not</i> till they are dead. A curious + arrangement is adopted with respect to the living: Persons of any public + note may send their busts, while living, to the Val Halla, where they are + deposited in a certain chamber, a kind of marble purgatory or limbo. When + they die, a jury is to sit upon them, and if they are fortunate enough to + have a verdict in their favour, they take their place amongst these marble + immortals. As the process does not occur until the parties are beyond the + reach of human disappointment, they cannot feel the worse in case of + failure; but the vanity which tempts a man thus to declare himself deserving + of perpetual renown, by the act of sending his bust as a candidate, is + perfectly <i>foreign</i>, and must be continually ridiculous.</p> + + <p>The temple has been inaugurated or consecrated by the king in person, + within the last month. He has made a speech, and dedicated it to German fame + for ever. He certainly has had the merit of doing what ought to have been + long since done in every kingdom of Europe; what a slight retrenchment in + every royal expenditure would have enabled every sovereign to set on foot; + and what could be done most magnificently, would be most deserved, and ought + to be done without delay, in England.</p> + + <p>At Ratisbon, the steam navigation on the Danube begins, taking passengers + and carriages to Linz, where the Austrian steam navigation commences, + completing the course down the mighty river. The former land-journey from + Ratisbon to Vienna generally occupied six days. By the steam-boat, it is now + accomplished in forty-eight hours, a prodigious saving of space and time. + The Bavarian boats are smaller than those on the Rhine, owing to the + shallows on the upper part of the river, but they are well managed and + comfortable. The steamer is, in fact, a floating hotel, where every thing is + provided on board, and the general arrangements are exact and convenient. + The scenery in this portion of the river is highly exciting.—"The + Rhine, with its hanging woods and multitudinous inhabited castles, affords a + more cultivated picture; but in the steep and craggy mountains of the + Danube, in its wild outlines and dilapidated castles, the imagination + embraces a bolder range. At one time the river is confined within its + narrowest limits, and proceeds through a defile of considerable altitude, + with overhanging rocks menacing destruction. At another it offers an open, + wild archipelago of islands. The mountains have disappeared, and a long + plain bounds on each side of the river its barren banks."</p> + + <p>The steam-boats stop at Neudorf, a German mile from Vienna. On his + arrival, the Marquis found the servants and carriages of Prince Esterhazy + waiting for him, and quarters provided at the Swan Hotel, until one of the + prince's palaces could be prepared for his reception. The importance of + getting private quarters on arriving at Vienna is great, the inns being all + indifferent and noisy. They have another disqualification not less + important—they seem to be intolerably dear. The Marquis's + accommodations, though on a <i>third</i> story of the Swan, cost him eight + pounds sterling a-day. This he justly characterizes as extravagant, and says + he was glad to remove on the third day, there being an additional annoyance, + in a club of the young nobles at the Swan, which prevented a moment's quiet. + The <i>cuisine</i>, however, was particularly good, and the house, though a + formidable affair for a family, is represented as desirable for a + "bachelor"—we presume, a rich one.</p> + + <p>Vienna has had her share in the general improvement of the Continent. She + has become commercial, and her streets exhibit shops with gilding, + plate-glass, and showy sign-boards, in place of the very old, very + barbarous, and very squalid, displays of the last century. War is a rough + teacher, but it is evidently the only one for the Continent. The foreigner + is as bigoted to his original dinginess and discomfort, as the Turk to the + Koran. Nothing but fear or force ever changes him. The French invasions were + desperate things, but they swept away a prodigious quantity of the cobwebs + which grow over the heads of nations who will not use the broom for + themselves. Feudalities and follies a thousand years old were trampled down + by the foot of the conscript; and the only glimpses of common-sense which + have visited three-fourths of Europe in our day, were let in through chinks + made by the French bayonet. The French were the grand improvers of every + thing, though only for their own objects. They made high roads for their own + troops, and left them to the Germans; they cleared the cities of streets + loaded with nuisances of all kinds, and taught the natives to live without + the constant dread of pestilence; they compelled, for example the Portuguese + to wash their clothes, and the Spaniards to wash their hands. They proved to + the German that his ponderous fortifications only brought bombardments on + his cities, and thus induced him to throw down his crumbling walls, fill up + his muddy ditches, turn his barren glacis into a public walk, and open his + wretched streets to the light and air of heaven. Thus Hamburgh, and a + hundred other towns, have put on a new face, and almost begun a new + existence. Thus Vienna is now thrown open to its suburbs, and its suburbs + are spread into the country.</p> + + <p>The first days were given up to dinner at the British ambassador's, (Lord + Beauvale's,) at the Prussian ambassador's, and at Prince Metternich's. Lord + Beauvale's was "nearly private He lived on a second floor, in a fine house, + of which, however, the lower part was understood to be still unfurnished. + His lordship sees but few people, and seldom gives any grand receptions, his + indifferent health being the reason for living privately." However, on this + point the Marquis has his own conceptions, which he gives with a plainness + perfectly characteristic, and very well worth being remembered.</p> + + <p>"I think," says he, "that an ambassador of England, at an imperial court, + with <i>eleven thousand pounds</i> per annum! should <i>not</i> live as a + private gentleman, nor consult solely his own ease, unmindful of the + sovereign he represents. A habit has stolen in among them of adopting a + spare <i>menage</i>, to augment <i>private fortune when recalled</i>! This + is wrong. And when France and Russia, and even Prussia, entertain constantly + and very handsomely; our embassies and legations, generally speaking, are + niggardly and shut up."</p> + + <p>However the Lord Beauvale and his class may relish this honesty of + opinion, we are satisfied that the British public will perfectly agree with + the Marquis. A man who receives L. 11,000 a-year to show hospitality and + exhibit state, ought to do both. But there is another and a much more + important point for the nation to consider. Why should eleven thousand + pounds a-year be given to any ambassador at Vienna, or at any other court of + the earth? Cannot his actual diplomatic functions be amply served for a + tenth of the money? Or what is the actual result, but to furnish, in nine + instances out of ten, a splendid sinecure to some man of powerful interest, + without any, or but slight, reference to his faculties? Or is there any + necessity for endowing an embassy with an enormous income of this order, to + provide dinners, and balls, and a central spot for the crowd of loungers who + visit their residences; or to do actual mischief by alluring those idlers to + remain absentees from their own country? We see no possible reason why the + whole ambassadorial establishment might not be cut down to salaries of + fifteen hundred a-year. Thus, men of business would be employed, instead of + the relatives of our cabinets; dinner-giving would not be an essential of + diplomacy; the ambassador's house would not be a centre for all the ramblers + and triflers who preferred a silly and lavish life abroad to doing their + duty at home; and a sum of much more than a hundred thousand pounds a-year + would be saved to the country. Jonathan acts the only rational part on the + subject. He gives his ambassador a sum on which a private gentleman can + live, and no more. He has not the slightest sense of giving superb feasts, + furnishing huge palaces, supplying all the rambling Jonathans with balls and + suppers, or astonishing John Bull by the tinsel of his appointments. Yet he + is at least as well served as others. His man is a man of business; his + embassy is no showy sinecure; his ambassador is no showy sinecurist. The + office is an understood step to distinction at home; and the man who + exhibits ability here, is sure of eminence on his return. We have not found + that the American diplomacy is consigned to mean hands, or inefficient, or + despised in any country.</p> + + <p>The relative value of money, too, makes the folly still more extravagant. + In Vienna, L. 11,000 a-year is equal to twice the sum in England. We thus + virtually pay L. 22,000 a-year for Austrian diplomacy. In France about the + same proportion exists. But in Spain, the dollar goes as far as the pound in + England. There L. 10,000 sterling would be equivalent to L. 40,000 here. How + long is this waste to go on? We remember a strong and true + <i>exposé</i>, made by Sir James Graham, on the subject, a few years + ago; and we are convinced that, if he were to take up the topic again, he + would render the country a service of remarkable value; and, moreover, that + if he does not, it will be taken up by more strenuous, but more dangerous + hands. The whole system is one of lavish absurdity.</p> + + <p>The Russian ambassador's dinner "was of a different description. + Perfection in <i>cuisine</i>, wine, and attendance. Sumptuousness in + liveries and lights; the company, about thirty, the <i>élite</i> of + Vienna."</p> + + <p>But the most interesting of those banquets, from the character of the + distinguished giver, was Prince Meternich's. The prince was residing at his + "Garten," (villa) two miles out of town. He had enlarged his house of late + years, and it now consisted of three, one for his children, another for his + own residence, and a third for his guests. This last was "really a fairy + edifice, so contrived with reflecting mirrors, as to give the idea of being + transparent." It was ornamented with rare malachite, prophyry, jasper, and + other vases, presents from the sovereigns of Europe, besides statues, and + copies of the most celebrated works of Italy.</p> + + <p>The Marquis had not seen this eminent person since 1823, and time had + played its part with his countenance; the smile was more languid, the eye + less illumined, the person more slight than formerly, the hair of a more + silvery hue, the features of his expressive face more distinctly marked; the + erect posture was still maintained, but the gait had become more solemn; and + when he rose from his chair, he had no longer his wonted elasticity.</p> + + <p>But this inevitable change of the exterior seems to have no effect on the + "inner man." "In the Prince's conversation I found the same talent, the + unrivalled <i>esprit</i>. The fluency and elocution, so entirely his own, + were as graceful, and the memory was as perfect, as at any former + period."</p> + + <p>This memorable man is fond of matrimony; his present wife, a daughter of + Count Zichy Ferraris, being his third. A son of the second marriage is his + heir, and he has by his present princess two boys and a girl. The Princess + seems to have alarmed her guest by her vivacity; for he describes her in the + awful language with which the world speaks of a confirmed + <i>blue</i>:—"Though not so handsome as her predecessor, she combines + a <i>very spirited</i> expression of countenance, with a clever + conversation, a versatility of genius, and a wit rather satirical than + humorous, which makes her <i>somewhat formidable</i> to her acquaintance." + We dare say that she is a very showy tigress.</p> + + <p>The Marquis found Vienna less gay than it was on his former visit. It is + true that he then saw it in the height of the Congress, flushed with + conquest, glittering with all kinds of festivity; and not an individual in + bad spirits in Europe, but Napoleon himself. Yet in later times the court + has changed; "the Emperor keeps singularly aloof from society; the splendid + court-days are no more; the families are withdrawing into coteries; the + beauties of former years have lost much of their brilliancy, and a new + generation equal to them has not yet appeared."</p> + + <p>This is certainly not the language of a young marquis; but it is probably + not far from the estimate which every admirer of the sex makes, <i>after</i> + a five-and-twenty years' absence. But he gallantly defends them against the + sneer of the cleverest of her sex, Lady Wortley Montagu, a hundred years + ago; her verdict being, "That their costume disfigured the natural ugliness + with which Heaven had been pleased to endow them." He contends, however, + that speaking within the last twenty (he probably means + <i>five-and-twenty</i>) years, "Vienna has produced some of the handsomest + women in the world: and in frequenting the public walks, the Prater, and + places of amusement, you meet as many bewitching countenances, especially as + to eyes, hair, and <i>tournure</i>, as in any other capital whatever."</p> + + <p>We think the Marquis fortunate; for we must acknowledge, that in our + occasional rambles on the Continent, we <i>never</i> saw beauty in a German + visage. The rotundity of the countenance, the coarse colours, the stunted + nose, and the thick lip, which constitute the general mould of the native + physiognomy, are to us the very antipodes of beauty. Dress, diamonds, rouge, + and lively manners, may go far, and the ball-room may help the deception; + but we strongly suspect that where beauty casually appears in society, we + must look for its existence only among foreigners to Teutchland. The general + state of intercourse, even among the highest circles, is dull. There are few + houses of rank where strangers are received; the animation of former times + is gone. The ambassadors live retired. The monarch's state of health makes + him averse to society. Prince Metternich's house is the only one constantly + open; "but while he remains at his Garten, to trudge there for a couple of + hours' general conversation, is not very alluring." Still, for a family + which can go so far to look for cheap playhouses and cheap living, Vienna is + a convenient capital.</p> + + <p>But Austria has one quality, which shows her common sense in a striking + point of view. She abhors change. She has not a radical in her whole + dominions, except in jail—the only place fit for him. The agitations + and vexations of other governments stop at the Austrian frontier. The people + have not made the grand discovery, that universal suffrage is meat and + drink, and annual parliaments lodging and clothing. They labour, and live by + their labour; yet they have as much dancing as the French, and better music. + They are probably the richest and most comfortable population of Europe at + this hour. Their country has risen to be the protector of Southern Europe; + and they are making admirable highways, laying down railroads, and building + steam-boats, ten times as fast as the French, with all their regicide plots, + and a revolution threatened once-a-month by the calendar of patriotism. + "Like the great Danube, which rolls through the centre of her dominions, the + course of her ministry and its tributary branches continue, without any + deviation from its accustomed channel." The comparison is a good one, and + what can be more fortunate than such tranquillity?</p> + + <p>The two leading ministers, the government in effect, are Metternich and + Kollowrath; the former the Foreign Minister, the latter the Minister of the + Interior. They are understood to be of different principles; the latter + leaning to the "Movement," or, more probably, allowing himself to be thought + to do so, for the sake of popularity. But Metternich is the true head. A + Conservative from the beginning, sagacious enough to see through the dupery + of the pretended friends of the human race, and firm enough to crush their + hypocrisy—Metternich is one of those statesmen, of whom men of sense + never could have had two opinions—a mind which stamped itself from the + beginning as a leader, compelled by circumstances often to yield, but never + suffering even the most desperate circumstances to make it despair. He saw + where the strength of Europe lay, from the commencement of the Revolutionary + war; and, guided by the example of Pitt, he laboured for a general European + alliance. When he failed there, he husbanded the strength of Austria for the + day of struggle, which he knew would come; and when it came, his genius + raised his country at once from a defeated dependency of France, into the + arbiter of Europe. While this great man lives, he ought to be supreme in the + affairs of his country. But in case of his death, General Fiquelmont, the + late ambassador to Russia, has been regarded as his probable successor. He + is a man of ability and experience, and his appointment to the court of St + Petersburg was probably intended to complete that experience, in the quarter + to which Austria, by her new relations, and especially by her new navigation + of the Danube, must look with the most vigilant anxiety.</p> + + <p>The Austrian army is kept up in very fine condition; but nearly all the + officers distinguished in the war are dead, and its present leaders have to + acquire a name. It is only to be hoped that they will never have the + opportunity. The regimental officers are generally from a higher class than + those of the other German armies.</p> + + <p>After remaining for a fortnight at Vienna, the Marquis paid a visit to + his friend Prince Esterhazy.</p> + + <p>This nobleman, long known and much-esteemed in England, is equally well + known to be a kind of monarch in Hungary. Whatever novelist shall write the + "Troubles of rank and riches," should take the prince for his hero. He has + eight or nine princely mansions scattered over the empire, and in each of + them it is expected, by his subjects of the soil, that his highness should + reside.</p> + + <p>The Marquis made a round of the principal of those mansions. The first + visit was to a castle in the neighbourhood of Vienna, which the prince has + modernized into a magnificent villa. Here all is constructed to the taste of + a statesman only eager to escape the tumult of the capital, and pining to + refresh himself with cooling shades and crystal streams. All is verdure, + trout streams, leafy walks, water blue as the sky above it, and the most + profound privacy and seclusion.</p> + + <p>After a "most exquisite entertainment" here, the Marquis and his family + set out early next morning to visit Falkenstein. Every castle in this part + of the world is historical, and derives its honours from a Turkish siege. + Falkenstein, crowning the summit of a mountain of granite, up which no + carriage can be dragged but by the stout Hungarian horses trained to the + work, has been handsomely bruised by the Turkish balls in its day; but it is + now converted into a superb mansion; very grand, and still more curious than + grand; for it is full of relics of the olden time, portraits of the old + warriors of Hungary, armour and arms, and all the other odd and pompous + things which turn an age of barbarism into an age of romance. The prince and + princess are hailed and received at the castle as king and queen. A guard of + soldiers of the family, which the Esterhazy have the sovereign right to + maintain, form the garrison of this palatial fortress, and it has a whole + establishment of salaried officials within. The next expedition was to two + more of those mansions—Esterhazy, built by one of the richest princes + of the house, and Eisenstadt. The former resembles the imperial palace at + Schonbrun, but smaller. The prince is fitting it up gorgeously in the Louis + XIV.th style. Here he has his principal studs for breeding horses; but + Eisenstadt outshone all the chateaus of this superb possessor. The + splendours here were regal: Two hundred chambers for guests—a saloon + capable of dining a thousand people—a battalion of the "Esterhazy + Guard" at the principal entrances; all paid from the estate. To this all the + ornamental part was proportioned—conservatory and greenhouses on the + most unrivalled scale—three or four hundred orange-trees alone, + throwing the Duke of Northumberland's gardens into eclipse, and stimulating + his Grace of Devonshire even to add new greens and glories to + Chatsworth.</p> + + <p>On his return to Vienna, the Marquis was honoured with a private + interview by the emperor—a remarkable distinction, as the ambassador + was informed "that the emperor was too well acquainted with the Marquis's + services to require any presentation, and desired that he might come alone." + He was received with great politeness and condescension. Next day he had an + interview with Prince Metternich, who, with graceful familiarity, took him + over his house in Vienna, to show him its improvements since the days of + Congress. He remarks it as a strange point in the character of this + celebrated statesman, how minutely he sometimes interests himself in mere + trifles, especially where art and mechanism are concerned. He had seen him + one evening remain for half an hour studiously examining the construction of + a musical clock. The Prince then showed his <i>cabinet de travail</i>, which + he had retained unchanged. "Here," said he, "is a spot which is exactly as + it was the last day you saw it." Its identity had been rigidly preserved, + down to the placing of its paper and pencils. All was in the same order. The + Prince evidently, and justly, looked on those days as the glory of his + life.</p> + + <p>We regret that the conversation of so eminent a person could not be more + largely given; for Metternich is less a statesman than statemanship itself. + But one remark was at once singularly philosophical and practical. In + evident allusion to the miserable tergiversations of our Whig policy a + couple of years since, he said, "that throughout life, he had always acted + on the plan of adopting the <i>best determination on all important + subjects</i>. That to this point of view he had steadfastly adhered; and + that, in the indescribable workings of time and circumstances, it had + <i>always happened to him</i> that matters were brought round to the very + spot, from which, owing to the folly of misguided notions or inexperienced + men, they had for a time taken their departure." This was in 1840, when the + Whigs ruled us; it must be an admirable maxim for honest men, but it must be + perpetually thwarting the oblique. To form a view on principle, and to + adhere to it under all difficulties, is the palpable way to attain great + ultimate success; but the paltry and the selfish, the hollow and the + intriguing, have neither power nor will to look beyond the moment; they are + not steering the vessel to a harbour; they have no other object than to keep + possession of the ship as long as they can, and let her roll wherever the + gale may carry her.</p> + + <p>After all, one grows weary of every thing that is to be had for the mere + act of wishing. Difficulty is essential to enjoyment. High life is as likely + to tire on one's hands as any other. The Marquis, giving all the praise of + manners and agreeability to Vienna, sums up all in one prodigious yawn. "The + <i>same</i> evenings at Metternich's, the <i>same</i> lounges for making + purchases and visits on a morning, the <i>same</i> idleness and fatigue at + night, the searching and arid climate, and the clouds of execrable fine + dust"—all conspiring to tell the great of the earth that they can + escape <i>ennui</i> no more than the little.</p> + + <p>On leaving Vienna, he wrote a note of farewell to the Prince, who + returned an answer, of remarkable elegance—a mixture of the pathetic + and the playful. His note says that he has no chance of going to see any + body, for he is like a coral fixed to a rock—both must move together. + He touches lightly on their share in the great war, "which is now becoming a + part of those times which history itself names heroic;" and concludes by + recommending him on his journey to the care of an officer of rank, on a + mission to Turkey—"Car il sçait le Turc, aussi bien que nous + deux ne le sçavons pas." With this Voltairism he finishes, and gives + his "Dieu protège."</p> + + <p>We now come to the Austrian steam passage. This is the boldest effort + which Austria has ever made, and its effects will be felt through every + generation of her mighty empire. The honour of originating this great design + is due to Count Etienne Zecheny, a Hungarian nobleman, distinguished for + every quality which can make a man a benefactor to his country. The plan of + this steam-navigation is now about ten years old. The Marquis justly + observes, that nothing more patriotic was ever projected; and it is mainly + owing to this high-spirited nobleman that the great advantage is now enjoyed + of performing, in ten or twelve days, the journey to the capital of Turkey, + which some years ago could be achieved only by riding the whole way, and + occupying, by couriers, two or three weeks. The chief direction of the + company is at Vienna. It had, at the time of the tour, eighteen boats, + varying from sixty to one hundred horse-power, and twenty-four more were to + be added within the year. Some of these were to be of iron.</p> + + <p>But the poverty of all foreign countries is a formidable obstacle to the + progress of magnificent speculations like those. The shares have continued + low, the company has had financial difficulties to encounter, and the + popular purse is tardy. However, the prospect is improving, the profits have + increased; and the Austrian archdukes and many of the great nobles having + lately taken shares, the steam-boats will probably become as favourite as + they are necessary. But all this takes time; and as by degrees the + "disagreeables" of the voyage down the Danube will be changed into + agreeables, we shall allude no more to the noble traveller's voyage, than to + say, that on the 4th of November, a day of more than autumnal beauty, his + steamer anchored in the Bosphorus.</p> + + <p>Here we were prepared for a burst of description. But the present + describer is a matter-of-fact personage; and though he makes no attempt at + poetic fame, has the faculty of telling what he saw, with very sufficient + distinctness. "I never experienced more disappointment," is his phrase, + "than in my first view of the Ottoman capital. I was bold enough at once to + come to the conclusion, that what I had heard or read was overcharged. The + most eminent of the describers, I think, could never have been on the spot." + Such is the plain language of the last authority.</p> + + <p>"The entrance of the Tagus, the Bay of Naples, the splendid approach to + the grand quays of St Petersburg, the Kremlin, and view of Moscow, all + struck me as far preferable to the scene at the entrance of the + Bosphorus."</p> + + <p>He admits, that in the advance to the city up this famous channel, there + are many pretty views, that there is a line of handsome residences in some + parts, and that the whole has a good deal the look of a "drop-scene in a + theatre;" still he thinks it poor in comparison of its descriptions, the + outline low, feeble, and rugged, and that the less it is examined, probably + the more it may be admired. Even the famous capital fares not much better. + "In point of fine architectural features, monuments of art, and magnificent + structures, (excepting only the great Mosques,) the chisel of the mason, the + marble, the granite, Constantinople is more destitute than any other great + capital. But then, you are told that these objects are not in the style and + taste of the people. Be it so; but then do not let the minds of those who + cannot see for themselves be led away by high-wrought and fallacious + descriptions of things which do not exist." The maxim is a valuable one, and + we hope that the rebuke will save the reading public from a heap of those + "picturesque" labours, which really much more resemble the heaviest brush of + the scene-painter, than the truth of nature.</p> + + <p>But if art has done little, nature has done wonders for Constantinople. + The site contains some of the noblest elements of beauty and grandeur; + mountain, plain, forest, waters; its position is obviously the key of Europe + and Asia Minor—even of more, it is the point at which the north and + south meet; by the Bosphorus it commands the communication of the Black Sea, + and with it, of all the boundless region, once Scythia, and now Russia and + Tartary; by the Dardanelles, it has the most immediate command over the + Mediterranean, the most important sea in the world. Russia, doubtless, may + be the paramount power of the Black Sea; the European nations may divide the + power of the Mediterranean; but Constantinople, once under the authority of + a monarch, or a government, adequate to its natural faculties, would be more + directly the sovereign of both seas, than Russia, with its state machinery + in St Petersburg, a thousand miles off, or France a thousand miles, or + England more nearly two thousand miles. This dominion will never be + exercised by the ignorant, profligate, and unprincipled Turk; but if an + independent Christian power should be established there, in that spot lie + the materials of empire. In the fullest sense, Constantinople, uniting all + the high-roads between east and west, north and south, is the centre of the + living world. We are by no means to be reckoned among the theorists who + calculate day by day on the fall of Turkey. In ancient times the fall of + guilty empires was sudden, and connected with marked evidences of guilt. But + those events were so nearly connected with the fortunes of the Jewish + people, that the suddenness of the catastrophe was essential to the lesson. + The same necessity exists no longer, the Chosen People are now beyond the + lesson, and nations undergo suffering, and approach dissolution, by laws not + unlike those of the decadence of the human frame; the disease makes + progress, but the evidence scarcely strikes the eye, and the seat of the + distemper is almost beyond human investigation. The jealousy of the European + powers, too, protects the Turk. But he must go down—Mahometanism is + already decaying. Stamboul, its headquarters, will not survive its fall; and + a future generation will inevitably see Constantinople the seat of a + Christian empire, and that empire, not improbably, only the forerunner of an + empire of Palestine.</p> + + <p>The general view of Constantinople is superb. A bridge has been thrown + across the "Golden Horn," connecting its shores; and from this the city, or + rather the four cities, spread out in lengthened stateliness before the eye. + From this point are seen, to the most striking advantage, the two + mountainous elevations on which Constantinople and Pera are built, and other + heights surrounding. A communication subsists across the "Golden Horn," not + only by water and the bridge, but also by the road, which by the land is a + distance of five or six miles. Viewing Constantinople as a whole, it strikes + one as larger by far than Paris or London, but they are both larger. The + reason of the deception being, that here the eye embraces a larger + space.</p> + + <p>The Turks never improve anything. The distinction between them and the + Europeans is, that the latter think of conveniences, the former only of + luxuries. The Turks, for example, build handsome pavilions, plant showy + gardens, and erect marble fountains to cool them in marble halls. But they + never mend a high-road—they never even make one. Now and then a bridge + is forced on them by the necessity of having one, or being drowned; but they + never repair that bridge, nor sweep away the accumulated abomination of + their streets, nor do any thing that it is possible to leave undone.</p> + + <p>Pera is the quarter in which all the Christians even of the highest rank + live; the intercourse between it and Constantinople is, of course, + perpetual, yet perhaps a stone has not been smoothed in the road since the + siege of the city. From Pera were the most harassing trips down rugged + declivities on horseback, besides the awkwardness of the passage in + boats.</p> + + <p>One extraordinary circumstance strikes the stranger, that but one sex + seems to exist. The dress of the women gives no idea of the female form, and + the whole population seems to be male.</p> + + <p>The masses of people are dense, and among them the utmost silence in + general prevails. About seven or eight at night the streets are cleared, and + their only tenants are whole hosts of growling, hideous dogs; or a few Turks + gliding about with paper lanterns; these, too, being the only lights in the + streets, if streets they are to be called, which are only narrow passes, + through which the vehicles can scarcely move.</p> + + <p>The dogs are curious animals. It is probable that civilization does as + much injury to the lower tribes of creation, as it does good to man. If it + polishes our faculties, it enfeebles their instincts. The Turkish dog, + living nearly as he would have done in the wilderness, exhibits the same + sagacity, amounting to something of government. For instance, the Turkish + dogs divide the capital into quarters, and each set has its own; if an + adventurous or an ambitious dog enters the quarters of his neighbours, the + whole pack in possession set upon him at once, and he is expelled by hue and + cry. They also know how to conduct themselves according to times and + seasons. In the daytime, they ramble about, and suffer themselves to be + kicked with impunity; but at night the case is different: they are the + majority—they know their strength, and insist on their privileges. + They howl and growl then at their own discretion, fly at the accidental + stranger with open mouth, attack him singly, charge him <i>en masse</i>, and + nothing but a stout bludgeon, wielded by a strong arm, can save the + passenger from feeling that he is in the kingdom of his four-footed + masters.</p> + + <p>The Marquis arrived during the Ramazan, when no Turk eats, drinks, or + even smokes, from sunrise to sunset. Thus the Turk is a harder faster than + the papist. The moment the sun goes down, the Turk rushes to his meal and + his pipe, "not eating but devouring, not inhaling but wallowing in smoke." + At the Bajazet colonnade, where the principal Turks rush to enjoy the night, + the lighted coffee-houses, the varieties of costume, the eager crowd, and + the illumination of myriads of paper lanterns, make a scene that revives the + memory of Oriental tales.</p> + + <p>Every thing in Turkey is unlike any thing in Europe. In the bazar, + instead of the rapid sale and dismissal in our places of traffic, the + Turkish dealer, in any case of value, invites his applicant into his shop, + makes him sit down, gives him a pipe, smokes him into + familiarity—hands him a cup of coffee, and drinks him into confidence; + in short, treats him as if they were a pair of ambassadors appointed to dine + and bribe each other—converses with, and cheats him.</p> + + <p>But the Marquis regards the bazars as contemptible places, says that they + are not to be compared with similar establishments at Petersburg or Moscow, + and recommends whatever purchases are made, to be made at one's own + quarters, "where you escape being jostled, harangued, smoked, and poisoned + with insufferable smells."</p> + + <p>One of the curious features of the sojourn at Constantinople, is the + presentation to the Ministers and the Sultan. Redschid Pasha appointed to + see the Marquis at three o'clock, <i>à la Turque</i>—which, as + those Orientals always count from the sunset, means eight o'clock in the + evening.</p> + + <p>He was led in a kind of procession to the Minister, received in the + customary manner, and had the customary conversation on Constantinople, + England, the war, &c. Then, a dozen slaves entered, and universal + smoking began. "When the cabinet was so full of smoke that one could hardly + see," the attendants returned, and carried away the pipes. Then came a + dropping fire of conversation, then coffee; then sherbet, which the guest + pronounced good, and "thought the most agreeable part of the ceremonial." + The Minister spoke French fluently, and, after an hour's visit, the ceremony + ended—the pasha politely attending his visiter through the rooms. The + next visit was to Achmet Pasha, who had been in England at the time of the + Coronation—had been ambassador at Vienna for some years—spoke + French fluently—was a great friend of Prince and Princess Metternich, + and, besides all this, had married one of the Sultan's sisters. The last + honour was said to be due to his immense wealth. It seems that the "course + of true love" does not run more smoothly in Turkey than elsewhere—for + the young lady was stated to be in love with the commander-in-chief, an + older man, but possessing more character. Achmet was now Minister of + Commerce, and in high favour. He kept his young wife at his country house, + and she had not been seen since her marriage. When asked permission for + ladies to visit her, he always deferred it "till next spring, when," said + he, "she will be civilized." The third nocturnal interview was more + picturesque—it was with the young Sultana's flame, the Seraskier, + (commander-in-chief.) His residence is at the Porte, where he has one of the + splendid palaces.</p> + + <p>"You enter an immense court, with his stables on one side and his harem + on the other. A regiment of guards was drawn up at the entrance, and two + companies were stationed at the lower court. The staircase was filled with + soldiers, slaves, and attendants of different nations. I saw Greeks, + Armenians, Sclavonians, Georgians, all in their native costume; and dark as + were the corridors and entrance, by the flashes of my flambeaux through the + mist, the scene struck me as much more grand and imposing than the others. + The Seraskier is a robust, soldier-like man, with a fierce look and beard, + and an agreeable smile." The Minister was peculiarly polite, and showed him + through the rooms and the war department, exhibiting, amongst the rest, his + military council, composed of twenty-four officers, sitting at that moment. + They were of all ranks, and chosen, as it was said, without any reference as + to qualification, but simply by favour. The Turks still act as oddly as + ever. A friend of the Marquis told him, that he had lately applied to the + Seraskier to promote a young Turkish officer. A few days after, the officer + came to thank him, and said, that though the Seraskier had not given him the + command of a regiment, he had given him "the command of a ship." The true + wonder is, that the Turks have either ships or regiments. But there is a + fine quantity of patronage in this department—the number of clerks + alone being reckoned at between seven and eight hundred.</p> + + <p>The opinions of the Marquis on Mediterranean politics are worth + regarding, because he has had much political experience in the highest ranks + of foreign life—because from that experience he is enabled to give the + opinions of many men of high name and living influence, and because he is an + honest man, speaking sincerely, and speaking intelligibly. He regards the + preservation of Turkey as the first principle of all English diplomacy in + the east of Europe, and considers our successive attempts to make a Greek + kingdom, and our sufferance of an Egyptian dynasty, as sins against the + common peace of the world. Thus, within a few years, Greece has been taken + away; Egypt has not merely been taken away, but rendered dangerous to the + Porte; the great Danubian provinces, Moldavia and Wallachia, have been taken + away, and thus Russia has been brought to the banks of the Danube. Servia, a + vast and powerful province, has followed, and is now more Russian than + Turkish; and while those limbs have been torn from the great trunk, and that + trunk is still bleeding from the wounds of the late war, it is forced to + more exhausting efforts, the less power it retains. But, with respect to + Russia, he does not look upon her force and her ambition with the alarm + generally entertained of that encroaching and immense power. He even thinks + that, even if she possessed Constantinople, she could not long retain it. As + all this is future, and of course conjectural, we may legitimately express + our doubts of any authority on the subject. That Russia does not think with + the Marquis is evident, for all her real movements for the last fifty years + have been but preliminaries to the seizure of Turkey. Her exhibitions in all + other quarters have been mere disguises. She at one time displays a large + fleet in the Baltic, or at another sends an army across Tartary; but she + never attempts any thing with either, except the excitement of alarm. But it + is in the direction of Turkey that all the solid advances are made. There + she always finishes her hostility by making some solid acquisition. She is + now carrying on a wasteful war in the Caucasus; its difficulty has probably + surprised herself, but she still carries it on; and let the loss of life and + the expenditure of money be what they will, she will think them well + encountered if they end in giving her the full possession of the northern + road into Asia Minor. Russia, in possession of Constantinople, would have + the power of inflicting dreadful injuries on Europe. If she possessed a + responsible government, her ambition might be restrained by public opinion; + or the necessity of appealing to the national representatives for + money—of all checks on war the most powerful, and in fact the grand + operative check, at this moment, on the most restless of European + governments, France. But with her whole power, her revenues, and her + military means completely at the disposal of a single mind, her movements, + for either good or evil, are wholly dependent on the caprice, the ambition, + or the absurdity of the individual on the throne. The idea that Russia would + weaken her power by the possession of Constantinople, seems to us utterly + incapable of proof. She has been able to maintain her power at once on the + Black Sea, seven hundred miles from her capital; on the Danube, at nearly + the same distance, and on the Vistula, pressing on the Prussian frontier. In + Constantinople she would have the most magnificent fortress in the world, + the command of the head of the Mediterranean, Syria, and inevitably Egypt. + By the Dardanelles, she would be wholly inaccessible; for no fleet could + pass, if the batteries on shore were well manned. The Black Sea would be + simply her wet-dock, in which she might build ships while there was oak or + iron in the north, and build them in complete security from all disturbance; + for all the fleets of Europe could not reach them through the Bosphorus, + even if they had forced the Dardanelles—that must be the operation of + an army in the field. On the north, Russia is almost wholly invulnerable. + The Czar might retreat until his pursuers perished of fatigue and hunger. + The unquestionable result of the whole is, that Russia is the real terror of + Europe. France is dangerous, and madly prone to hostilities; but France is + open on every side, and experience shows that she never can resist the + combined power of England and Germany. It is strong evidence of our + position, that she has never <i>ultimately</i> triumphed in any war against + England; and the experience of the last war, which showed her, with all the + advantages of her great military chief, her whole population thrown into the + current of war, and her banner followed by vassal kings, only the more + consummately overthrown, should be a lesson to her for all ages. But Russia + has never been effectually checked since the reign of Peter the Great, when + she first began to move. Even disastrous wars have only hastened her + advance; keen intrigue has assisted military violence, and when we see even + the destruction of Moscow followed by the final subjugation of Poland, we + may estimate the sudden and fearful superiority which she would be enabled + to assume, with her foot standing on Constantinople, and her arm stretching + at will over Europe and Asia. Against this tremendous result there are but + two checks, the preservation of the Osmanli government by the jealousy of + the European states, and the establishment of a Greek empire at + Constantinople: the former, the only expedient which can be adopted for the + moment, but in its nature temporary, imperfect, and liable to intrigue: the + latter, natural, secure, and lasting. It is to this event that all the + rational hopes of European politicians should be finally directed. Yet, + while the Turk retains possession we must adhere to him; for treaties must + be rigidly observed, and no policy is safe that is not strictly honest. But + if the dynasty should fail, or any of those unexpected changes occur which + leave great questions open, the formation of a Greek empire ought to be + contemplated as the true, and the only, mode of effectually rescuing Europe + from the most formidable struggle that she has ever seen. But the first + measure, even of temporary defence, ought to be the fortification of + Constantinople. It is computed that the expense would not exceed a million + and a half sterling.</p> + + <p>The Marquis, by a fortunate chance for a looker-on, happened to be in the + Turkish capital at the time when the populace were all exulting at the + capture of Acre. It was admitted that the British squadron had done more in + rapidity of action, and in effect of firing, than it was supposed possible + for ships to accomplish, and all was popular admiration and ministerial + gratitude. In addition to the lighting of the mosques for the Ramazan, Pera + and Constantinople were lighted up, and the whole scene was brilliant. + Constant salvoes were fired from the ships and batteries during the day, and + at night, of course, all was splendour on the seven hills of the great + city.</p> + + <p>On the "Seraskier's Square," two of the Egyptian regiments taken at + Beyrout defiled before the commander-in-chief. The Turkish bands in garrison + moved at their head. The prisoners marched in file; and, having but just + landed from their prison-ships, looked wretchedly. Having a red woollen + bonnet, white jackets, and large white trowsers, they looked like an + assemblage of "cricketers." The men were universally young, slight made, and + active, with sallow cheeks, many nearly yellow, orange, and even black; + still, if well fed and clothed, they would make by no means bad light + troops. The Turks armed and clothed then forthwith, and scattered them among + their regiments; a proceeding which shows that even the Turk is sharing the + general improvement of mankind. Once he would have thrown them all into the + Bosphorus.</p> + + <p>From this professional display, the Marquis adjourned to the "Grand + Promenade," where the sultanas see the world, unseen themselves, in their + carriages. "Though," as he writes, "I never had an opportunity of + <i>verifying</i> any thing like Miss Pardoe's anecdote of the 'sentries + being ordered to face about when presenting arms,' rather than be permitted + to gaze on the <i>tempting</i> and <i>forbidden</i> fruit; but, on the + contrary, witnessed soldiers escorting all the sultanas' carriages: it is + nevertheless true, that a gruff attendant attacked and found fault with me + for daring to raise my eyes to a beautiful Turkish woman, whom it was quite + impossible I could admire beyond her forehead and two large black eyes, + eyebrows, and lashes, which glanced from under her yashmack." But the + Marquis has no mercy on the performances of poor Miss Pardoe.</p> + + <p>The sultana-mother was a personage of high importance at this time, from + her supposed influence over her son. Her equipage was somewhat + European—a chariot, with hammer-cloth, (apparently lately received + from Long-Acre.) The coachman drove four large bay horses, with a plurality + of reins. There were attendants, running Turks, and guards before to clear + the way. Two open barouches, ornamented after the manner of the country, + followed, and the rear of the sultanas' procession was closed by arebas (or + covered and gilded vans) full of women and slaves.</p> + + <p>But the most characteristic display of all is the "Cabinet." "On the side + of this drive is a long colonnade of shops; and, at the bottom of it, a + <i>barber's</i>, in which all the ministers of the divan and the pasha + assemble! They sit on cushions in grand conclave and conference; and, while + affecting to discuss the affairs of the state, the direction of their eyes, + and their signs to the recumbent houris in the carriages, show their + thoughts to be directed to other objects."</p> + + <p>What should we think of the chancellor, the premier, and the three + secretaries of state, sitting in council at a fruiterer's in Regent Street, + and nodding to the ladies as they pass? But this is not all. The sultan, in + his kiosk, sits at one end of the drive, inspecting the whole panorama. + Still, it is not yet complete; at the lower end of the colonnade there is a + woman-market, where each slave, attended by a duenna, passes and parades, + casting her languishing eyes through the files of lounging officers and + merchants, who crowd this part of the promenade. All this is essentially + Turkish, and probably without any thing like it in the world besides.</p> + + <p>The beauty of the Turkish women is still a matter of dispute. When beauty + is an object of unlimited purchase, its frequency will be probably found a + safe admission. But Turkish women occasionally unveil, and it is then + generally discovered that the veil is one of their principal charms. They + have even been described as merely good-humoured looking "fatties"—a + sufficiently humble panegyric. Lord Londonderry gives it as his opinion, + that they are "not generally handsome, but all well-built and well-grown, + strong, and apparently healthy. Their eyes and eyebrows are invariably fine + and expressive; and their hair is, beyond measure, superior to that of other + nations. The thickness of its braidings and plaits, and the masses that are + occasionally to be seen, leave no doubt of this."</p> + + <p>Long and luxuriant tresses belong to all the southern nations of Europe, + and seem to be the results of heat of climate; and there are few facts in + physiology more singular than the sudden check given to this luxuriance on + the confines of Negroland. There, with all predisposing causes for its + growth, it is coarse, curled, and never attains to length or fineness of any + kind. The Georgians and Circassians were once the boast of the harem; but + the war and the predominance of the Russian power in the Caucasus, have much + restricted this detestable national traffic—a circumstance said to be + much to the regret of both parents and daughters; the former losing the + price, and the latter losing the preferment, to which the young beauties + looked forward as to a certain fortune. But later experience has told the + world, that the charms of those Armidas were desperately exaggerated by + Turkish romance and European credulity; that the general style of Circassian + features, though fair, is Tartarish, and that the Georgian is frequently + coarse and of the deepest brown, though with larger eyes than the + Circassian, which are small, and like those of the Chinese. The accounts + written by ladies visiting the harems are to be taken with the allowance due + to showy dress, jewels, cosmetics, and the general effect of a prepared + exhibition, scarcely less than theatrical. It is scarcely possible that + either the human face or form can long preserve symmetry of any kind in a + life almost wholly destitute of exercise, in the confined air of their + prison, and in the full indulgence of their meals. Activity, animation, and + grace—the great constituents of all true beauty—must soon perish + in the harem.</p> + + <p>The Marquis (an excellent judge of a horse) did not much admire the + steeds of the pashas. On a visit to the Seraskier's stables, the head groom + brought out fourteen, with light Tartars on them to show their points. Their + stables were miserable. The horses were without stalls or litter, in a dark, + ill-paved barn. They were heavily covered with rugs. Three or four were very + fine Arabs; but the rest were of Turkish blood, with large heads, lopped + ears, and thick necks, of indifferent action, and by no means desirable in + any shape.</p> + + <p>The interview with the Sultan was the last, and was interesting and + characteristic. The Marquis had naturally expected to find him in the midst + of pomp. Instead of all this, on entering a common French carpeted room, he + perceived, on an ordinary little French sofa, the sovereign crosslegged, and + alone; two small sofas, half-a-dozen chairs, and several wax-lights, were + all the ornaments of this very plain saloon. But the Sultan was diamonded + all over, and fully made amends for the plainness of his reception-room. As + to his person, Abdul-Mehjid is a tall sallow youth of nineteen or twenty, + with a long visage, but possessing fine eyes and eyebrows, so that, when his + face is lighted up, it is agreeable and spiritual.</p> + + <p>We must now close our sketch of those diversified and pleasant volumes. + We regret to hear that their distinguished and active author has lately met + with a severe accident in following the sports of his country; but we are + gratified with the hope of his recovery, and the hope, too, of seeing him + undertake more excursions, and narrate them with equal interest, truth, and + animation.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s9" id="bw327s9"></a>THE CURSE OF GLENCOE.<a id= + "footnotetag12" name="footnotetag12"></a><a href= + "#footnote12"><sup>12</sup></a></h2> + + <h3>BY B. SIMMONS.</h3> + <hr /> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The fair calm eve on wood and wold</p> + + <p class="i2">Shone down with softest ray,</p> + + <p>Beneath the sycamore's red leaf</p> + + <p class="i2">The mavis trill'd her lay,</p> + + <p>Murmur'd the Tweed afar, as if</p> + + <p class="i2">Complaining for the day.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And evening's light, and wild-bird's song,</p> + + <p class="i2">And Tweed's complaining tune;</p> + + <p>And far-off hills, whose restless pines</p> + + <p class="i2">Were beckoning up the moon—</p> + + <p>Beheld and heard, shed silence through</p> + + <p class="i2">A lofty dim saloon.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The fruits of mellow autumn glow'd</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon the ebon board;</p> + + <p>The blood that grape of Burgundy</p> + + <p class="i2">In other days had pour'd,</p> + + <p>Gleam'd from its crystal vase—but all</p> + + <p class="i2">Untasted stood the hoard.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Two guests alone sat listlessly</p> + + <p class="i2">That lavish board beside;</p> + + <p>The one a fair-haired stripling, tall,</p> + + <p class="i2">Blithe-brow'd and eager-ey'd,</p> + + <p>Caressing still two hounds in leash,</p> + + <p class="i2">That by his chair abide.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Right opposite, in musing mood,</p> + + <p class="i2">A stalwart man was placed,</p> + + <p>With veteran aspect, like a tower</p> + + <p class="i2">By war, not time, defaced,</p> + + <p>Whose shatter'd walls exhibit Power</p> + + <p class="i2">Contending still with Waste.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And as the ivy's sudden veil</p> + + <p class="i2">Will round the fortress spring,</p> + + <p>Some grief unfading o'er that brow</p> + + <p class="i2">Its shadow seemed to fling,</p> + + <p>And made that stalwart man's whole air</p> + + <p class="i2">A sad and solemn thing.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And so they sat, both Youth and Years,</p> + + <p class="i2">An hour without a word—</p> + + <p>The pines that beckon'd up the moon</p> + + <p class="i2">Their arms no longer stirr'd,</p> + + <p>And through the open windows wide</p> + + <p class="i2">The Tweed alone was heard.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The elder's mood gave way at last,</p> + + <p class="i2">Perhaps some sudden whine</p> + + <p>Of the lithe quest-hounds startled him,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or timepiece striking nine;</p> + + <p>"Fill for thyself, forgotten Boy,"</p> + + <p class="i2">He said, "and pass the wine."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"A churlish host I ween am I</p> + + <p class="i2">To thee, who, day by day,</p> + + <p>Thus comest to cheer my solitude</p> + + <p class="i2">With converse frank and gay,</p> + + <p>Or tempt me with thy dogs to course</p> + + <p class="i2">The moorlands far away.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"But still the fit returns"—he paused,</p> + + <p class="i2">Then with a sigh resumed,</p> + + <p>"Remember'st thou how once beneath,</p> + + <p class="i2">Yon chestnut, when it bloom'd,</p> + + <p>Thou ask'd'st me why I wore the air</p> + + <p class="i2">Of spirit disentomb'd;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And why, apart from man, I chose</p> + + <p class="i2">This mansion grim and hoary,</p> + + <p>Nor in my ancient lineage seem'd,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor ancient name, to glory?</p> + + <p>I shunn'd thy questions then—now list,</p> + + <p class="i2">And thou shalt hear the story—</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"With a brief preface, and thro' life</p> + + <p class="i2">Believe its warning true—</p> + + <p>That they who (save in righteous cause)</p> + + <p class="i2">Their hands with blood imbrue—</p> + + <p>Man's sacred blood—avenging heaven</p> + + <p class="i2">Will long in wrath pursue.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"A curse has fallen upon my race;</p> + + <p class="i2">The Law once given in fire,</p> + + <p>While Sinai trembled to its base,</p> + + <p class="i2">That curse inflicted dire,</p> + + <p>TO VISIT STILL UPON THE SON,</p> + + <p class="i2">THE OFFENCES OF THE SIRE.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"My fathers strong, of iron hand,</p> + + <p class="i2">Had hearts as iron hard,</p> + + <p>That never love nor pity's touch,</p> + + <p class="i2">From ruthless deeds bebarr'd.</p> + + <p>And well they held their Highland glen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whatever factions warr'd.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"When Stuart's great but godless race</p> + + <p class="i2">Dissolved like thinnest snow</p> + + <p>Before bright Freedom's face, my clan,</p> + + <p class="i2">The Campbells, served their foe.</p> + + <p>—Boy—'twas my grandsire" (soft he said)</p> + + <p class="i2">"Commanded at Glencoe."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The stripling shrank, nor quite suppress'd</p> + + <p class="i2">His startled bosom's groan;</p> + + <p>Forward and back the casements huge</p> + + <p class="i2">By sudden gust were blown,</p> + + <p>And at the sound one dreaming hound</p> + + <p class="i2">Awaken'd with a moan.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"<i>Glencoe</i>—ay, well the word may stir,</p> + + <p class="i2">The stoutest heart with fear,</p> + + <p>Or burn with monstrous shame the face</p> + + <p class="i2">Of man from year to year,</p> + + <p>As long as Scotland's girdling rocks</p> + + <p class="i2">The roar of seas shall hear.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Enough—Glenlyon redly earn'd</p> + + <p class="i2">The curse he won that night,</p> + + <p>When rising from the social hearth</p> + + <p class="i2">He gave the word to smite,</p> + + <p>And all was shriek and helplessness,</p> + + <p class="i2">And massacre and flight.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And such a flight!—O, outraged Heaven,</p> + + <p class="i2">How could'st thou, since, have smiled?</p> + + <p>A fathom deep the frozen snow</p> + + <p class="i2">Lay horrid on the wild,</p> + + <p>Where fled to perish youth and age,</p> + + <p class="i2">And wife and feeble child.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"My couch is soft—yet dreams will still</p> + + <p class="i2">Convert that couch to snow,</p> + + <p>And in my slumbers shot and shout</p> + + <p class="i2">Are ringing from Glencoe."</p> + + <p>That stalwart man arose and paced</p> + + <p class="i2">The chamber to and fro,</p> + + <p>While to his brow the sweat-drop sprung</p> + + <p class="i2">Like one in mortal throe.</p> + </div> + <hr /> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Glenlyon died, be sure, as die</p> + + <p class="i2">All desperate men of blood,</p> + + <p>And from my sire (his son) our lands</p> + + <p class="i2">Departed sod by sod,</p> + + <p>Till the sole wealth bequeathed me was</p> + + <p class="i2">A mother fearing God.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"She rear'd me in that holy fear,</p> + + <p class="i2">In stainless honour's love,</p> + + <p>And from the past she warned me,</p> + + <p class="i2">Whate'er my fate should prove,</p> + + <p>To shrink from bloodshed as a sin.</p> + + <p class="i2">All human sins above.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I kept the precept;—by the sword</p> + + <p class="i2">Compell'd to win me bread,</p> + + <p>A soldier's life of storm and strife</p> + + <p class="i2">For forty years I led,</p> + + <p>Yet ne'er by this reluctant arm</p> + + <p class="i2">Has friend or foeman bled.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"But still I felt Glencoe's dark curse</p> + + <p class="i2">My head suspended o'er,</p> + + <p>—Look, this reluctant hand, for all,</p> + + <p class="i2">Is red with human gore!"</p> + + <p>Again that white-lipp'd man arose</p> + + <p class="i2">And strode the echoing floor.</p> + </div> + <hr /> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"A prosperous course through life was mine</p> + + <p class="i2">On rampart, field, and wave,</p> + + <p>Though more my warrior skill than deeds,</p> + + <p class="i2">Command and fortune gave.</p> + + <p>Years roll'd away, and I prepared</p> + + <p class="i2">To drop the weary glaive.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Twas when beyond th' Atlantic foam,</p> + + <p class="i2">To check encroaching France,</p> + + <p>Our war spread wide, and, on his tide,</p> + + <p class="i2">In many a martial glance,</p> + + <p>St Lawrence saw grey Albyn's plumes</p> + + <p class="i2">And Highland pennons dance.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"E'en while I waited for the Chief,</p> + + <p class="i2">By whom relieved at last,</p> + + <p>Heart-young, though time-worn, I was free</p> + + <p class="i2">To hail my country's blast—</p> + + <p>That on a sentry, absent found,</p> + + <p class="i2">The doom of death was pass'd.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"POOR RONALD BLAIR! a fleeter foot</p> + + <p class="i2">Ne'er track'd through Morvern moss</p> + + <p>The wind-hoof'd deer; nor swimmer's arm</p> + + <p class="i2">More wide the surge could toss</p> + + <p>Than his, for whom dishonour's hand</p> + + <p class="i2">Now dug the griesly fosse.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Suspicion of those hunter tribes,</p> + + <p class="i2">Along whose giant screen</p> + + <p>Of shadowy woods our host encamp'd,</p> + + <p class="i2">The early cause had been</p> + + <p>Of rule, that none of Indian race</p> + + <p class="i2">Should come our lines within.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The law was kept, yet, far away,</p> + + <p class="i2">Amid the forests' glade,</p> + + <p>The fair-hair'd warriors of the North</p> + + <p class="i2">Woo'd many a dusky maid,</p> + + <p>Who charm'd, perhaps, not less because</p> + + <p class="i2">In Nature's garb array'd.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And warm and bright as southern night,</p> + + <p class="i2">When all is stars and dew,</p> + + <p>Was that dark girl, who, to the banks,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where lay her light canoe,</p> + + <p>Lured Ronald's footsteps, day by day,</p> + + <p class="i2">What time the sun withdrew.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Far down the stream she dwelt, 'twould seem,</p> + + <p class="i2">Yet stream nor breeze could bar</p> + + <p>Her little boat, that to a nook,</p> + + <p class="i2">Dark with the pine-tree's spar,</p> + + <p>Each evening Ronald saw shoot up</p> + + <p class="i2">As constant as a star.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Alone she came—she went alone:—</p> + + <p class="i2">She came with fondest freight</p> + + <p>Of maize and milky fruits and furs</p> + + <p class="i2">Her lover's eyes to greet;</p> + + <p>She went—ah, 'twas her bosom then,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not bark, that bore the weight!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"How fast flew time to hearts like theirs!</p> + + <p class="i2">The ruddy summer died,</p> + + <p>And Arctic frosts must soon enchain</p> + + <p class="i2">St. Lawrence' mighty tide;</p> + + <p>But yet awhile the little boat</p> + + <p class="i2">Came up the river-side.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"One night while from their northern lair</p> + + <p class="i2">With intermittent swell,</p> + + <p>The keen winds grumbled loud and long,</p> + + <p class="i2">To Ronald's turn it fell</p> + + <p>Close to the shore to keep the lines,</p> + + <p class="i2">A lonely sentinel.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Twas now the hour was wont to bring</p> + + <p class="i2">His Indian maid; and hark!</p> + + <p>As constant as a star it comes,</p> + + <p class="i2">That small love-laden bark,</p> + + <p>It anchors in the cove below—</p> + + <p class="i2">She calls him through the dark.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"He dared not answer, dared not stir,</p> + + <p class="i2">Where Discipline had bound him;</p> + + <p>Nor was there need—led by her heart</p> + + <p class="i2">The joyous girl has found him;</p> + + <p>She understands it not, nor cares,</p> + + <p class="i2">Her raptured arms are round him.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"He kiss'd her face—he breathed low</p> + + <p class="i2">Those brook-like, murmuring words</p> + + <p>That, without meaning, speak out all</p> + + <p class="i2">The heart's impassion'd chords,</p> + + <p>The truest language human lip</p> + + <p class="i2">To human lip affords.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"He pointed towards the distant camp,</p> + + <p class="i2">Her clasping arms undid,</p> + + <p>And show'd that till the morrow's sun</p> + + <p class="i2">Their meeting was forbid;</p> + + <p>She went—her eyes in tears—he call'd,</p> + + <p class="i2">And kiss'd them from the lid.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"She went—he heard her far below</p> + + <p class="i2">Unmoor her little boat;</p> + + <p>He caught the oars' first dip that sent</p> + + <p class="i2">It from the bank afloat;</p> + + <p>Next moment, down the tempest swept</p> + + <p class="i2">With an all-deafening throat.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Loud roar'd the storm, but louder still</p> + + <p class="i2">The river roar'd and rose,</p> + + <p>Tumbling its angry billows, white</p> + + <p class="i2">And huge as Alpine snows;</p> + + <p>Yet clear through all, one piercing cry</p> + + <p class="i2">His heart with terror froze.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"She shrieks, and calls upon the name</p> + + <p class="i2">She learn'd to love him by;</p> + + <p>The waves have swamp'd her little boat—</p> + + <p class="i2">She sinks before his eye!</p> + + <p>And he must keep his dangerous post,</p> + + <p class="i2">And leave her there to die!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"One moment's dreadful strife—Love wins;</p> + + <p class="i2">He plunges in the water;</p> + + <p>The moon is out, his strokes are stout,</p> + + <p class="i2">The swimmer's arm has caught her,</p> + + <p>And back he bears, with gasping heart,</p> + + <p class="i2">The Forest's matchless daughter!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Twas but a chance!—her life is gain'd,</p> + + <p class="i2">And his is gone—for, lo!</p> + + <p>The picquet round has come, and found,</p> + + <p class="i2">Left open to the foe,</p> + + <p>The dangerous post that Ronald kept</p> + + <p class="i2">So short a time ago.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"They met him bearing her—he scorn'd</p> + + <p class="i2">To palter or to plead:</p> + + <p>Arrested—bound—ere beat of drum,</p> + + <p class="i2">The Judgment-court decreed</p> + + <p>That Ronald Blair should with his life</p> + + <p class="i2">Pay forfeit for his deed.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"He knew it well—that deed involved</p> + + <p class="i2">Such mischief to the host,</p> + + <p>While prowling spy and open foe</p> + + <p class="i2">Watch'd every jealous post,</p> + + <p>That, of a soldier's crimes, it call'd</p> + + <p class="i2">For punishment the most.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"On me, as senior in command,</p> + + <p class="i2">The charge I might not shun</p> + + <p>Devolved, to see the doom of death</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon the culprit done.</p> + + <p>The place—a league from camp; the hour—</p> + + <p class="i2">The morrow's evening sun.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Meanwhile some touches of the tale</p> + + <p class="i2">That reach'd the distant tent</p> + + <p>Of Him who led the war in Chief,</p> + + <p class="i2">Won justice to relent.</p> + + <p>That night, in private, a REPRIEVE</p> + + <p class="i2">Unto my care was sent,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"With secret orders to pursue</p> + + <p class="i2">The sentence to the last,</p> + + <p>And when the prisoner's prayer was o'er,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the death-fillet past,</p> + + <p><i>But not till then</i>, to read to him</p> + + <p class="i2">That Pardon for the past.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"The morrow came; the evening sun</p> + + <p class="i2">Was sinking red and cold,</p> + + <p>When Ronald Blair, a league from camp</p> + + <p class="i2">We led, erect and bold,</p> + + <p>To die the soldier's death, while low</p> + + <p class="i2">The funeral drum was roll'd.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"With arms reversed, our plaided ranks</p> + + <p class="i2">The distance due retire,</p> + + <p>The fatal musqueteers advance</p> + + <p class="i2">The signal to require:</p> + + <p>'<i>Till I produce this kerchief blue,</i></p> + + <p class="i2"><i>Be sure withhold your fire</i>.'</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"His eyes are bound—the prayer is said—</p> + + <p class="i2">He kneels upon his bier;</p> + + <p>So dread a silence sank on all,</p> + + <p class="i2">You might have heard a tear</p> + + <p>Drop to the earth. My heart beat quick</p> + + <p class="i2">With happiness and fear,</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"To feel conceal'd within my vest</p> + + <p class="i2">A parting soul's relief!</p> + + <p>I kept my hand on that REPRIEVE</p> + + <p class="i2">Another moment brief;</p> + + <p>Then drew it forth, but with it drew,</p> + + <p class="i2">O God! the handkerchief.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"He fell!—and whether He or I</p> + + <p class="i2">Had died I hardly knew—</p> + + <p>But when the gusty forest breeze</p> + + <p class="i2">Aside the death-smoke blew,</p> + + <p>I heard those bearing off the dead,</p> + + <p class="i2">Proclaim that there were <i>two</i>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"They said that as the volley ceased,</p> + + <p class="i2">A low sob call'd them where</p> + + <p>They found an Indian maiden dead,</p> + + <p class="i2">Clasping in death's despair</p> + + <p>One feather from a Highland plume</p> + + <p class="i2">And one bright lock of hair.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"I've long forgot what follow'd, save</p> + + <p class="i2">That standing by his bier,</p> + + <p>I shouted out the words some fiend</p> + + <p class="i2">Was whispering in my ear—</p> + + <p>'My race is run—<i>the curse of Heaven</i></p> + + <p class="i2"><i>And of Glencoe is here</i>!'<a id="footnotetag13" name= + "footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13"><sup>13</sup></a></p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"From that dark hour all hope to me,</p> + + <p class="i2">All <i>human</i> hope was gone;</p> + + <p>I shrank from life a branded man—</p> + + <p class="i2">I sought my land alone,</p> + + <p>And of a stranger's purchased halls</p> + + <p class="i2">I joy'd to make my own.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Thou'st known me long as Campbell—now</p> + + <p class="i2">Thou know'st the Campbell's story,</p> + + <p>And why, apart from man, I chose</p> + + <p class="i2">This mansion grim and hoary,</p> + + <p>Nor in my ancient lineage seem'd,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor ancient name, to glory.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Though drear my lot, yet, noble boy,</p> + + <p class="i2">Not always I repine;</p> + + <p>Come, wipe those watery drops away</p> + + <p class="i2">That in thine eyelids shine;</p> + + <p>Fill for thyself," the old man said,</p> + + <p class="i2">"Once more, and pass the wine."</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s10" id="bw327s10"></a>THE MARTYRS' MONUMENT.</h2> + + <h3>A MONOLOGUE.</h3> + <hr /> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Now glory to our Councillors, that true and trusty band—</p> + + <p>And glory to each gallant heart that loathes its fatherland;</p> + + <p>And glory evermore to those who the battle first began,</p> + + <p>For the cause of just fraternity, and the equal rights of man.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ye citizens of Mary-le-bone! 'twas yours to point the way</p> + + <p>How freemen best might mock the laws which none but slaves obey;</p> + + <p>How classic fanes should rise to mark the honour that we owe</p> + + <p>To all who hated Church and King, and planned their overthrow.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>O fresh and bright shone reason's light through superstition's + gloom,</p> + + <p>When one and all ye heard the call of honest Joseph Hume;</p> + + <p>When listening to his flowing words, than honey-dew more sweet,</p> + + <p>Ye sate, dissolved in holy tears, at that Gamaliel's feet!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>How touchingly he spoke of those now gather'd to their rest,</p> + + <p>By knaves and laws upbraided, but by righteous patriots bless'd;</p> + + <p>How brightly gleamed his eagle eye, as he poured his ancient + grudge</p> + + <p>On that foul throng that wrought them wrong—on Jury and on + Judge!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Well may ye boast among the host of patriots tried and true,</p> + + <p>That to your bold humanity the foremost place is due;</p> + + <p>Yet others follow fast behind, though ye have led the van,</p> + + <p>In the cause of just fraternity, and the equal rights of man!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Dun-Edin's civic Councillors come closely in your wake,</p> + + <p>They, too, can feel for injured truth, and blush for Scotland's + sake;</p> + + <p>Well have they wiped the stain away, affix'd in former years</p> + + <p>Upon the citizens of France, and on their bold compeers.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Let women moan and maunder against the glorious time,</p> + + <p>When France arose in all her might, when loyalty was crime;</p> + + <p>When prison shambles stream'd with blood, and red the gutters + ran,</p> + + <p>In the cause of just fraternity, and the equal rights of man!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When piled within the crazy boats, chain'd closely to the beam,</p> + + <p>By hundreds the aristocrats sank in the sullen stream;</p> + + <p>When age and sex were no respite, and merrily and keen,</p> + + <p>From morning until night, rush'd down the clanking guillotine.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Tis ours to render homage, where homage most is due—</p> + + <p>Now glory be to DANTON, and to his valiant crew—</p> + + <p>And glory to those mighty shades, who never stoop'd to spare,</p> + + <p>The virtuous regicides of France, and the hero, ROBESPIERRE.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But greater glory still to those, who strove within our land,</p> + + <p>To hoist the cap of liberty, and bare the British brand,</p> + + <p>To drag our ancient Parliament from its place of honour down,</p> + + <p>To ride rough-shod upon the Lords, and spit upon the Crown.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What though the bigots of the bench declared their treason + vile—</p> + + <p>What though they languish'd slowly in the felon's distant + isle—</p> + + <p>Shall we, the children of Reform, withhold our just applause</p> + + <p>From those who loved the people and, of course, despised the + laws?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>We'll rear a stately monument—we'll build it fair and high,</p> + + <p>And on the porch this graven verse shall greet the + passers-by—</p> + + <p>"IN HONOUR OF THE MARTYRS WHO THE BATTLE FIRST BEGAN</p> + + <p>FOR THE CAUSE OF JUST FRATERNITY, AND THE EQUAL RIGHTS OF MAN!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Twill be a proud memorial, when we have pass'd away,</p> + + <p>Of old Dun-Edin's loyalty, and the Civic Council's sway;</p> + + <p>And it shall stand while earth is green and skies are summer + blue,</p> + + <p>Eternal as the sleep of those who fell at Peterloo!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Were I a chosen Councillor—a tetrarch of the town,</p> + + <p>I'd drag from off their pedestals these Tory statues down;</p> + + <p>I'd make a universal sweep of all that serves to show</p> + + <p>How vilely the aristocrats have used us long ago.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The column rear'd to victory in that detested war,</p> + + <p>When the Tricolor went down before our flag at Trafalgar,</p> + + <p>The column that hath taught our sons to mutter Nelson's name,</p> + + <p>I'd level straightway with the dust, and with it sink our shame.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yes! in that place a classic fane should stand where Nelson's + stood,</p> + + <p>With new baptismal cognizance from famous THISTLEWOOD;</p> + + <p>His bust should in the centre shine, and round it, placed on + guard,</p> + + <p>The effigies of HATFIELD, INGS, and of the good DESPARD.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>There's Pitt, the Lar of Frederick Street—O shame to us and + ours!</p> + + <p>Was it not he whose policy struck back the Gallic powers?</p> + + <p>Was it not he whose iron hand so ruthlessly kept down</p> + + <p>The tide of bold democracy, and saved the British crown?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I'd fetch him from his lofty perch; I'd dash him on the stones;</p> + + <p>I'd serve the lifeless bronze the same as I'd have served his + bones;</p> + + <p>And on the empty stance I would in radiant metal show,</p> + + <p>A bolder and a braver man—the patriot PAPINEAU.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Down, down, I say, with George the Fourth!—for him there's no + delay;</p> + + <p>Let all askance direct their glance, for virtue's sake, we pray;</p> + + <p>So says our new Pygmalion, the purist of the town,</p> + + <p>'Twere shame that he compelled should be, in passing, to look + down.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Let's find another statue of the brave old English breed,</p> + + <p>A worthy of an earlier age—a champion good at need;</p> + + <p>No cause were then to seem ashamed, though slaves might feel + afraid,</p> + + <p>When emancipated bondsmen bow'd to the image of JACK CADE.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>There's room enough where Royal Charles sits stiffly in the + Square,</p> + + <p>To rear a double effigy—Why not of BURKE and HARE?</p> + + <p>Though not in freedom's cause they died, remember'd let it be,</p> + + <p>That science has its martyrdom, as well as liberty.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A monument to Walter Scott!—A monument forsooth!</p> + + <p>What has that bigot done for us, for freedom, or for truth?</p> + + <p>He always back'd the Cavalier against the Puritan,</p> + + <p>And sneer'd at just fraternity, and the equal rights of man.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What good to us have ever done his Legends of Montrose,</p> + + <p>Of Douglas and of dark Dundee, the fellest of our foes?</p> + + <p>What care we for the Border chiefs, or for the Stuart line,</p> + + <p>Or the thraldom of the people in "the days of auld langsyne?"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Men dream'd not of equality in days so darkly wild,</p> + + <p>Nor was the peasant's bantling <i>then</i> mate for the baron's + child;</p> + + <p>But we've learn'd another lesson since the golden age drew near,</p> + + <p>And working men may keep the wall, and jostle prince and peer.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ye fools! take down your monument—or rear it, if ye will,</p> + + <p>But choose another effigy that lofty niche to fill.</p> + + <p>None better, say ye? Pause awhile, and I will tell you one,</p> + + <p>Who never bent the servile knee at altar or at throne.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No fond illusions dull'd <i>his</i> eye, no tales of wither'd + eld;</p> + + <p>No childish faith was <i>his</i> to trust aught save what he + beheld;</p> + + <p>No sovereignty would he allow save Reason's rightful reign;</p> + + <p>No laws save those of Nature's code—and such was THOMAS + PAINE.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Place him within your Gothic arch, the only fit compeer</p> + + <p>Of those whose martyr monument the Council seek to rear;</p> + + <p>Since traitors to the laws of man may boldly look abroad,</p> + + <p>Towards the image of their friend who broke the laws of God.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Since anarchy must have its meed, let's leave no statue here,</p> + + <p>That might from other lips than ours provoke a cynic sneer:</p> + + <p>If temples must be built to crime, we'll worship there alone,</p> + + <p>Nor leave a mark of loyalty or honour in the stone.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Then glory to our Councillors, that true and trusty band—</p> + + <p>And glory to each gallant heart that loathes its fatherland;</p> + + <p>And glory evermore to those who the battle first began,</p> + + <p>For the cause of just fraternity, and the equal rights of man!</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2><a name="bw327s11" id="bw327s11"></a>TASTE AND MUSIC IN ENGLAND.</h2> + + <h3>PART I.</h3> + <hr /> + + <p>The heart of an Englishman must ever swell with pride as he contemplates + his country's greatness. He looks around him, and his eye every where meets + with the signs of increasing opulence and prosperity, while his ear is + filled with the busy hum of an industrious, and, despite the idle babblings + of the ignorant, and the empty declamation of interested, selfish, and + disappointed men, a contented population, happy in the enjoyment of comfort, + beyond that of the labouring classes of most other countries. He visits her + marts, her harbours, and her ports—men of all nations are met together + there—fleets of rich argosies are ever arriving and + departing—and myriads of steamers flit to and fro, happily now engaged + in promoting the arts of peace, but ready at a moment's notice to become the + defenders of his country's shores, and, as recent events have shown the + world, able also to carry war and devastation along the coasts of her + enemies, even to the uttermost parts of the earth. He explores the seats of + her manufactures; there he beholds vast edifices teeming with crowds of + work-people, occupied in supplying the wants of mankind. In short, wherever + he bends his steps, all are usefully employed—industry, enterprise, + and perseverance, are found throughout the land. He also feels it no vain + boast to be a denizen of that small isle, whose inhabitants, by their own + proper energy, have extended their dominion over a territory on which the + sun never sets—peopled by upwards of two hundred million + souls—consisting of colonies, nations, and people, differing from each + other in form of person, complexion, habits, manners, and in + language—elements apparently the most discordant and heterogeneous, + yet firmly knit and bound into one vast glorious empire, which, successfully + resisting the rudest shocks, often assaulted, ever victorious, and, thanks + to the bravery of her warriors, and the wisdom of those who now guide her + councils, having defeated alike the open attacks and the secret machinations + of her enemies, at this moment constitutes the most powerful state of + ancient or modern times—abounding in wealth, and rejoicing in freedom, + beyond all other nations of the earth.</p> + + <p>He glories also in the intellectual pre-eminence of his country. Her + victories by sea and land attest the genius of her captains; her + institutions bear witness to the sagacity of her lawgivers and her + statesmen. Her railroads, docks, canals, and other public works, bear the + marks of superior intelligence acting for the general good. His countrymen + were the first to press steam into the active service of mankind. By the + genius of Watt and his successors, a power, before destructive and + uncontrollable, has been rendered the mighty agent of man's will, the + supplier of his wants, and the minister of his convenience. Through their + inventions, steam has become, as it were, the breath, the life, of a noble + animal of man's creation, untiring in its ceaseless labours, irresistible in + its tremendous strength; and, when its maker chooses to endow it with powers + of motion, fleeter also than the wind, but of imposing might and majesty as + it pursues its headlong course; and yet, withal, checked by a single touch, + yielding a perfect obedience to the hand of its ruler, and submissive to the + slightest intimation of his will. In the walks of science, literature, and + philosophy, he finds equal reason to be proud of his country. Splendid + discoveries in every branch of science meet him as he enquires, and but a + few years have passed away since the death of one—Sir Humphry + Davy—of whom it is scarce too much to say, that he revolutionized a + great science by his discoveries, or that, by the power of his single + intellect, he dived deeper into the hidden mysteries of the material world + than all preceding generations had been able to penetrate. In short, an + Englishman finds his country possessed of warriors, statesmen, philosophers, + historians, poets, and authors, in every branch of literature, who are the + admiration of the whole civilized world. In all these, England stands + proudly pre-eminent, the first, the very first, among the nations. It is + much to be able to feel this, but an Englishman would fain feel even more + than this; his noble ambition is to see his country first in every thing; he + would have her pre-eminent alike in the fine arts and those pursuits which + distinguish the recreations and amusements of a refined and polished people, + as in the more useful arts of life.</p> + + <p>But here the pleasing portion of the picture ceases—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"Ogni medaglia ha il suo rovescio,"</p> + </div> + + <p>every medal has its obverse, says the Italian proverb; and the + comparatively low rank which his country occupies in this new field of view, + is a melancholy contemplation for an Englishman. He finds that, in general, + things are judged of only by the measure of their practical utility, and + that the beautiful and the useful are usually deemed to be incompatible; + thereby affording, however reluctantly we may admit it, at least some + justification of Napoleon's celebrated and bitter reproach, that we are a + nation of shopkeepers. It would seem, in truth, that we do not possess that + quick perception of the beautiful which is enjoyed by the more excitable and + imaginative sons of the south. In painting, we believe we possess a school + second to none of modern art. But, beautiful as their works may be, can we + place our Reynolds, Lawrence, Hogarth, and Gainsborough in competition with + Raphael, Correggio, Rubens, or Claude? In sculpture also, can Westmacott, or + even Chantrey—we speak with reverence of the illustrious dead—be + compared with Michael Angelo or Giovanni de Bologna? When pressed on these + topics, the candid Englishman must, with a sigh, confess his country's + inferiority. Architecture also, with few exceptions, has long been our + reproach. We judge of the degree of civilization and refinement to which + ancient Greece and Rome attained, by the beauty and elegance of their + mutilated remains. We find their temples, even in ruins, beautiful beyond + the day-dream of our modern architects; some of them, till bold and + sacrilegious hands despoiled them, adorned with sculptures which, surviving + the destruction of the people who raised them, the wanton rage of barbarous + enemies, and the inroads of the elements for near two thousand years, sill + remain, in their decay, the wonder and admiration of the world, the models + of modern sculptors, and the greatest treasure of art a nation can + possess.</p> + + <p>In the lapse of ages, perhaps, England, in her turn, may be deserted, her + mines exhausted, her edifies ruined, her existence as a nation terminated. + The site of her vast metropolis may once more become an undulating verdant + plain, intersected by a tidal river; and, perhaps, nothing may remain + outwardly to show the curious traveller where the ancient city stood. The + pristine abode of man upon the earth, may again be thickly peopled, and + civilization may have rolled back to the south, its ancient source. Then may + history or tradition vaguely tell of powerful nations who once flourished in + the north; their very existence doubted, perhaps, by all, and by many + disbelieved. Some day, perchance, one whom accident or curiosity may have + brought to the shores of ancient Britain, may wend his weary way along the + bank of the noblest river of the land. On a mound a little higher than the + rest, something on which the hand of man had evidently been employed may + attract his attention, and stimulate him to search among the tangled weeds + and brushwood which grow around. The discovery of a marble fragment may, + perhaps, eventually lead to the uncovering of one of those statues which now + grace the interior of our St Paul's, on the site of which the stranger had + unconsciously been exploring. Or, suppose the traveller to have bent his + steps in a north-easterly direction, towards the foot of that gentle slope + which terminates at the base of the heights of Highgate and of Hampstead. + Suppose him, by some strange chance, to stumble upon that incomparable + specimen of modern sculpture which stands on high at King's-Cross, lifted + up, in order, we presume, to enable the good citizens duly to feast their + eyes upon its manifold perfections, as they daily hie them to and fro + between their western or suburban retreats and the purlieus of King Street + or Cheapside. What estimate would the stranger form of the taste or skill of + those who placed on its pedestal the statue we have first supposed him to + have found? It avails not to disguise the truth. What that truth may be, we + leave to the intelligence of the reader to divine. But what would be the + effect of the other discovery we have imagined? The traveller would turn + away, convinced that history or tradition gave false accounts of the power + and genius of the ancient inhabitants of the land on which he trod, that + their glory was a dream, their civilization a delusion, their proficiency in + the arts a fable. For the honour of our country, let us hope that the figure + of which we speak may not be suffered much longer to disgrace a leading + thoroughfare of our metropolis. It has already stood some eight or ten + years, a melancholy monument of English taste and English art in the + nineteenth century.</p> + + <p>For the attainment of excellence in the higher branches of art, as has + been well observed by an intelligent foreigner, M. Passavant, it is + requisite that a people should possess deep poetic feeling, and that art + should not be considered among them as a thing of separate nature, but that + it should interweave itself with the ties of social life, and be employed in + adding beauty to its nearest, dearest interests. Now, the English, he + continues, are more disposed to an active than to a contemplative life. They + possess, it must be owned, a character of much earnestness and energy; yet, + from the earliest times, their attention has been more directed to the + cultivation of the mechanical arts and the sciences appertaining to them + than to those nobler branches of art which flourish spontaneously in a more + contemplative nation. This characteristic disposition, and the physical + activity necessarily connected with it, have been by some ascribed to the + influence of our climate, to our moist and heavy atmosphere, and clouded + skies, to counteract the influence of which, and to preserve a + counterbalancing buoyancy of mind and body, an active habit of life is + requisite. But this hypothesis is untenable; for Flanders, with a similar + climate, and flourishing likewise by means of its native industry, affords + sufficient proof how little these circumstances are prejudicial to the + cultivation of the fine arts. Perhaps a better reason may be found in the + wide difference which is observable between the national habits of our + countrymen and those of the people among whom the arts have been cultivated + with the greatest success. In those countries where the beautiful was felt, + where the arts were objects of national importance, where a people assembled + to award the palm between rival sculptors; and also, in comparatively modern + times, when a reigning monarch did not disdain to pick up a painter's + pencil, and a whole city mourned an artist's death, and paid honours to his + remains; all the rank, wealth, genius, talent, taste, and intelligence of + the people were concentrated in one grand focus. Among the states of ancient + Greece and modern Italy, the city was in fact the nation; and at Athens, + Rome, Venice, and Florence, was collected all of genius, taste, and talent, + the people as a body possessed. The mental qualities were thereby rendered + more acute, and the tastes and manners of the people more refined and + cultivated, by constant intercourse and communication with each other. This + refinenent was shared by all classes, and the lower taking pattern from the + higher, the whole mass was learned. In England, the very reverse of this + takes place. Here, for the most part, those alone frequent our towns, whose + doom it is to labour for their bread, they have no leisure from the + engrossing pursuits of wealth; business, like a jealous mistress, leaves + them no time for other objects. In spite of various disadvantages of soil + and climate, the taste for rural pursuits seems part and parcel of our + nature, and that species of the genus <i>homo</i>, the country gentleman, + seems peculiar to our island. Till within a few years, the great majority of + this class, whose abundant wealth and leisure might seem to constitute them + the peculiar patrons of the arts, seldom or never frequented even the + metropolis, but for generations remained fixed and immovable in the place of + their forefathers, rooted to the soil as one of their old oaks. "His guns, + dogs, and horses, were the things the squire held most dear." Hunting, + shooting, and other sports, formed not only the amusements of his leisure + hours, but the business of his life. His intercourse with the world confined + to a narrow circle of acquaintance, all of the same tastes and pursuits with + himself, he could learn or know no others. Generous pursuits, hospitable, + liberal, and open hearted, hating alike poachers and dissenters, possessed + of many virtues, avoiding many a crime, discharging the duties, as well as + exercising the rights of property; exemplary in all the relations of life, a + good father, a tender husband, a kind master, an indulgent landlord, a + blessing to himself and those around him, he lived and died the <i>Squire + Western</i> of his day, without that refinement and cultivation of the + tastes and mental powers which the more polished inhabitants of the + metropolis insensibly contract. Sure there were many to whom this does not + apply, many who combined the "gifts" of both a town and country life. But, + nevertheless such was the great bulk of that class, among whom, had London + been England, as even in our own time Paris is or was France, the beautiful + would not probably have been so much neglected.</p> + + <p>So occupied have the great mass of our countrymen been in the pursuit of + wealth, that all that did not directly contribute to this end has been + uniformly rejected as useless. A familiar example of the truth of this + observation may be seen in the numerous factories and other buildings + erected for commercial purposes, in the manufacturing districts of + Lancashire and Yorkshire. In buildings of this class, all embellishment and + ornament, however simple, which good taste, had it been consulted, might + have suggested, to relieve the wearying straightness of outline, or the + plain dull flatness of these large ponderous masses of brick and mortar, + have been neglected, or rejected, probably as not increasing its productive + powers, and therefore unworthy of consideration. Such has been the general + principle. But this neglect has at length recoiled upon the heads of its + promoters. As long as the world was content to take our manufactures as we + chose to make them—when, no other nation having entered the lists with + us, we were without competitors, and absolute masters of the commerce of the + world, this make-all save-all principle was undoubtedly the most effective. + But now, when our manufacturers meet with the keenest competition in every + market; when a suicidal export of machinery enables the foreigner + immediately to benefit by every mechanical discovery, or improvement in + machinery, that is made by our engineers, the case is wholly altered, and + the English manufacturer finds out the grievous mistake that he has made. + Beauty of design has at length become of paramount importance, and the + beautiful, so long neglected, is now avenged. The public taste has advanced + too fast. Since the introduction of foreign goods, such as silks and other + ornamental fabrics, the inferiority of our native designs for these + materials has become manifest to all. We are credibly informed, that there + now exists a regular organized system, viz. supply of French designs to our + manufacturers; that from these designs all their ideas are borrowed and all + their patterns taken, and that, in fact, scarcely a single pattern of purely + home invention is worked in a season. The manufacturers are, however, now + roused from their lethargy, and great efforts are made to remedy the evil. + Schools of design are established, and copyright of design has just been + conferred by act of parliament. In some of our commercial towns, large rooms + or galleries are opened to the mechanic, where he may study the beautiful + and ideal from casts and models of the antique. Pictures also are + occasionally exhibited for his instruction. These are indeed great and + praiseworthy efforts, in which utilitarianism has assumed a new character, + and found a new field of action. These novel institutions, not organized and + supported from a pure abstract love of the arts ostensibly promoted by them, + but from dire necessity created by successful competition in the more + elegant branches of manufacture, in which the exercise of taste and fancy is + required, may eventually produce great general results; years, however, must + necessarily elapse before their benefits can be felt.</p> + + <p>We have hitherto purposely abstained from any allusion to music and + musical taste, for the purpose of showing, that music is not the only fruit + of civilization which has not as yet arrived at maturity among us; and also + for the purpose of ascertaining, whether there might not be some general + causes in operation, which affect, in an equal degree, every branch of the + more intellectual refinements of civilized life. In this case, the low + standard of musical taste and science which will hereafter become the + subject of more particular observation, cannot be attributed solely to + causes which relate exclusively to music, but must be considered as one + amongst other results of general principles. If there be any truth in the + foregoing speculations, they apply more particularly to music, and musical + taste and science, than to the fine arts, to which we have hitherto confined + our observations. Music is peculiarly a social pursuit. It can be cultivated + only among the haunts of men. The taste deteriorates, and the mental + standard of excellence which each possesses, is lowered when really good + music is seldom or never heard. By "the million," it can be heard only while + mixing with the world at large; the performer can acquire his mastery over + the instrument, at the cost of much time and labour, and he can maintain + this mastery, and the purity of his style, only where he can compare himself + with others of acknowledged excellence. This can be done only where men + congregate in large and populous cities, where the want of amusement is best + supplied; the recluse or the solitary man can be no musician.</p> + + <p>It may seem anomalous at first sight, and we can well conceive it to be + objected to our argument, that it is impossible, that while architecture, + sculpture, painting, and music, should have been comparatively neglected, + that literature, in all its branches, should be so highly esteemed among us. + Milton, and more especially Shakspeare, have never lost one tittle of their + value; nay, even at this moment, there are three rival editions of + Shakspeare's works in the course of publication. Many volumes of poetry put + in their claim to immortality every year. Novel after novel appears each to + elbow its predecessor out of the public mind, and be in its turn forgotten. + It is easy to imagine, that to many it may appear a paradox in the history + of the human race, that a people should exist, endowed by nature with a high + degree of poetic feeling, having, as Mr Hallam observes, produced more + eminent original poets than any other nation can boast, and attaching a high + value to literary talent of every description, but, nevertheless, whose + attainments in the fine arts during a thousand years of national existence, + should never have passed mediocrity. This apparent inconsistency, however, + lies only on the surface. The language of true poetry is understood by all; + it strikes home: however rude the thoughts, however uncultivated the + understanding, the heart can feel; and it is to the heart the poet speaks; + and even in the rudest ages of mankind his power was acknowledged. Voltaire + has remarked, that "amusement is one of the wants of man".</p> + + <p>Novels are taken up to amuse the vacant hour—in this consists their + use. They are read without effort—the mind lies fallow as they are + perused, and no study is required, no cultivation of any taste is necessary, + to place this amusement within reach. With music and the fine arts, this is + not so. The taste for these pursuits requires cultivation; and in order to + estimate and appreciate them correctly, the judgment must be formed by a + process of education, far different from that which enables all who read to + value our poets and authors in the various departments of literature.</p> + + <p>On examining the records of mankind, it will be found that this has been + the ordinary succession of events in the history of civilization; and that + poetry and oratory, the more independent efforts of the human mind, appear + in the earlier stages of society, and that by them man is first + distinguished as an intellectual and rational creature.</p> + + <p>Of Egyptian literature, we know nothing. The destruction of the library + of the Ptolemies may be the principal cause of our ignorance. The gigantic + remains of this people, and the manner in which they worked in a stone which + no modern tool will touch, show that among them the useful arts were + considerably advanced. We have, however, abundant evidence of the small + degree of proficiency in the fine arts. Their sculptors are characterized by + Flaxman as "mere beginners," or "laborious mechanics;" their works as + "lifeless forms, menial vehicles of an idea." When Egyptian art ended, then + Grecian art began. It appears, however, to have made but little progress + down to the time of Homer; and Dædalus and his disciple Eudæus + are, we believe, the only artists of that early period whose fame has + survived. These sculptors worked in wood, and by their proficiency we may + form a pretty accurate idea of the state of art in Greece when Homer wrote. + The works of Dædalus are described by Pausanias as rude and uncomely + in aspect. In his Grecian tour, Pausanias twice makes mention of a statue of + Hercules by Dædalus, from which circumstance it would appear to have + been held in high estimation. On this statue Flaxman observes—"In the + British Museum, as well as in other collections in Europe, are several small + bronzes of a naked Hercules, whose right arm, holding a club, is raised to + strike; whilst the left is extended, bearing a lion's skin as a shield. From + the style of extreme antiquity in these statues—from the rude attempt + at bold action, which was the peculiarity of Dædalus—the general + adoption of this action in the early ages—the traits of savage nature + in the face and figure, expressed with little knowledge, but strong + feeling—by the narrow loins, turgid muscles of the breast, thighs, and + calves of the legs, will all find reason to believe they are copied from the + above-mentioned statue." Greece, it must be owned, possessed musicians long + anterior to Homer: Chiron the Centaur, regarded by the ancients as one of + the inventors of medicine, botany, and chirurgery, who, when eighty-eight + years of age, formed the constellations for the use of the Argonauts; Linus, + the preceptor of Hercules, who added a string to the lyre, and is said to be + the inventor of rhythm and melody; Orpheus, who also extended the scale of + the lyre, and was the inventor and propagator of many arts and doctrines + among the Greeks; and Musæus, the priest of Ceres, are all remembered + as musicians, as well as poets, historians, and philosophers; characters + which, in those days, were all combined in the same individuals. The + ancients, indeed, appear to have used the term music in a much more extended + sense than has been attached to it in modern times, and to have applied it + to all the arts and sciences. But even if the ancient meaning of the term + were identical with its modern signification, there may be good reason to + suppose that their fame as musicians would principally survive. The memory + of these first preceptors of mankind was long preserved as the general + benefactors of their species. But while the other arts they taught advanced, + it does not appear that music made any progress. Thus, they came chiefly to + be remembered for that talent in which posterity had produced no equals. As + poets they were once celebrated; but, eclipsed by the glory and splendour of + the great historian of Troy, their poetical productions were forgotten; + whilst, as musicians, unrivalled through many centuries, their skill was + long remembered as the most excellent the world had ever known. The arts of + sculpture and painting appear to have remained even more stationary than + music. For, while about the middle or latter end of the seventh century, + B.C., the names of Archilochus and Terpander adorn the page of musical + history, followed by many others, including Alcæus, Sappho, and + Simonides, down to Pindar and his rival Corinna, the former of whom, + according to the chronology of Dr Blair, died in 435 B.C. aged 86, it is + evident, says Flaxman, "that sculpture was 800 years, from Dædalus to + the time immediately preceding Phidias, in attaining a tolerable resemblance + of the human form." It appears, therefore, that the greatest epic poem ever + written had been read, appreciated, and admired, for nearly five centuries + before the arts arrived at perfection. Then, indeed, there burst a flood of + glory over ancient Greece, and names never to be forgotten were borne upon + the tide. Contemporary with Pindar and Corinna were Phidias, Alcamenes, and + many other sculptors, together with poets, philosophers, warriors, and + statesmen; men whose names will rise superior to the lapse of time, and + whose fame, like the rocky barriers of the ocean, on which the elements in + vain expend their fury, will be of equal duration with the world itself.</p> + + <p>Ancient Rome was indebted to others for all of the liberal arts and + sciences she possessed. In the earlier periods of her existence, and before + Greece had become known in Rome, Etruria was the instructress of her sons. + When Greece had been subdued, and rendered a tributary province of the + all-conquering city, her polished people, nevertheless, exercised an + intellectual sovereignty over their masters. In the streets of Athens a + singular spectacle was exhibited; <i>there</i> might be seen the conqueror + learning of the vanquished; Romans, of exalted rank and unbounded power, had + become the disciples of Grecian philosophers. Nevertheless, when Rome + possessed orators and poets, each of whom has raised</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"Monumentum ære perennius,"</p> + </div> + + <p>in that the golden age of her existence, it does not appear, says Dr + Burney, that "except Vitruvius, the Romans had one architect, sculptor, + painter, or musician; those who have been celebrated in the arts of Rome + having been Asiatics or European Greeks, who came to exercise such arts + among the Latins, as the Latins had not among themselves. This custom was + continued under the successors of Augustus; and those Romans who were + prevented, by more important concerns, from going into Greece, combined, in + a manner, to bring Greece to Rome, by receiving into their service the most + able professors of Greece and Asia in all the arts." Vitruvius, in the + chapter on music inserted in his treatise on architecture, complains that + "the science of music, in itself obscure, is particularly so to such as + understand not the Greek language." This observation shows the low state of + music at Rome at that time; indeed Vitruvius is said to be the first who has + treated of music in the Latin tongue.</p> + + <p>Modern Europe also furnishes another illustration and example of the + truth of our proposition. When the mists of ignorance and superstition which + had for centuries enveloped the world, had begun to clear away, and when + Europe first attempted to throw off the errors of the Dark Ages, the arts + were dead, and the only music known was that cultivated by the monks and + clergy, as necessary to their profession, and the songs of the Troubadours. + "The fame of the Troubadours," remarks Mr Hallam, "depends less on their + positive excellence than on the darkness of preceding ages, the temporary + sensation they excited, and their permanent influence on the state of + European poetry." The intrinsic merit of the music of this period may be + collected from the following observation of Dr Burney:—"However + barbarous and wretched the melody and harmony of the secular songs of this + period may have been, they were in both respects superior to the music of + the church." The Troubadours flourished from the middle of the twelfth + century till the latter end of the fourteenth century, when their dissolute + and licentious habits caused them to be universally banished and proscribed. + During the barbarism of these times, not only had the arts themselves been + lost, but even the principles on which they rest had been forgotten. Italy, + indeed, possessed many ancient marbles, but they seemed to have lost their + value; and it was not till the thirteenth century that any attempt to + imitate these remains of antiquity was made. Nicola Pisano, about the year + 1231, taking for his model an ancient sarcophagus at Pisa, which contained + the remains of Beatrice, mother of the Countess Matilda, sculptured an + urn—a feat in those days so extraordinary, as to have conferred upon + him the title of Nicolas of the Urn. This artist, in the words of Lanzi, + "was the first to see and follow light." He was, however, more ambitious + than successful, and was followed by his sons and others, in whose hands the + art seems to have no very rapid progress. The art of painting, in which + there were no models in existence, was later in manifesting any improvement. + It was not till after the year 1250 that, according to Vasari, some Greek + painters were invited to Florence by the rulers of the city, for the express + purpose of restoring the art to Florence, where it was rather wholly lost + than degenerated. Cimabue, the reviver of painting, received instruction + from the Greeks. He died in 1300. Fierce as the age in which he lived, says + Lanzi, his Madonnas were without beauty, and his angels, even in the same + picture, were all in the same attitude. To Cimabue succeeded his pupil, the + famous Giotto, who died in 1337. With him the ruggedness of his master's + manner was softened down, and considerable advances made towards a better + style. He was honourably received at many of the principal towns and cities + of Italy, and may, perhaps, be considered as the real founder of their + several schools; at all events, painters every where were long the imitators + of Giotto. His faults partook also of the character of the age, and among + other defects, the dry hardness of his works has given rise to an opinion, + that he partly formed his style upon the works of the Pisani. Giotto and his + school, indeed, conducted the art through infancy, but it still exhibited + many signs of childhood, especially in chiara-oscuro, and even more so in + perspective. Figures sometimes appeared as if sliding from the + canvass—buildings had not the true point of view, and foreshortening + was only rudely attempted. Stefano Fiorentino, a <i>grandson</i> of Giotto, + was the first and only one of the school who endeavoured to grapple with + this last difficulty, which he may be said to have perceived rather than + overcome; his contemporaries, for the most part, evaded it, and concealed + their deficiency as they could. Such is the summary of the merits of this + school of art given by Lanzi, who dates the commencement of the first epoch + of modern painting from the death of Giotto. In further illustration of the + low state of art in the early part of the fourteenth century, it may be + observed, that Lanzi also describes a great work of Masaccio, who flourished + in the succeeding century, as "beautiful <i>for those times</i>;" and that + it was not till the year 1410 that oil-painting was invented or improved by + Van-Eyck.</p> + + <p>From this sketch of the history of the arts of music, sculpture, and + painting during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, will be seen their + state and condition, when the great work of the immortal Dante took his + country by surprise. The <i>Divina Comedia</i> was written about the year + 1300. Its illustrious author, the creator of the national poetry of his + country, died in 1321, leaving behind him Petrarch, who was crowned in the + Capitol in 1341, and Boccaccio, who—though, as Byron said of Scott, he + spoiled his poetry by writing better prose—was nevertheless a poet of + no mean merit, and the probable inventor of the <i>ottava rima</i>. Two + centuries after the last of these parents of modern literature had nearly + elapsed, ere he who has been styled the Dante of the arts, Michael Angelo, + and his contemporaries, among whom were Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, + appeared upon the stage. Thus language, the first great want of man, the + necessary instrument of reason, by which its possessor is distinguished from + the rest of creation, the vehicle of human thoughts, the means by which + man's wants, desires, griefs, and joys, are communicated and made known, + would seem to form the earliest object of his attention. He enriches and + improves it, till it is rendered capable of expressing all the workings of + his reason. This done, genius and invention are applied to other pursuits; + and in many instances it may be, that the poet and the artist were but the + creatures of the age which produced them. Had he lived at a later period, + Homer, the great sire of song, might perhaps have shone the Phidias or the + Zeuxis of his day; or, had his birth been anticipated two hundred years, the + genius of "the Dante of the arts" might possibly have been displayed in + works like those which have immortalized Dante Alighieri. It is, therefore, + no inconsistency in the character of a people amongst whom poetry is + passionately admired, and books of all kinds eagerly devoured, that the arts + should be generally uncared-for and unknown. When another century has passed + away, their history may tell another tale, and the powers of mind hitherto + employed principally upon the physical sciences, may have achieved like + triumphs in the liberal arts. That this may be the case, the past history of + other nations affords every reason to hope. What man has done, man may, and + doubtless <i>will</i>, do again.</p> + + <p>In the earlier ages of the world, music, in its rudest, simplest form, is + said to have stopped the flow of rivers, to have tamed wild beasts, and to + have raised the walls of cities; allegories which at least show the + prodigious influence the art possessed over the inhabitants of infant + Greece. In the course of time, love of the art was a national characteristic + of this people; and music became a specific in the hand of the physician, a + fundamental principle of public education, and the medium of instruction in + religion, morals, and the laws. The lyre may be said to have ruled Greece, + the glorious and the free, with the same despotic sway with which the iron + hand of tyranny has in our own day governed her. Discord, and civil + commotions arose among the Lacedæmonians; Terpander came, and with his + lyre at once appeased the angry multitude. Among the Athenians it was + forbidden, under pain of death, to propose the conquest of the isle of + Salamis; but the songs of Solon raised a tumult amongst the people; they + rose, compelled the repeal of the obnoxious decree, and Salamis straightway + fell. Was it found necessary to civilize a wild and extensive province? + Music was employed for this desirable object; and Arcadia, before the + habitation of a fierce and savage people, became famed as the abode of + happiness and peace. Plutarch places the masters of tragedy—to which + the modern opera bears a great resemblance—on a level with the + greatest captains: nor did the people fail in gratitude to their + benefactors; they held their memory in veneration. The lyre of Orpheus was + transplanted to the skies, there to shine for countless ages; and divine + honours were paid to the name of Sappho.</p> + + <p>The Greeks, although perhaps excelling all other nations in this, as in + the other arts, are not the only people among whom music was cultivated and + esteemed. Both China and Arabia are said to have felt its influence upon + their customs, manners, and institutions. The musical traditions of China + might seem to be but repetitions of the marvels of the Greeks. King-lun, + Kovei, and Pinmonkia, are said to have arrested the flow of rivers, and to + have caused the woods and forests, attracted by the melody of their + performance, to crowd around. The Chinese are said to believe, that the + ancient music of their country has drawn angels down from heaven, and + conjured up from hell departed souls: they also believe that music can + inspire men with the love of virtue, and cause them faithfully to fulfil + their several duties. Confucius says "to know if a kingdom be well governed, + and if the customs of its inhabitants be bad or good, examine the musical + taste which there prevails." There is still extant a curious document, which + shows the importance which a ruler of this people attached to music, as a + moral and political agent. We allude to a proclamation of the Emperor + Ngaiti, who ascended the throne of the Celestial Empire in the year of the + tenth æra 364. After complaining, that tender, artificial, and + effeminate strains inspire libertinism, he proceeds, in severe terms, to + order a reformation in these matters; the first step to which, is a + prohibition of every sort of music but that which serves for war, and for + the ceremony Tido. The Arabs also appear to have held similar opinions as to + the power of music. They boast of Ishac, Kathab Al Moussouly, Alfarabi, and + other musicians, whom they relate to have worked miracles by their vocal and + instrumental performances. With the Arabs, music was interwoven with + philosophy; and their wise men imagined a marvellous relation to exist + between harmonious sounds and the operations of nature. Harmony was esteemed + the panacea, or universal remedy, in mental and even bodily affections; in + the tones of the lute were found medical recipes in almost all diseases. + Upon one occasion, in the presence of the grand vizier, Alfarabi, + accompanying his voice with an instrument, is related to have roused a large + assembly to an extreme pitch of joyful excitement, from which he moved them + to grief and tears, and then plunged all present into a deep sleep, none + having the power to resist the enchantment of his performance.</p> + + <p>The children of Israel cultivated music in the earliest periods of their + existence as a people. After the passage of the Red Sea, Moses, and his + sister Miriam, the prophetess, assembled two choruses, one of men, and the + other of women, with timbrels, who sang and danced. The facility with which + the instruments were collected on the spot, and with which the choruses and + dances were arranged and executed, necessarily implies a skill in these + exercises, which must have been acquired long before, probably from the + Egyptians. We have abundant evidence in Holy Writ, of the high estimation in + which music was held among the Hebrews at a later period of their history. + They also appear to have successfully applied it to the cure of diseases. + The whole of David's power over the disorder of Saul may, without any + miraculous intervention, be attributed to his skilful performance upon the + harp. In 1st Samuel, c. xvi., we read that Saul's servants said unto him, + "Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee: Let our lord now + command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man who is a + cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit + from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be + well." Saul having assented to this proposal, the son of Jesse the + Bethlemite was sent for, and stood before him. "And it came to pass, when + the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played + with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit + departed from him." So great were the esteem and love for music among this + people when David ascended the throne, that we find that he appointed 4000 + Levites to praise the Lord with instruments, (1. Chron. c. xxiii.;) and that + the number of those that were <i>cunning</i> in song, was two hundred four + score and eight, (c. xxv.) Solomon is related by Josephus to have made + 200,000 trumpets, and 40,000 instruments of music, to praise God with. In + the 2d chapter of Ecclesiastes, music is mentioned by Solomon among the + vanities and follies in which he found no profit, in terms which show how + generally a cultivated taste was diffused among his subjects. "I gat me + men-singers and women-singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as + musical instruments, and that of all sorts." Many other passages of similar + import might be quoted from the sacred writings, and among others, some from + which it would appear that musicians marched in the van of the Jewish + armies, and not unfrequently contributed to the victory by the animation of + their strains; and that music was the universal language of joy and + lamentation. There is, however, one portion of Holy Writ, which, from the + highly interesting testimony it incidentally bears to the love of music + which prevailed in Jerusalem, and the skill of her inhabitants, we cannot + forbear to notice. We allude to the 137th Psalm, "By the waters of Babylon + we sat down and wept, when we remembered thee, O Sion. As for our harps, we + hanged them up upon the trees that are therein. For they that led us away + captive required of us there a song and melody in our heaviness: Sing us one + of the songs of Sion." From the facts here narrated, we may judge how great + was the attachment of the Jewish people for the musical art; their beloved + city sacked, their temple plundered and destroyed, their homes desolate, in + the midst of danger and despair, deserted by their God, surrounded by + infuriated enemies, (Isaiah, xiii. 16.,) nevertheless their harps were not + forgotten. From this beautiful and pathetic lamentation, it would also + appear that the repute of Hebrew musicians was far extended. No sooner had + they arrived in the land of their captivity, than the Chaldean conqueror + required of them a song and melody in their heaviness, demanding <i>one of + the songs of Sion</i>. The fame of the captives must have long preceded + them, for, according to Dr Burney, the art was then declining in Judea.</p> + + <p>In the physical sciences, we have surpassed the nations who excelled in + music; in war we have equalled their most glorious feats; in poetry and + oratory we are not inferior. Shall not our future history also tell of + triumphs in the tuneful art? We believe that sooner or later, the time will + surely come when our country in her turn will boast of masters in the art, + whose memories will ever be preserved and hallowed. But whatever the future + may bring forth, the marvellous accounts of the powers of ancient music will + meet with little indulgence from modern scepticism. At present such effects + are unknown among us, and therefore unintelligible. Among the early Greeks, + for many centuries, the several characters of poet, musician, lawgiver, and + philosopher, were combined in the same individual; and it is probable that + the music of that period consisted principally of recitative or musical + declamation. This species of composition, so utterly neglected and unknown + to the English school, possesses great powers of expression, both when in + its simple form and when accompanied. A modern example of the effects it is + capable of is recorded by Tartini. He relates, in the following terms, as + one of many similar instances which had come under his + observation:—"In the 14th year of the present century, (the 18th,) in + the opera they were performing at Ancona, there was at the beginning of the + 3d act a line of recitative, unaccompanied by any instruments but the bass, + by which, equally among the professors and the audience, was raised such and + so great a commotion of mind, that all looked in one another's faces, on + account of the evident change of colour which took place in each. The effect + was not that of grief, (I very well remember that the words expressed + indignation,) but that of a certain congealing and coldness of the blood, + which completely disturbed the mind. Thirteen times was the drama repeated, + and the same effect always followed universally; a palpable sign of which + was the deep previous silence with which the audience prepared themselves to + enjoy its effects."<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href= + "#footnote14"><sup>14</sup></a></p> + + <p>The line of recitative has unfortunately not been preserved; nor is it + known what the opera, or whose the music, which produced an effect which may + not be inaptly described in the words of Byron:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <p>"An undefined and sudden thrill,</p> + + <p>Which made the heart a moment still,</p> + + <p>Then beat with quicker pulse."</p> + </div> + + <p>The music of Allessandro Scarlatti was then current and universally + popular in Italy. This composer was particularly famous for the excellence + of his recitative; and his general merit may be judged of by the fact, that + he is placed by Arteaga, in his work on the revolutions of the musical drama + in Italy, among the early authors belonging to the period which he terms the + golden age of Italian music. On these grounds, we may reasonably conclude, + that he was the composer of that terrible line of recitative.</p> + + <p>We have ourselves also witnessed a somewhat similar example of the powers + of Italian recitative. Many of our readers, doubtless, have witnessed + Pasta's wonderful performance in Anna Bolena, who also may remember Anna's + exclamation, "Giudici ad Anna! ad Anna giudici!" when Henry's intention of + bringing her to trial is first made known to her. Such was the fearful tone, + of mingled horror, amaze, and wrathful indignation, with which that greatest + queen of tragic song gave out these words, that, in a foreign land, we have + on more than one occasion observed some of the audience, as these fiery + accents burst forth upon them, to start, change colour, and almost shudder + at the intensity of the conflicting passions she exhibited. Much, nay most, + of this was undoubtedly owing to the genius of the songstress. We do but + mention these examples, to show how perfect a medium of musical expression + and dramatic effect, good recitative becomes, when adequately performed. + Still, the wonders related of ancient music—wonders not confined to + one age, one people, or to one quarter of the globe, but, on the contrary, + commencing at a remote period of man's history, including Jews, Chinese, + Arabs, and Greeks, amongst whose records their memory is + preserved—will meet with a cold assent from most; and perhaps few + among us would be found bold enough to avow a belief in their reality. We + have certainly no warrant for their truth in the powers or effects of our + national music, and thus experience directly contradicts the testimony of + antiquity.</p> + + <p>On the same grounds, however, had no specimens of ancient handiwork been + preserved, we might also have doubted the excellence and beauty of any of + those works of art which, nevertheless, immortalized those by whose hands + they were fashioned. Were not the Dying Gladiator now before us, it might, + at this day, be deemed a monstrous supposition, that a statue of a dying man + should have existed, in which there might be seen how much of life was left. + Inferiority is ever sceptical and self-satisfied; it is only given to the + really wise to know how much lies hidden from their view. Though the scope + and object of all the imitative arts is the same, to dignify, elevate, and + embellish nature—though the beauty of the ideal is the aim of the + musician, equally as it is the aspiration of the poet, painter, and the + sculptor, the character of these pursuits is in some respects essentially + different. In the latter, material objects are imitated and embellished, the + things themselves are bodily before the eyes, and the beauty and excellence + of the work will appear by comparison with nature herself. These arts also + possess great landmarks of taste and skill, which speak the same language to + all ages. Of the symmetry of the sculptor's chiselled forms, of the beauty + of the poet's or the painter's pictures, we have a standard in nature's own + originals, seldom, probably never, exhibiting the same concentration of + refined and elevated beauty in one individual object, but, nevertheless, + furnishing an accurate and never varying standard, for the exercise of the + judgement; while the heart, that inner world, ever uniform and unchanging + amid the manifold vicissitudes of human life, supplies a test by which the + poet's thoughts and sentiments may be correctly tried. Thus, in the lapse of + ages, the public taste has known no change; and though more than 2000 years + have passed away, the works of ancient Greece are worshipped still.</p> + + <p>It cannot, however, be imagined, that the music of those times could have + among us the same influence it possessed of old. It is no new remark, that + in no other branch of the imitative arts have the same rapid and successive + changes occurred, as are observed to have taken place in music. From this + fact, the following question naturally arises, whether there are any fixed + first principles of art, by adhering to which, music might be produced which + would please equally all ages and amongst all people; or, in other words, + whether the pleasure which music brings, is the result of education, habit, + or association, or an inherent and necessary effect of any particular + succession or combination of sounds. We have thrown together the following + observations of Rousseau, which occur in several different portions of his + essay on the origin of languages, and which, though not made with reference + to this question, nevertheless appear to us conclusive upon it. "As the + feelings which a beautiful picture excites are not caused by mere colour, so + the empire which music possesses over our souls is not the work of sound + alone. All men love to listen to sweet sounds; but if this love be not + quickened by such melodious inflexions as are familiar to the hearer, it + cannot be converted into pleasure. Melody, such as, to our taste, may be + most beautiful, will have little effect upon the ear which is unaccustomed + to it; it is a language of which we must possess a dictionary. Sounds in a + melody do not operate as mere sounds, but as signs of our affections and our + feelings; it is thus they excite the emotions they express, and whose image + we there recognize. If this influence of our sensations is not owing to + moral causes, how is it that we are so sensitive where a barbarian would + feel nothing? How is it that our most touching airs would be but so much + empty noise to the ear of a Carribee? All require the kind of melody whose + phrases they can understand; to an Italian, his country's airs are + necessary; to a Turk, a Turkish melody; each is affected only by those + accents with which he is familiar. In short, he must understand the language + that is spoken to him." This reasoning seems to show that there are no + principles or rules of art, by following which music would be produced of + that inherent beauty which would intrinsically command universal + admiration.</p> + + <p>This being so, music is at the mercy of many circumstances, the influence + of which is felt, in some degree, even in those arts whose principles have + long been fixed and ascertained, and whose rules are not merely + conventional. The love of novelty, which the weariness caused by a constant + repetition of the same musical phrase or idea renders more <i>exigeant</i> + in this than in other arts, the want or impossibility of having any classic + examples which might fix the taste or guide the studies of the novice, are + doubtless among the causes of these frequent changes. The style of the + leading singer of the day often forms and rules the passing taste, and even + characterizes the works of contemporary composers. Music is often composed + purposely for the singer; his intonation, his peculiarities, his very + mannerisms, are borne in mind. Not merely sounds, but <i>his</i> sounds, are + the vehicles of the composer's thoughts, the medium through which alone the + composer's ideas can be adequately expressed. In the next generation, when + performer and composer are dead and gone, all that is left of this their + <i>mutual</i> work, once the object of universal admiration becomes + comparatively unintelligible. The melody, the harmony, indeed, remain, but + they are a body without a soul; the fire and genius of him who lighted up + the whole, who realized and brought home to the hearer the <i>whole</i> + creation of the composer's imagination, are no more. The manner of the + performance, therefore, being, as it were, part and parcel of the very + music, and a necessary ingredient of the excellence of the composition, to + judge of the merit of the whole from the qualities of the portion which is + left, would be to judge of the beauty of the Grecian Helen by the aspect or + appearance of her lifeless remains. On looking at the greater portion of the + music by the execution of which Catalani raised herself to the highest + pinnacle of fame, we are compelled to the conclusion, that in the singer lay + the charm. The effects said to have been produced by Handel's operas are now + inconceivable and unintelligible, so "mechanical and dull" do these works + appear, "beyond mere simplicity and traits of melody." Handel, in one + species of composition, wrote <i>down</i> to the singers of his time. + Whoever examines the bass songs of that period, will perceive that they were + composed for inflexible and unwieldy voices, possessing a large and heavy + volume of tone, but incapable of executing any but simple passages, + constructed according to an ascertained routine of intervals. Lord + Mount-Edgcumbe truly conjectured, that Mozart was led to make the bass so + prominent a part in the Don Giovanni and Le Nozze di Figaro, by writing for + a particular singer. The part of Figaro was, in fact, composed for Benucci. + The sparkling brilliancy of Rossini would perhaps never have been so fully + developed, had not the skill and flexibility of voice possessed by the + singer David, for whom he wrote, enabled him to indulge it to the uttermost. + The characters thus imparted to the music of the day are necessarily + perishable and evanescent, to be again superseded by later artists, whose + excellences or peculiarities will again lead to like results. Thus change + succeeds change; the judgment of the public is led by the composer and the + performer, who, mutually deferring to each other, often mould at will the + taste of their countrymen. We, of course, speak only of those whose talent, + science, and ability, have constituted them the masters of their art.</p> + + <p>In England we have but few of those giants; they appear among us only at + long intervals; for which reason, perhaps, musical taste has undergone fewer + mutations in England than in most other countries. Handel has now reigned + supreme among us for near a century, and his bass songs still influence the + style of this branch of our native music. Though bass singing has advanced + elsewhere, it has stood comparatively still with us; the same rude + intervals, the same ponderous passages, through which the voice moves + heavily, as if a mountain heaved, are still retained in the few bass songs + of our school; in fact, without them, many think a bass song cannot exist. + This mannerism received a blow from Weber, whom, as in the case of Handel, + we have grown to consider national property. His early death, however, + prevented his acquiring that permanent influence on the musical mind, which + he might have acquired had he lived, and continued to be successful.</p> + + <p>From the glance we have taken of the rate at which poetry, literature, + and the fine arts, respectively advance as civilization holds her onward + course; from the wide diffusion and cultivation of musical taste and musical + science, ere barbarism and ignorance resumed their sway over mankind; we + cannot entertain a doubt that, ultimately, we also as a people may emulate + the glory other nations have acquired in each of those pursuits. We are, + perhaps, less excitable and less easily moved than they; but the English + character contains within it the elements of greatness in every thing to + which its energies are directed. Circumstances may erelong rouse + long-dormant tastes. Riches bring with them new wants, they create new + passions, new desires. Much wealth was amassed by the preceding generation; + their sons, now affluent and educated, already form a vast addition to that + class which we have designated as the peculiar patron of the arts, and + which, as commercial prosperity continues to advance, will, in each + succeeding generation, receive another incalculable accession to its + numbers.</p> + + <p>The philosophical observer may even now discover the evidences of these + new wants of increasing opulence; and should providence, in its mercy, deign + still to bless the world with peace, the Augustan age of England may be + nearer than we think. However, it is most certain that this age, as yet, has + not arrived. An accurate knowledge of our defects will soonest lead to their + cure. By a searching, rigorous, and impartial self-examination can these + deficiencies only become known. It may be necessary to apply the cautery; + but the hand that wounds would also heal; and if, in the course of the + preceding observations, or in any subsequent remarks, as we enquire into the + present state of musical taste and science in England, we may be deemed + severe, let it be borne in mind, that ours is a "tender fierceness," and + that self-knowledge, the first grand step to all improvement, is alone our + object and our aim.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <!-- Footnotes --> + + <h2><a name="bw327-footnotes" id="bw327-footnotes"></a>FOOTNOTES.</h2> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + + <p>Malte Brun, xi. 179. Alison, x. 256.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + + <p>Hansard, vol. lxi. col. 423.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + + <p>Hansard, vol. lxi. col. 429, 430, 431.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> <b>Footnote 4</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag4">(return)</a> + + <p>Hansard, vol, lxi. col. 439.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a> <b>Footnote 5</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag5">(return)</a> + + <p>Year ending 5th January 1840, L.2,390,764!—1841, + L.1,342,604!—1842, L.1,495,540!—(<i>Finance Accounts</i>, + 1842, p. 2.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a> <b>Footnote 6</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag6">(return)</a> + + <p>Parliamentary History, vol. xxxiv. p. 271.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a> <b>Footnote 7</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag7">(return)</a> + + <p>The <i>Siècle</i>. (See No. cccxxi. p. 112.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a> <b>Footnote 8</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag8">(return)</a> + + <p>An atrocious gang of thieves, who adopted the unnecessary brutality of + burning the unfortunate victims they intended to rob.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a> <b>Footnote 9</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag9">(return)</a> + + <p>Water-melon.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a> <b>Footnote 10</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag10">(return)</a> + + <p>The miseries of Tasso arose not only from the imagination and the + heart. In the metropolis of the Christian world, with many admirers and + many patrons, cardinals and princes of all sizes, he was left destitute, + and almost famished. These are his own words.—"<i>Appena</i> in + questo stato ho comprato <i>due meloni</i>: e benche io sia stato <i>quasi + sempre inferno</i>, molte volte mi sono contentato del' manzo e la + ministra di latte o di zucca, <i>quando ho potuto averne</i>, mi e stata + in vece di delizie." In another part he says that he was unable to pay the + carriage of a parcel, (1590:) no wonder; if he had not wherewithal to buy + enough of zucca for a meal. Even had he been in health and appetite, he + might have satisfied his hunger with it for about five farthings, and have + left half for supper. And now a word on his insanity. Having been so + imprudent not only as to make it too evident in his poetry that he was the + lover of Leonora, but also to signify (not very obscurely) that his love + was returned, he much perplexed the Duke of Ferrara, who, with great + discretion, suggested to him the necessity of feigning madness. The lady's + honour required it from a brother; and a true lover, to convince the + world, would embrace the project with alacrity. But there was no reason + why the seclusion should be in a dungeon, or why exercise and air should + be interdicted. This cruelty, and perhaps his uncertainty of Leonora's + compassion, may well be imagined to have produced at last the malady he + had feigned. But did Leonora love Tasso as a man would be loved? If we + wish to do her honour, let us hope it: for what greater glory can there be + than to have estimated at the full value so exalted a genius, so + affectionate and so generous a heart!</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a> <b>Footnote 11</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag11">(return)</a> + + <p>The author wrote the verses first in English, but he found it easy to + write them better in Italian. They stood in the text as below:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Swallow! swallow! though so jetty</p> + + <p>Are your pinions, you are pretty:</p> + + <p>And what matter were it though</p> + + <p>You were blacker than a crow?</p> + + <p>Of the many birds that fly</p> + + <p>(And how many pass me by!)</p> + + <p>You're the first I ever prest,</p> + + <p>Of the many, to my breast:</p> + + <p>Therefore it is very right</p> + + <p>You should be my own delight.</p> + </div> + </div> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a> <b>Footnote 12</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag12">(return)</a> + + <p>The tale that follows is founded upon an incident that occurred some + little time before the American War, to Colonel Campbell of Glenlyon, + whose grandfather, the Laird of Glenlyon, was the officer in King + William's service who commanded at the slaughter of the Macdonalds of + Glencoe. The anecdote is told in Colonel David Stewart's valuable history + of the Highland Regiments. Edin 1822.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a> <b>Footnote 13</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag13">(return)</a> + + <p>Such was his exclamation, as repeated in the History before referred + to. Colonel Campbell always imputed the unfortunate occurrence that + clouded the evening of his life to the share his ancestor had in the + disastrous affair of Glencoe.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a> <b>Footnote 14</b>: <a href= + "#footnotetag14">(return)</a> + + <p>We may refer to this hereafter, and to show that <i>we</i> at least are + not guilty of exaggeration, we subjoin the passage in the original + Italian, from which it will be seen that our translation is as literal as + possible.</p> + + <p>"L'anno quatuor-decimo del secolo presente, nel dramma che si + rappresentava in Ancona, v'era, su'l principio dell' atto terzo, una riga + di recitativo, non accompagnato da altri stromenti che dal basso; per cui, + tanto in noi professori quanto negli ascoltanti, si destava una tale e + tanta commozione di animo, che tutti si guardavano in faccia l'un l'altro, + per la evidente mutazione di colore che si faceva in ciascheduno di noi. + L'effetto non era di pianto (mi ricordo benissimo che le parole erano di + sdegno) ma di un certo rigore e freddo nel sangue, che di fatto turbava + l'animo. Tredici volte si recito il dramma, e sempre segui l'effetto + stesso universalmente: di che era segno palpabile il sommo previo + silenzio, con cui l'uditorio tutto si apparechiava a goderne + l'effetto."</p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327, by Various + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EDINBURGH MAGAZINE, NO. 327 *** + +This file should be named 8b32710h.htm or 8b32710h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8b32711h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8b32710ah.htm + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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