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I ever heard was that of a common peasant girl, seated on the banks of a lake, with her bare feet dipped in its transparent waters, entirely unconscious of the unrivaled power which would have made her fortune in one of our opera houses. Music among us is too mechanical; and painting will never arrive at perfection in modern times unless artists study nature more, and artificial life less. Without natural genius, a nation may purchase talent, but it will never give rise to any. However, for my part, I have an inordinate love for the beautiful, both in nature and art; and can admire music, poetry, and painting, whether exhibiting a small degree of genius, or arrived at the utmost degree of perfection."

A young artist, who is fast rising to distinction in our city, turned to her at these words. "You must visit our National Academy," said he, "and see what progress our infant country is making in the arts. It may even, at some future time, rival your own."

"My own!" she replied, with some surprise; and then smiling archly. 66 Oh, you take me for a native of Italy, because I seem so familiar with its wonders. I have spent some time there, and with great pleasure, I confess; but I am not an Italian."

The Italian gentleman, who had listened to her conversation with his whole soul in his eyes, here exclaimed in astonishment,

"Not an Italian, and speak the language so well! However, the French ladies are quite proficient in it, especially when they have resided many years in my country.”

"I am, indeed, flattered with the compliment," replied Miss Legard. "But not even in enlightened France can I claim a home; although I love her language, and enjoy the society to be found there. But why may not a woman be well versed in the language of other countries, without being a native of their soil ?"

"Only think of a foreigner understanding our language and literature so well!" said Miss Mellen to Frederick Howard, who was standing near Miss Legard, anxious for an introduction. "She seems to know all about our best poets-Bryant, Whittier, Halleck and Percival. But what strange notions she has about the stage! asserting that there is little originality in our plays! Who do you admire the most, Mr. Howard, Shakspeare, Sheridan Knowles, or Bannister?"

"There is great difference," said Howard, smiling at the oddness of the comparison,

"between the creator of the English stage and modern imitators.”

"Oh," said Mrs. Langdon, "but Shakspeare took the plots of all his plays from old romances, and our dramatists rely upon their own invention."

"Not always," replied Howard; "I could give you instances to the contrary."

"But then there were kings and queens for heroes and heroines in Shakspeare's time," said Corrinna. "What sort of characters can be made of our plebeian race ?"

"Only think," said Miss Mellen, "of making heroes of our soldiers of the Revolution, in their old straw hats, homespun garments, and hands stained with the dirt from a corn-field! their feet shod in cowhide shoes, instead of being ornamented with knightly spurs their raw-boned, stupid horses, taken from the plow at a moment's notice, and laden with corn-meal, potatoes and gingerbread! their knapsacks filled with woolen socks, (of home manufacture,) one change of not linen, but coarse cotton, a woolen night-cap and one blanket!"

"Bar-ba-rous!" ejaculated Beaumont.

"Or heroines of our sedate grandmothers, in their short gowns, white aprons, and plain mob caps! Churning, spinning and weaving all day-up before sunrise, and to bed at nine o'clock. Think of their knitting all their own stockings, making their own garments, churning their own butter, and raising their own hens and chickens! I have seen a letter, in the possession of a literary lady, in this city, written by Mrs. Abigail Adams, the wife of the President John Adams, which amused me exceedingly. It seems she was traveling alone in a one-horse chaise, and writes to the keeper of a tavern, in the next town, to know the price of oats, and requesting him to procure some on the most reasonable terms, to supply the wants of her beast during her stay there! What a vulgar economy must have been the order of the day! I have no doubt that the children of our prudent grandsires were limited to so many pieces of bread and butter a day-sugar prohibited in their tea, and wine at their dinners, in order to save money enough to send one son, at least, to the army to fight for liberty."

"And look at the glorious results of all this!" exclaimed Howard, indignant at the reflection upon those who had sacrificed quiet, comfort, everything, to secure those comforts to their posterity. "When the electric spark

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Miss Laurence! Inez!-this, then, was the correspondent about whom Miss Stanbrook had made such a mystery! This was the

of freedom was kindled in our land, it touched for she hastened to say, "I have heard of you, not alone the great, the rich, the powerful, but sir, very often from a young friend of mine, flew with rapidity from the halls of Congress who was at Saratoga at the same time with to the poorest cabin, reared by laborious in- yourself, and with whom I was in constant dustry, upon the margin of our western streams. correspondence." The effect was spontaneous. Each individual felt the cause his own. The simple artisan, the poor mechanic, the hard-working farmer, felt the same glow in his bosom as the pamper-dear friend" with whom he had become almost ed child of fortune, or the descendants of princes. Our Revolution affected the whole mass of the people; and it was the people, without distinction of rank or station, who finally effected our independence."

"All this is very true," said Miss Mellen, her romance for a moment damped. "But, then, what have we to compare with the redcross knights, the knights of the white banner, or the Crusaders, reclining in gorgeous tents, furnished with all the magnificence of the East?"

"Your General Putnam, bearing his breast to the storm in defiance of the British flagstanding unflinching at the stake of the Indian -braving certain death to save the magazine of powder-and afterwards forsaking home and its comforts to contend for his country's rights. Your Prescott, and others, sleeping all night on the bare ground the night before the battle of Bunker Hill, and the next day, with a handful of men, defying the whole British army. Your Jackson, wading through the swamps of Louisiana, to achieve the glorious victory of New-Orleans. Your Harrison, forcing his way through hostile tribes to deem his country's honor; and, first and greatest of all, your immortal Washington, the wonder and admiration of the world," said Miss Legard, who had been silently listening to the discussion.

in love from the very description! The similarity of manners and expression which had so often struck him, and which is often perceived in those whose pursuits are the same, and who are in the habit of constant and intimate intercourse, were now easily accounted for. Yet the one was a refined, accomplished, self-possessed woman, evidently accustomed to society, and the other a timid creature, full of life and light, and changeable as a poet's visions.

"Come," said Miss Legard, noticing his abstraction, and while she devined the cause, wishing to remove it; "come," said she, with a smile, “I have mystified our friends here, who, by questions and surmises, have expressed some curiosity about the land of my nativity. The Americans, you know, are always curious about foreigners. I have been solicited to sing once more. Shall I break the spell, and set conjecture at rest?”

“Do so, I pray,” said Howard, his eyes flashing with delight. She took his arm, and approached the harp. The crowd separated as she passed, and then closed again around the re-instrument. Her magnificently turned head and finely chiseled features, might well remind one of that master-piece of Canova so long the admiration of those who have visited the Ferrara Palace in Italy, and her fine eyes lighted up with enthusiastic fire as, after a short prelude, she sang the following words :

Every one was silenced. Shame tinged the cheeks of some; others were struck dumb with astonishment at the fervor with which this

"My country! my country! the home of the free, Oh! who would turn traitor, and wander from thee?

remark was made by a female and a for- My heart's in thy valleys wherever I roam; eigner!

"Allow me," said Beaumont, pulling Howard by the sleeve, "allow me, Miss Legard, to introduce to you an American patriot-Mr. Frederick Howard."

"Mr. Howard!" exclaimed Miss Legard, turning towards him with the most marked expression of pleasure, "I have long wished to make your acquaintance."

Naturally timid, Howard was somewhat embarrassed at this flattering notice, and Miss

'Neath the dome of a palace, I sighed for my home.

I have stood where the Caesars held worlds at command-
Where Liberty wept over Sparta's brave band-

Where England's proud navies are sweeping the sea,
And longed for my own native land of The Free!

I have knelt where the monarchs of Egypt once trod,
And the groans of her bondmen went up to their God;
And I thought of the chains that were once forged for thee,
So soon rent asunder-dear land of The Free!

I have sat in the shade of fair Italy's bowers,
Loved her gold-tinted skies, and her beautiful flowers
But the hand of the spoiler was visible there,

Legard herself seemed sensible of his confusion, And freedom had flown from the slave-tainted air.

When Poland's brave sons were relating their woes,
I thought of a land where the heart finds repose-
Where the blood of the brave nourished Liberty's Tree,
And tyrants exist not-the land of The Free!
Where Circassia's fair maidens in solitude pine,
Their white arms encircled with gems from the mine-

I have gazed on their beauty, and thought how the brave
Would scorn those frail links 'twixt the tyrant and slave!

Then the songs from their lips fell so sad on my ear,
Like a bird's in captivity, mingled with fear :

I thought of the land where, from mountain to sea,
Our daughters are warbling the songs of The Free!
Oh! ne'er may the waves that encircle thy strand
Bear oppression to thee, my own dear native land!
'Mid the wreck of proud empires, green be thy tree,
And the universe hail thee, THE LAND OF THE FREE!"

She ceased-and all stood entranced as the full, melodious tones of the harp vibrated through the splendid apartments, touching every chord of feeling, and awakening those patriotic sentiments which are always alive in the bosoms of Americans. The buzz of admiration, and the loud murmurs of applause, continued long after the songstress had returned to her seat, and was resuming her conversation with Howard. She had been struck with the animated expression of his countenance, on which nature's nobility was stamped, and the dignity, yet softness of his manners; and was anxious to dawn forth those powers of mind which had been so often spoken of in the let ters of Inez.

Of all the company present, Howard had been the most silent after her performance, and she feared that he either did not approve of this exhibition of patriotic enthusiasm in a woman, or that he was, like many of the company, almost ashamed of a country that boasted no distinctions of rank, save those of wealth and talent-no kings, thrones and sceptres, princes, dukes and lords.

But she was mistaken. Howard spoke little, but he felt the more. "Deep feeling is always silent." He reserved the expression of his opinion until withdrawn from the crowd, where it could be heard by her ear along. "If aught," said he, "could inspire our American youth, and urge them onward in the path of glory and fame, it would be such sentiments breathed by the lips of a beautiful woman."

"And what," replied Miss Legard-blushing at the implied compliment to herself "what should prevent my countrymen from becoming distinguished? Have we not as fair skies as those of Italy? intellectual resources as great as those of Germany? and men of as great natural ability as any other country? The path of fame is open to all, and honors

await the persevering applicant. Though thorns may spring up in the way, roses are among them. Look at your Webster, your Clay, your Adams, Franklin, Everett, Jefferson, and others equally distinguished - all men who rose by their own merits and exertions, without the patronage or favor of kings or dukes some, the relics of a past age; others, the lights of the present; but all, men whose names will go down to posterity wreathed with the laurel of undying fame.

"I have perhaps surprised you, as well as others, by departing so far from the usual track, as to sing a patriotic song at a large party, where nothing but sentimental effusions generally receive favor. The conversation to which I had just listened, in which the homely ways of our good forefathers were ridiculed, called forth a desire to reprove the speakers, while I at the same time satisfied a curiosity, awakened by my sudden appearance in society, after having withdrawn myself from it for many years, part of which have been passed abroad, learning languages and examining wonders. My father was sent on a foreign mission, and I accompanied him. But enough of myself. My purpose has been accomplished if I recall the wandering thoughts of any one here, from the follies and vices of foreign courts to the glorious heritage left them by their pilgrim fathers."

She paused; when suddenly her eye fell upon a tall, intellectual looking man, who had been standing some time by the marble mantel— his head leaning upon his hand-his lips compressed, as if from strong emotion-his dark piercing eye almost hid beneath his thick black brows, and his whole soul concentered into one intense, absorbing look-and that look was fixed upon the speaker.

She turned away, and her agitation was very great. She became pale, and the color fled from her lips. Howard was the only one who saw it. He snatched up a glass of water that stood upon a table near, and handed it to her without a word. She took it mechanically, swallowed some of the contents, and, recovering herself with a strong effort, thanked him for his attention; but all her late vivacity had flown, and the call to supper relieved them both from the embarrassment caused by her sudden illness. He offered his arm, which was accepted, and, as they passed the spot where the stranger had stood, he perceived that it

was vacant.

"What do you think of that Miss Le

gard?" asked Miss Fitzallen of Corrinna Mellen.

"Oh!" said Corrinna, "she has a pretty good voice, but her upper notes are not powerful enough. You should hear Miss Astor since she has taken lessons of that Italian master who charges seventy dollars a quarter. She can now raise her voice as high as Garcia. I suppose the reason Miss Legard chooses the harp instead of the piano, is, that it shows off her figure to such advantage. How nimble her fingers ran over the strings! and, by the way, what superb hands and arms she has! And did you see that ring? It was given her by the Duchess of Orleans, as a token of friendship. They say the duchess thought her divine, and invited her to all her parties. But only think of her being an American after all! I was so surprised! and then, her choosing such a song-just to make men stare, I do believe. I suppose it was her showpiece."

"What do you mean by show-piece?" "Why, every one who plays, has one piece in which they become perfect, and play it on all occasions when they are called upon to amuse the company. I learned the Battle of Prague' for that purpose, and Arrabella the Overture to Lodoiska.' Now, these being long pieces, the listeners were satisfied, and we were not asked to play a second time."

"Have you a part in the private theatricals at Mrs. B- -'s?"

"Oh, yes! I am to be the 'Mourning Bride,' and Gus Beaumont is going to act Osmyn, and Cornelia Stanbrook is to be Zara."

"And Laura?"

"Oh, Laura is too timid, and they wanted Inez Laurence to take her place, but she declined; I don't know what for, unless because this Miss Legard was not invited; and they are great friends."

One o'clock carriages were rattling over the pavement. Hoods and shawls in requisition, and beaux and belles, enlivened by dancing and champagne, whirled off to their respective homes, talking over the adventures of the evening, and forming new plans for the enjoyment of the morrow.

"You will not forget your engagement for to-morrow evening," said Miss Legard to Frederick Howard, as he stood at the steps of her carriage. "I have only a few social friends. But you are acquainted with the Stanbrooksthey will be there; and Miss Laurence-my lovely friend Inez."

That name would have been inducement enough, independent of all else. He bowed in acceptance of the invitation. Crack went the whip, round went the wheels, the lights danced before his eyes, and he was left to plod his weary way to his solitary room.

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WITH sandals of iron the battle-men came,
Deep marking their pathway with slaughter and flame;
On pillars each chiseled his deed and his name,
And died, fondly dreaming their trophies were fame.

Stow ages came after the conqueror's heel,
Spread grass on the red turf, and shivered the steel,
To dust flung the pillars 'slaved millions had wrought,
And the heroes, alas! with their fame, were forgot.

They rose, like the surges that shriek to the storm;
They passed, like the whirlwind that mantles its form;
They mounted like eagles, were known by their scream;
With the cloud and the lightning, they fled like a dream.

A few are unsmitten, a few are not lost;
The Sydneys and Hampdens, who fearlessly tossed
Their hands in defiance of tyrant and chain,
Like stars fix'd in heaven, undimmed they remain.

'Round Marathon, ages on ages shall tread;
Thermopyla, hallowed, shall live with her dead,
And Grutli's defender, and Athens' proud sage
Shall rise, while Earth's tyrants have pillar nor page.

And Vernon-where Freedom has knelt by his urn-
Through Washington's dust shall forgetfulness spurn,
And fling on the future a light to the last,
'Till back from their mission the ages have passed.

The good are not perished! from heart unto heart They, on, like the sun-burst, eternally dart, Unheeding white pillar, or trumpet, or name,The love that we bear them their trophy and fame

THE GRANDEUR OF INTELLECT.

AN ESSAY, BY URIAH H. JUDAH.

"PLEASURE is a shadow; wealth is vanity; and power is a pageant: but knowledge is ecstatic in enjoyment,perennial in fame, unlimited in space, and infinite in duration. In the performance of its sacred offices, it fears no danger-spares no expense-omits no exertion. It scales the mountain-looks into the volcano-dives into the ocean-perforates the earth-wings its flight into the skies-encircles the globe-explores sea and land-contemplates the distant-examines the minute-comprehends the great-ascends to the sublime. No place too remote for its grasp no heavens too exalted for its touch."-De Witt Clinton.

WHAT can surpass the force or the beauty | quence of speech-Oratory-which we are disof intellect? By unceasing toil in a profitable posed to rank above all others, simply because vocation, riches are often acquired by those the first and the greatest Orator was GOD: "He who possess common and untutored intellects; spoke, and it was done!" but a great and splendid mind is a peculiar gift conferred upon man, as a "standard" of his superiority, by that Almighty Genius, who, without any preparatory measures, conceived the grand idea of calling into action, with the unrivaled rapidity of thought, this beautiful and stupendous globe.

Whenever we behold the possessors of brilliant, of powerful intellect, let us note them as extraordinary, as gifted mortals, destined, sooner or later, to rise to the summit of human greatness-ay! to the topmost of ambition's ladder—and, by the proper or pernicious exercise of the talents with which Heaven, in a spirit of kindness, has endowed them, wield an influence either for good or for evil.

Look around to the unrestricted prosperity of this bright clime of freedom-this land of civil and religious liberty-and to what would ye attribute its rapid success, its upward, and its ever onward course? Surely not to the wealth of its inhabitants, but to the amount and quality of the talent employed in developing its still vast uncultivated fields of commerce, art and literature-talent elicited by the very nature of our liberal and happy institutions.

Intellectual splendor shows itself in many forms. It was displayed by Fulton, in the application of steam; by Cole, when he painted the "Voyage of Life;" by Franklin, in his familiarity with the "Starry host;" by Clinton, when he opened the waters of the canal; by Morse, in his telegraphic discoveries.

And "Authorship" we would rank in the second class of the school of intellectuality, placing in the front and head thereof, Moses, the great law-giver of the Hebrews, and claiming for his writings a popularity unsurpassed: breathing throughout an eloquence truly holy, and pure, and lovely, they will en dure until the sun shall cease to perform his daily rounds, or until the moon doth set in eternal darkness.

Sublimity of thought! Oh! how superbly splendid does it fall on the ear of the refined and the intelligent, when clad in the fitting and appropriate garb of glowing eloquence, of grandeur and of truth!

It is this which has transmitted the great names of Abn Ezra, Maimonides, and Mendelsohn, of Homer, Scott, Milton, Pope, Cowper, Shakspeare, and Addison, from generation to generation; and it is this which has clad with renown a Hemans, a Norton, a Landon, a Mitford, a Sedgwick, a Browne, a Bremer, a Howitt, an Aguilar, a Robinson, and an Opie.

Turn we now from those bright "stars," so dazzling to the eye, and fix our gaze on these brilliant lights around and about our literary horizon-on Irving, Cooper, Sigourney, Prescot, Sprague, Dana, Dawes, Pierpont, Halleck, Prentice, Lester, Everett, Paulding, Bryant, Holmes, Stevens, Longfellow, Conrad, Fay, Street, and Lowell.

The following beautiful poem, by Henry W. Longfellow, so forcibly illustrates the subject of our heading, and is such an undeniable eviBut we come now to speak of a higher de-dence of American genius, that we cannot regree of intellect, approximating nearer to the frain from presenting it to the numerous and Divine, viz. grandeur of thought and elo-intelligent readers of "The Republic," as a

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