with those with whom they had already undergone that ceremony. Kean and Young in Othello; "The Douglas and the Percy both in arms." Dance of actors from both theatres: foot it and hey" contrary sides:" Mr. Liston and Miss Stephens still only underlined. "The ery is still they come." Diabolical attempt to poison a whole family at breakfast, in Lombard-street, by putting Paine's Age of Reason under the tea-pot providentially none of the family could read. Growing civility of sweeps, dustmen, and patrols: plainly denoting that the era of Christmasboxes is at hand. Boys arm-in-arm and three a-breast aping manhood along Fleet-street, with Cossack trowsers and bamboo canes. Grave papas, usually seen about without an accompaniment, were met dragging along children in couples, and occasionally stopping to peep into toy-shop windows. Premature twelfth-cakes stealing behind confectioners' counters: striplings of

sixteen walking half ashamed arm-in-arm with maiden
aunts from whom the family has expectations. Gri-
maldi and the new pantomime: front rows filled by
urchins, who, at every knock-down-blow, fling back
their flaxen polls, in delight, into the laps of their
chuckling parents on the seat behind. Magnificent
prospectuses from divers new Utopian Magazines.
Bellman and lamplighter run up the side of Parnassus.
A great issuing of orders to tailors on the 31st of
December, for apparel to be sent home the week fol-
lowing, and this to evade re-appearing in the present
year's bill. Awful events, which too plainly denote
that that Annus Mirabilis, the year 1822, is hastening
to the " Tomb of all the Capulets!"

THE COURT OF ALDERMEN AT FISH-
MONGERS' HALL.

(From the New Monthly Magazine.)
Is that dace or perch?

Said Alderman Birch;

I take it for herring,

Said Alderman Perring.

This jack's very good,

Said Alderman Wood;

But its bones might a man slay,
Said Alderman Ansley.

I'll butter what I get,

Said Alderman Heygate.
Give me some stew'd carp,
Said Alderman Thorp.
The roe's dry as pith,

Said Aldermen Smith.
Don't cut so far down,

Said Alderman Brown;
But nearer the fin,

Said Alderman Glyn.
I've finish'd, i'faith, man,

Said Alderman Waithman :
And I too, i'fatkins,

Said Alderman Atkins.
They've crimp'd this cod drolly,
Said Alderman Scholey;
"Tis bruised at the ridges,

Said Alderman Brydges.
Was it caught in a drag? Nay,
Said Alderman Magnay.
'Twas brought by two men,
Said Alderman Ven-

ables: Yes, in a box,
Said Alderman Cox.
They care not how furtis,
Said Alderman Curtis.
From air kept, and from sun,
Said Alderman Thompson;
Pack'd neatly in straw,

Said Alderman Shaw:
In ice got from Gunter,
Said Alderman Hunter.
This ketchup is sour,

Said Alderman Flower;
Then steep it in claret,

Said Alderman Garret.

SINGULAR BIOGRAPHY.
"Remote from towns he ran his godly race,
Nor e'er had chang'd nor wish'd to change his place."
GOLDSMITH.

Seathwaite church yard, in Westmoreland,
contains the following inscription;

"In memory of the Reverend Robert Walker, who died the 25th of June, 1802, in the 93rd year of his age, and 67th of bis curacy at Seathwaite.

"Also of Anne his wife, who died the 28th of January, in the 93rd year of her age."

This is the pastor alluded to in Mr. Wordsworth's Excursion, as a worthy compeer of the country parson of Chaucer. A brief memoir of his life, extracted from the same writer, may perhaps be acceptable.

My lord,—I have the favour of your's of the 1st inst. and am exceedingly obliged on account of the Ulpha affair. If that curacy should fall into your lordship's hands, I would beg leave rather to decline than embrace it; for the chapels of Seathwaite and Ulpha annexed together, would be apt to cause a general discontent among the inhabitants of both places; by either thinking themselves slighted, being only served alternately, or neglected in the duty, or attributing it to covetousness in me; all which occasions of murmuring I would willingly avoid." Concluding, as he did in his former letter, that it was his wish "to live peaceably with all men."

The year following, the curacy of Seathwaite was augmented again: and, to effect this augmentation, fifty pounds had been advanced by himself. Scanty as was his income, the offer of much better benefices could not tempt Mr. W. to quit a situation where he had been so long happy, with a consciousness of being useful.

and pattern of an indulgent parent. Your
Grace's favourable reception of this, from a dis-
tant corner of the diocese, and an obscure hand,
will excite filial gratitude, and a due use shall
be made of the obligation vouchsafed thereby to
your Grace's very dutiful and most obedient son
and servant,
Robert Walker."

ROBERT WALKER was born at Under Crag, in Seathwaite, in the year 1709, and was the youngest of twelve children. His eldest brother died at Under Crag, aged 94 years. Robert was a sickly child, and his health continuing delicate, it was deemed best to breed him a scholar; for it was not likely that he would be able to earn his livelihood by bodily labour. At that time few of the dales were furnished with school houses; children were taught in the chapels; and in the same building where he officiated so many years, he received the rudiments of his Having given to one of his sons a college edueducation. After some time he became school- cation, in the year 1775 he requested the Archmaster at Lowes-water; and, by the assistance bishop of York to ordain him: concluding his of a gentleman in the neighbourhood, he ac- letter thus. "Divine Providence, assisted by quired, at leisure hours, a knowledge of the liberal benefactors, has blest my endeavours, classics, and qualified himself for taking orders. from a small income to rear a numerous family; Upon his ordination he had the offer of two and as my time of life renders me unfit for curacies of the same value, viz. five pounds per much future expectancy from this world, I annum but the cure of Seathwaite, having a should be glad to see my son settled in a procottage attached to it, as he wished to marry, mising way to acquire an honest livelihood for obtained the preference. The young woman on himself. His behaviour, so far in life, has been whom his affections were fixed, though in the irreproachable; and I hope he will not degenecondition of a domestic servant, had given pro-rate, in principles or practice, from the precepts mise, by her virtuous disposition, that she was worthy to become the help-mate of a man entering on such a plan of life as he had marked out for himself. By her frugality she had stored up a small sum of money, with which they began house-keeping in 1735. About twenty years afterwards his living had been augmented, for in a letter to a friend, he says, "the annual income of my chapel, at present, may amount to about £17 10; of which five pounds are in cash from the bounty of Queen Anne, £5 from the lord of the manor, and £3 from certain inhabitants as a rent charge. The house and gardens I value at £4 yearly, not worth more; and the surplice fees and voluntary contributions may be worth £3, but, as the inhabitants are few in number, and the fees very low, this lastmentioned sum consists merely in free-will offerings. I am situated greatly to my satisfaction with regard to the conduct and behaviour of my auditory, who not only live in happy ignorance of the follies and vices of the age, but in mutual peace and good will with one another; and are seemingly, (I hope really too) sincere Christians, and sound members of the established church, not one dissenter of any denomination being amongst them all. I got to the value of 40 for my wife's fortune; and though my income has been but small, and my family large, yet, by a providential blessing upon my diligent endeavours, the kindness of friends, and a cheap country to live in, we have always had the necessaries of life."

About the time when this letter was written, the Bishop of Chester recommended a scheme of joining the curacy of Ulpha to the contiguous one of Seathwaite, and the nomination was offered to Mr. Walker; but, an unexpected dif

The same man who was thus liberal in the education of his family, was even munificent in hospitality as a parish priest. Every Sunday were served, upon a long table, messes of broth, for the refreshment of those of his congregation who came from a distance, and they usually took their seats as parts of his household. It seems scarcely possible that this custom could have commenced before the augmentation of his

cure.

His generosity in old age may be still further illustrated by a little circumstance relating to an orphan grandson, which I find in a copy of a letter to one of his sons: he requests that half a guinea may be given to "little Robert for pocket money," promising to make him the like allowance annually. The conclusion of the same letter is so characteristic that I cannot forbear transcribing it. "We," meaning his wife and himself, "are in our wonted state of health, allowing for the hasty strides of old age knocking daily at our door; and threateningly telling us, we are not only mortal but must, ere long, take leave of our ancient cottage, and lie down in our last dormitory. Let us hear from you soon, to augment the mirth of the Christmas holidays. Wishing you all the pleasures of the approaching season, I am, dear son, with lasting sincerity, your's affectionately,

Robert Walker."

He loved old usages, and in some instances stuck to them to his own loss: for having had

:

a sum of money in the hands of a neighbour, when long course of time had raised the rate of interest, and more was offered, he refused to accept it. From the vice of cupidity he was quite free. He made no charge for teaching his school such as could afford to pay, gave him what they pleased when very young, having kept a diary of his expences, the large amount, at the end of the year, surprised him; and from that time, the rule of his life was to be economical not avaricious. At his decease he left no less a sum than £2000; and such a sense of his various excellences was prevalent in the country, that the epithet of WONDERFUL is to this day attached to his name.

There is in the above sketch something so extraordinary as to require further explanatory details but these must form the subject of a future number.

:

MATHEMATICS.

Tread-Wheel applied to Canal Navigation.-The object is to obviate the necessity of employing horses in drawing barges on canals. The apparatus is made light, and separable from the barge: two men can propela barge by it at the rate of five miles an hour. The saving in the expense of horses and towing-patbs promises to make this an important application of human power. M. Van Heythuysen is the person who has adopted this apparatus.

Improvement in Metallic Casting.-Iron and metallic casts are said to be very much improved by subjecting the metal, when in the moulds, to pressure. This is done by making a part of the mould of such a form as to receive a piston, which, on the metal being introduced, is made to press on it with any required force. It is stated that castings obtained in this way are not only free from the common imperfections, but have a peculiar soundness of surface, and closeness of textare; qualities of the utmost importance in ordnance, flatting; cylinders, &c. The improvement belongs to Mr. Hollingrake, who has obtained a patent for it.Journal of Science.

Mathematical Prize Question.-The following is proposed by the class of mathematics of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Prussia :-- To give a complete

Solution of No. 53, by Mr. Jones, Chorlton Row.mathematical theory of the luminous or colored circles

First, draw the line CAB; then with centre C and radius CA, and centre C and radius CB, describe two concentric circles;-through FCH draw a diameter to the two circles, and parallel to this diameter draw the chord IB.---from A draw AG perpendicular to IB.

The depth of the well will then be represented by AB, and the latitude of the place by the angle BCH. Now, the difference between the circumferences described by the points B. and A. in one revolution of the earth upon its axis is 2BG x 3.1416; bat, BG = AB multiplied by the cosine of the angle BCH or GBA, AB X cosine of 51° 32" 248.825 feet. Hence, the difference between the spaces described in 24 hours by the points A and B is 248.825 × 2 × 3.14161563.7314 feet. And the time the body would fall through 400 feet is equal to 4005 seconds. Therefore, as 24 hours 5 seconds: 1563.7314 feet 1.086 inches; the distance the body wonld fall east of the perpendicular.

Jack at a Pinch favoured us with a solution similar to the one above;---most of our other correspondents seem to have misunderstood the question.

Question No. 58, by Mr. John Hill. Required the value of x, y, and z, when (403 — x') X (2x2 - 23) X (xy — y2) is a maximum.

57.

We beg to call the attention of our mathematical friends to Questions No. 46, 47, 50, 51, 54, 56, and To these questions we have not yet received any correct solutions, excepting such as have been furnished by the respective proposers of the questions, and some that have been sent to us by our able correspondent Jack at a

Pinch.

SCIENCE, ETC.

NEW THEORY OF THE BLOOD.---Sir Everard Home in an introductory lecture on the physiology of the blood, advances a new theory, from a discovery made by him in 1808. Observing the growth of a grain of wheat through a microscope, he saw a blob, and then a tube passing from it; the blob was the juice of the plant, and the tube was formed by the extraction of arbonic acid gas. By analogical reasoning he was led to examine a globule of blood, in which he found similar tubes, aud which he injected under the exhausted receiver of an air pump. Hence, he concludes that carbonic acid gas exists in the blood in the proportion of two cubic inches to an ounce, and that it is given out in considerable quantities from the blood after a full meal, and very little from the blood of a feverish person.

which form around the Sun and Moon; and such an
one as will equally agree with the results of observa-
tions, and with the known properties of light and the
atmosphere.' The possible influence of the inflection
and polarisation of light is to be considered. Memoirs
must be sent in before the end of March, 1924. The
prize is 50 ducats.

Porcelain Clay-Gold in Cheshire.-A superior clay,
said to be well adapted for the manufacture of the best
sort of china, has recently been discovered on the
estate of Mr. Ackerley. at Little Saughall, near Ches-

A tailor

his family honourably; a thing at that time sufficiently remarkable, and which in the present age might pass for a prodigy! But his grateful country recompensed in the children the virtues of the father. The parliament

granted a perpetual annuity of four thousand pounds stirling to the family of Chatham, besides paying twenty thousand pounds of debt, which the late Earl had been compelled to contract, in order to support his rank and his numerous household. No individual until that time, except the duke of Marlborough, had received in Eugland such high and liberal rewards. The Earl of Chatham was no less distinguished as a great orator, than as a profound statesman, and immaculate citizen. He defended with admirable eloquence before parliament, those resolutions which he had maturely discussed and firmly adopted in the consultations of the cabinet. Some, it is true, blamed in his speeches the too frequent use of figures, and a certain pomp of style much savouring of the taste of those times. But this great minister surpassed all the rulers of nations of his age, in the art of exciting, even to enthusiasm, the zeal of the servants of the state, civil as well as military: a talent which heaven confers but rarely, and only upon privileged individuals. In a word, he was a man whose name will never be pronounced without encomium, and the resplendent glory of whose virtues will eternally recommend them to invitation."

ADVERTISEMENTS.

EDUCATION.THE REV. G. BROWN, A. M. in

his Private Establishment at Chadderton, (pleasantly situated on the Irwell, five miles from Bury,) has at present a few vacancies. The number of Pupils is limited to sir or eight; they have the use of a valuable select Library, and are treated in every respect as part of the family.

Terms.-FORTY GUINEAS per annum, including washing, and every charge, except school books and stationary.Address, the Advertiser at "Chadderton, near Bury, Lancashire."

Chadderton, Jan. 16th, 1823.

INTERESTING LECTURES, on

EXPERIMEN

TAL PHILOSOPHY, with superior apparatus, iliustrated by a great variety of pleasing Experiments, which will be explained in the most familiar manner, and suited to every Capacity, will be delivered on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of January, 1823; precisely at 7 o'Clock each Evening, by Mr. T. CLARKE, in the Large Room, Mr. DODD'S REPERTORY, No. 28, King-Street, Manchester.

Tickets for the Three Lectures, Front Seats, 5s.-A single Admission, 2s.-Back Seats and Children, 1s. 6d.-N.B. Good Fires kept.-Syllabuses may be had at the Room.

NOTICE. Mr. H. F. JAMES takes the earliest

Electro-Magnetic Effect of Lightning.-A violent thunder-storm occurred on the 22d of June last, at Toulouse, when the lightning passed by various metallic pipes through a house, and gave occasion to observe its strong powers of magnetization. Just under the roof, a part of the floor was completely destroyed by the lightning, and a piece of iron that had belonged to it had become so strongly magnetic, that it was able to lift a table-knife. Small iron tools were magnetized by the iron, but it lost its power in 36 hours. was sitting on a chair near the conductor through which the lightning passed; he felt no shock, but next day, on taking a case of needles from his pocket, he found them so strongly magnetized, that they hung six or seven together. Another case, containing five needles, was lying on a chimney-piece 20 feet from the conductor; they also were magnetized. There were fourteen or fifteen persons in the house, none of whom felt the electricity. It may be presumed, therefore, that the whole went through the conductor. In the present he hopes will be continued to his Son.-He has further to state of electro-magnetic science, it is easy to understand the effect on the needles and neighbouring pieces of iron. The case resembles those quoted by Sir H. Davy, from the Phil. Trans., and is an illustration of the process he recommends for the formation of powerful magnets by lightning-rods.-Ann. de Chim.

WILLIAM PITT, EARL OF CHATHAM.---
The following eulogy on this celebrated statesman is
taken from an excellent work very little known in this
country, entitled, "The History of the War of the
Independence of the United States of America ;" tran
slated from the Italian of Charles Botta, by George
Alexander Otis, and printed in Philadelphia in the
year 1821.---

"This man, whether for his genius, his virtues, or
the great things he did for his country, is rather to be
paralleled with the ancients than preferred to the
moderns. He governed for a considerable time the
opulent Kingdom of Great Britain: he raised it to such
a pitch of splendour, as the English at no other period
had ever known, or even presumed to hope for; and be
died, if not in poverty, at least with so narrow
a for-
tune, that it would not have been sufficient to maintain

opportunity, after his recovery from a very severe and long illness, to announce to the admirers of the FINE ARTS, that the RESTORATION of INJURED PAINTINGS, which has heretofore been carried on by HIMSELF & SON, jointly, will, in future be conducted by his Sos alone; whose experience and extensive practice has rendered him fully competent to do justice to that branch of the profession; in addition to which, his Son will continue to give lessons in DRAWING, PERSPECTIVE, and COLOURING from NATURE, as before.

Mr. H. F. JAMES begs leave to return his sincere acknowledgements to those Gentlemen who have honoured him with their patronage since his residence in Manchester, and which announce that, in future, he will devote himself, (exclusively), to the LITHOGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT. Ridge-Field, Dec. 31st. 1822.

TO SUBSCRIBERS.

The TITLE-PAGE and INDEX for Vol. I. are now ready, and may be had GRATIS.

The Manchester Xris:

A LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MISCELLANY.

This Paper is Published Weekly, and may be had of the Booksellers in Manchester; of Agents in many of the principal Towns in the Kingdom; and of the News-carriers.
The last column is open to ADVERTISEMENTS of a LITERARY and SCIENTIFIC nature, comprising Education, Institutions, Sales of Libraries, &c.

No. 52.-VOL. II.

REVIEWS.

BY THE AUTHOR OF

Peveril of the Peak.
WAVERLEY. London, Hurst Robinson, & Co.

1822.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1823.

to a plain belt of buff, or of black leather. One or
two of the elder guests, whose hair had been thinned
by time, had their heads covered with a scnll-cap of
the ears and the scull, and permitting no hair to escape,
black silk or velvet, which being drawn down betwixt
manner which may be remarked in old pictures, and
occasioned the former to project in the ungraceful
which procured for the Puritans the term of "prick-
them by their contemporaries.
eared round-heads," so unceremoniously applied to

Sir Geoffrey Peveril (descended from an illegitimate son of the Great Norman) of the Peak, is a cheerful, loyal, old cavalier of the sevenThese worthies were ranged against the wall, each teenth century; who with royalists generally, is much embarrassed in bis fortune by the oppressive measures of the long Parliament. in his ancient, high-backed, long-legged chair; neither Ralph Bridgenorth, is a Presbyterian, who bene- looking towards, nor apparently discoursing with each fits by the prevailing policy; nevertheless, being other; but plunged in their own reflections, or awaita neighbour, an old school-fellow, and a liberaling, like an assembly of quakers, the quickening kind of man, he lives in friendly habits with power of divine inspiration. Sir G. and renders hin many services.

PORTRAIT OF FENELLA.

This little creature, for she was of the least and

PRICE 3 d.

There

simile too dignified to express that vile race, who, by
a hundred devices, all tending to one common end, live
upon the wants of needy greatness, or administer to
the wild wishes of lavish and wasteful extravagance,
-There stood the Projector, with his mysterious brow,
the pleasures of summer-teeming luxury, or stimulate
choose to furnish the small preliminary sum necessary
by devising new modes and fresh motives of profusion.
promising unbounded wealth to whomsoever might
to change egg-shells into the great arcanum.
was Captain Seagull, undertaker for a foreign settle-
ment, with a map under his arm, of Indian or American
fast and frequent, the Gamesters, in their different
kingdoms, beautiful as the primitive Eden, waiting the
forms and calling. This light, young, gay in appear-
bold occupants, for whom a generous patron should
ance, the thoughtless youth of wit and pleasure-the
equip two brigantines and a fly-boat. Thither came,
sly, shrewd, cold-blooded calculator as yonder old
eyes are grown dim with watching the dice at midnight,
and whose fingers are even now assisting his mental
hard-featured professor of the same science, whose
too-I would it were otherwise have their professors
The poor Poet, half
amongst this sordid train.
computation of chances and of odds. The fine arts,
ashamed, in spite of habit, of the part which he is
about to perform, and abashed by consciousness at
once of his base motive and shabby black coat, lurks
his splendid vision of front and wings, and designs a
in yonder corner for the f vorable moment to offer his
dedication. Much better attired, the Architect presents
to a jail. But uppermost of all, the favourite Musician
or Singer, who waits on my Lord to receive, in solid
palace, the expense of which may transfer the employer
banquet of the preceding evening. Sucb, and many
Buckingham-all genuine descendants of the daughter
gold, the value of the dulcet sounds which solaced the

Sir G. has an only son, Julian Peveril; Mr. B. by a series of misfortunes finds his family slightest size of womankind, was exquisitely well pigeon rather than the rook-but at heart the same reduced to an infant daughter, and the care of this little motherless child is solicited by, and granted to, the Baronet's Lady. Julian and Alice, (the name of Miss B.) grow in sincere attachment and become lovers, each remarkable for high and virtuous principle.-The variable policy of the times, and the clashing views of the two families occasion their separation, and subject the lovers to various vicissitudes, in the course of which they meet, and ultimately are united.

The licentious court of Charles the Second, and the dilemma of the Monarch himself, are strikingly depicted; particularly the character of the duped, unprincipled, Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Many designing and perfidious, some passable and romantic, and several amiable and worthy personages, as well as a most active, extraordinary little being, are exhibited by the masterly hand of this excellent writer. His incidents are interesting, and should we at any time feel disposed to nod, he re-excites our vigilance, by the promising motto, that should particularly dull, he" at any time" prove we may be assured there is a design under it." A meeting of Presbyterian religionists, at the residence of Bridgenorth is somewhat ludicrously described ;

66

It was now lighted up for the reception of company; and five or six persons sat in it, in the plain, black, formal dress which was affected by the formal Puritans of the time, in evidence of their contempt of the manners of the laxurious court of Charles the Second; amongst whom, excess of extravagance in apparel, like excesses of every other kind, was highly fashionable.

Julian at first glanced his eyes but slightly along the range of grave and severe faces which composed this society-men, sincere perhaps in their pretensions to a superior purity of conduct and morals, but in whom that high praise was somewhat chastened by an affected austerity in dress and manners, allied to those Pharisees of old, who made broad their phylacteries, and would be seen of men to fast, and to discharge with rigid punctuality the observances of the law. Their dress was almost uniformly a black cloak and doublet, cut straight and close, and undecorated with lace or embroidery of any kind, black Flemish breeches and hose, square-toed shoes, with large roses made of serge ribbon. Two or three had large loose boots of calf-leather, and almost every one was begirt with a long rapier, which was suspended by leathern thongs,

formed in all her limbs, which the dress she usually
wore, (a green silk tunic, of a peculiar form) set off
to the best advantage. Her face was darker than the
usual hue of Europeans; and the profusion of long
and silken hair, which, when she undid the braids in
which she commonly wore it, fell down almost to her
ancles, was also rather a foreign attribute. Her coun-
there was a quickness, decision, and fire, in Fenella's
look, and especially in her eyes, which was probably
rendered yet more alert and acute, because, through
the imperfection of her other organs, it was only by
sight that she could obtain information of what passed

tenance resembled a most beautiful miniature and

around her.

:

The pretty mute was mistress of many little accom

plishments which the Countess had caused to be taught
to her in compassion for her forlorn situation, and
Thus, for example, she was exquisite in the use of the
which she learned with the most surprising quickness.
needle, and so ready and ingenious a draughts-woman,
that, like the ancient Mexicans, she sometimes made a
hasty sketch with her pencil the means of conveying
tion. Above all, in the art of ornamental writing,
her ideas, either by direct or emblematical representa-
much studied at that period, Fenella was so great a
proficient, as to rival the fame of Messrs. Snow,

Shelley, and other masters of the pen, whose copy-
books, preserved in the libraries of the curious, stiil
honours of Howing gowns and full-bottomed wigs, to
shew the artists smiling on the frontispiece in all the
the eternal glory of caligraphy.

The little maiden had, besides these accomplish-
With Lady Derby, and with the two young gentlemen,
ments, much ready wit and acuteness of intellect.
she was a great favourite, and used much freedom in
conversing with them, by means of a system of signs
which had been gradually established amongst them,
and which served all ordinary purposes of communi-

cation.

THE DUKE OP BUCKINGHAM'S LEVEE.

We must now transport the reader to the magnificent
street, inhabited at this time by the cele-
hotel in
brated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom
Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality. It was
Levee if any thing could be termed usual where all
long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke's
was irregular had been long past. His hall was filled
ries; the interior apartments, with the gentlemen and
with lacqueys and footmen, in the most splendid live-
pages of his household, arrayed as persons of the first
quality, and in that respect rather exceeding than
his ante-chamber, in particular, might be compared to
falling short of the Duke in personal splendor. But
a gathering of eagles to the slaughter, were not the

such like, were the morning attendants of the Duke of of the horse-leech, whose cry is, Give, give.' But

the levee of his Grace contained other and very differ-
ent characters; and was, indeed, as various as his
own opinions and pursuits. Besides many of the young
Nobility and wealthy Gentry of England, who made
his Grace the glass at which they dressed themselves
with the newest and best grace, the general Road to
for the day, and who learned from him how to travel,
Ruin-there were others of a graver character-dis-
carded statesmen, political spies, opposition orators,
servile tools of Administration, men who met not else-
where, but who regarded the Duke's mansion as a
sort of neutral ground; sure, that if he was not of
their opinion to-day, the very circumstance rendered
it most likely he should think with them to-morrow.
It was high tide in the ante-chamber, and had been so
for more than an hour, ere the Duke's gentleman in
ened so as to make midnight at noon-day, to know his
Grace's pleasure. His soft and serene whisper, in
ordinary ventured into his bed-chamber, carefully dark-
which he asked whether it was his Grace's pleasure to
'It is
rise, was briefly and sharply answered by the counter
question- Who waits?-What's o'clock?'
one, afternoon; and your Grace appointed some of the
Who are they?-What
A message from Whitehall, your
do they want?'
Jerningham, your Grace,' said the attendant. It is
people without at eleven.'
Grace.' 'Psha! it will keep cold. Those who make
turn. Were I to be guilty of ill breeding, it should
all others wait, will be the better of waiting in their
rather be to a king than a beggar.' The gentlemen
Tell them to go to Shaftesbury-to Aldersgate-street
from the city. I am tired of them-tired of their all
cant, and no religion-all Protestantism, and no charity.
with them-that's the best market for their wares.'-

Jockey, my Lord, from Newmarket.-Let him ride to the devil-he has a horse of mine, and spars of his own. Any more?'-The whole ante-chamber is fall, my Lord-knights and squires, doctors and dicers.'The dicers, with the doctors in their pockets, I presume. Counts, captains, and clergymen.'-' You are alliterative, Jerningham,' said the Duke, and that is a

In this entertaining little volume we recognise an old friend or two with which amongst others we were favoured several months ago by the kindness of the author. We also find The

proof you are poetical. Hand me my writing things. Falls of Ohiopyle," a tale which, without know ing the author, we highly admired in the July No. of that amusing and very superior Miscellany-the London Magazine.

-Getting half out of bed-thrusting one arm into a brocade night-gown, deeply furred with sables, and one foot into a velvet slipper, while the other pressed in primitive nudity the rich carpet-bis Grace, without thinking farther on the assembly without, began to pen a few lines of a satirical poem; then suddenly stopped -threw the pen into the chimney-exclaimed that the humor was past-and asked his attendant if there were any letters.-Jerningham produced a huge packet. What the devil!' said his Grace, do you think I will

read all these ?—I am like Clarence, who asked a cup of wine, and was soused into a butt of sack. I mean is there any thing that presses? This letter, your Grace,' said Jerningham, concerning the Yorkshire mortgage. Did I not bid thee carry it to old Gatheral, my steward?'-'I did, my Lord,' answered the other; but Gatheral says there are difficulties.'Let the usurers foreclose, then-there is no difficulty

in that; and out of a hundred manors, I shall scarce miss one,' answered the Duke. And hark ye, bring me my chocolate.'-Nay, my Lord, Gatheral does not say it is impossible-only difficult.' And what is the use of him if he cannot make it easy? But you are all born to make difficulties,' replied the Duke. Nay, if your Grace approves the terms in this schedule, and pleases to sign it, Gatheral will undertake for the matter,' answered Jerningham. And could you not have said so at first, you blockhead?' said the Duke, signing the paper, without looking at the contents.

CENSURE OF THE KING UPON BUCKINGHAM.

Now, Heaven forgive thee thy hypocrisy, George,' said the King, hastily. I would rather hear the devil preach religion than thee teach patriotism. Thou

is the soul of every thing that emanates from| give a mysterious awe to this ultima Thule of
the pen of Elia.
human schemes; and the doubtful certainty (if
the expression may be used) of shortly becom-
ing a companion of the mouldering dust, and
hideous corruption beneath us, doubtful as to
its period, but certain as it regards the event,
is fraught with deep, though fearful and ap-
palling interest. Am I wrong in saying, that
this is the place-the school-the theatre for a
poet? Is it not here that the casualties of rank
and station are destroyed?-and is it not the
work of the poet also, to overlook these acci-
dental distinguishments?-to develope the rise of
simple and unadorned loveliness?-and-to see,
and properly to estimate, the intrinsic excellence
of things and actions?

We are not frequently tempted to peruse a Romance; but, in this instance having some knowledge of the gentleman from whose pen they came, we began to peruse the December Tales with avidity, nor were we disappointed. Those who delight in terrific and well told tales ghost story to while away a December evening,' "of the supernatural, and who love a good will do well to read "the Sea Spirit," and "the Wanderings of an Immortal;" "the Falls of Ohiopyle," and " Mary Stukely," will have many admirers; and the more grave will find something to their taste in the "Recollections." Our limits this week will not permit us to devote as much space to this work as we intended; but we hope to resume it again, and give a further notice. In the mean time we give as a speci

men

THE CHURCH-YARD.

That spirit is never idle that doth waken
The soul to sights, and contemplations deep;
Even when from out the desert's seeming sleep
A sob is heav'd, that but the leaves are shaken!
CORNWALL.

Among my stated rambles there is one which I retread with pleasure, unalloyed by repetiknowest as well as I, that the nation is in a scarlet tion;-it is a path which leads to a church-yard;

fever for fear of the poor Catholics, who are not two men to five hundred; and that the public mind is so

barassed with new narrations of conspiracy, and fresh horrors every day, that people have as little real sense of what is just or unjust, as men who talk in their sleep of what is sense or nonsense. I have borne, and

and here I have lingered for hours, unwearied, occupied by the reflections produced by surrounding objects. The spot of which I speak is situated on an eminence, which commands a lovely prospect. I have been seated on my favourite seat, a large mossy stone, over which a spreading beech throws its shade, when the close of day was approaching :-there was the stone church, with its sombre, ivy-grown walls and steeple; the thick leafy grove, with its part of a Sovereign, and save my people from doing and the little murmuring rivulet, that wandered music-breathing inhabitants; the green hill, injustice, even in their own despite.'

borne with it-I have seen blood flow on the scaffold, fearing to thwart the nation in its fury-and I pray to God that I or mine be-not called on to answer for it. I will no longer swim with the torrent, which honour and conscience call upon ne to stem-I will act the

Death is your only sure balance in which to weigh the real worth or importance of indivi duals; the magic girdle, that fits none but those whose deeds have been pure-the wild steed, that none can manage, but those who encounter him undismayed-the infallible touchstone of greatness or power; he is like the gust, which blows away the thistle-down of splendour and vanity, and exposes the nakedness which lies beneath; he is the best of friends, who relieves us from our cares-our greatest enemy, who bereaves us of that we love best-our life; in short, he is the most paradoxical of things, who is every day present, but never seen-the most unwelcome of visitors, who, whenever he comes, is an unwished-for guest.

I am fond of a church, particularly an old one; it is, as it were, the home for the soul; the refuge from the world; and I am fond of its venerable antique gloom-its painted windows its monuments, which speak of "the dead and their house, the grave"-and of its music:

there is an awful, solemn beauty in church music, which stills each unhallowed thoughteach wish that speaks of earth-and throws its calm of holiness over the mind: the deep roll of the organ-the thrilling, enthusiasm-creating sound of human voices, trembling to the throne of eternity, which, when I think of, I reflect with complacency upon the abodes of monkish superstition

Those deep solitudes and awful cells,

Where heavenly, pensive Contemplation dwells, And ever-musing Melancholy reigns--and could almost wish that I had been an inhabitant of them. Blest with peace, and undisturbed with vice and folly-Pshaw! pshaw! I am dreaming: and these are the dreams of a poet, doomed to wake an essay writer.

But there is another ornament to a churchthe greatest, perhaps, in my estimation-its bells-its organs of speech, with which it calls together fellow-worshippers.

at its bottom, over its pebble-gemmed bed, dashing its light spray over its violet banks; December Tales. London, Whittakers, 1823. the white-washed cottage and barn, with the horse-shoe nailed over the door, the lingering Many of our readers have, no doubt, perused relic of drooping faith in demonology; the with infinite amusement Mr. Hogg's delightful spreading fields, and clump of trees, and thinly volumes-the Winter Evening Tales; and many scattered habitations; and, farther on, the mamore may have dwelt upon the wild and power-jestic windings of the river, beyond which dim fully imagined "Sea Stories," attributed to Mr. hills raised their eternal barrier, to close all John Howison, which appeared in Blackwood's further view; and, most beautiful of all, the I love these eloquent inanimations-these Magazine. If either of these have afforded them deep, gentle shade of evening, sinking and red-metallic tractors of the soul, whose vibrations pleasure, we can recommend the little volume dening on hill, and plain, and valley-it is call up into view the past, which is fled; the before us to their notice as being upon the model then that the soul, emancipated from earthly present, which dies in its existence; and the of Hogg and Howison. We do not here mean thoughts and earthly hopes, holds closer symfuture, which will fade away like its predecesto say that it is an imitation of these two "great pathy with the scenes around, and holier vision- sors that simple stroke of two pieces of metal story tellers," but it is upon the same model, ings fit before the mind; and what spot could gives me an infinity of ideas-the burst into life, and by one of the same school, and we think better harmonize with such thoughts than the and quick sinking into nothing-the reiteration the author may take his seat beside them. The one I have described? of the strokes, one succeeding another, in meaTales which it contains are varied and rather A church-yard is, of all places, the one most sured intervals-all speak of the mutability of unequal, but there is an ease, flow, and richness calculated to call up those feelings which, ab- every thing earthly, and the rapid succession of in the diction, and a depth and intensity of feel-stracted from the pleasures, are uncontaminated beings, which bloom, and perish, and are foring displayed throughout, with which we do not gotten. often meet. Let those who have been delighted with the genuine English goodness of heart which is displayed in the writings of Charles Lamb, turn to one of the Essays (for there is an occasional Essay or two) and they will find the same philanthropical and liberal spirit which

with the evils, of the world: in the evening,
too, the charm is stronger-on every side lie
"relics of mortality"-the fantastic or fearful
shapes, which the gloom lends to distinct ob-
jects-

Lake a demon thing,
Or shadow hovering.

I cannot admire the Mahometan custom of employing the human voice as a substitute for bells: methinks the invitation, which calls to such exercises of devotion, should be addressed to the mind in some sound which may awaken suitable thoughts, not spoken in the every-day