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ed in 1810, is esteemed the best, as well as the most popular, of our favourite author's works. Its characters are the most productive sources of delight to all readers of works of imagination, knights, nuns, and nobles; monarchs, monks, maniacs, and minstrels; hardy and desperate rebels, warlike and courageous soldiers, with ladies charming in beauty, and chieftains shining in chivalry. Its descriptions are also of the most fascinating nature.

'The Vision of Don Roderick' appeared in 1811, and was intended by its author to commemorate the achievements of the Duke of Wellington and the British army in Spain. This work is considered a complete failure.

'Rokeby' was published in 1812. It comprises, in an eminent degree, all the beauties and all the defects of Mr Scott's muse.

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In 1814, The Lord of the Isles' appeared, but failed to excite equal interest with its predecessors. This is the last grand original poem of the Northern Bard.

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In addition to the works already mentioned, Sir Walter has published 'Waterloo ;'' Border Antiquities of England and Scotland;' and has edited the Works of John Dryden ; Lord Somers' Collection of Tracts; Sir Ralph

Sadler's State Papers; Poetical Works of Anne Seward; the Works of Jonathan Swift, and the Edinburgh Annual Register. It is said that Sir Walter has been a long time employed in a History of Scotland; which is a work ‘devoutly to be wished;' and which from the very great sources of information he exclusively possesses, we feel satisfied will be a valuable work.

It still remains a matter of great doubt, whether or no Sir Walter is the author of

The Scotch Novels. We think they are not the production of one person; they must certainly be manufactured by a company of literati; but let that be as it may, the author or authors ought not to pervert historical facts in the manner that has been so glaringly done in some of the late productions, particularly in Peveril of the Peak. The mania for reading these works is now nearly subsided.-However, the parties have no cause for grumbling --they have proved a famous speculation.

Sir Walter Scott is the first person who received the honor of knighthood from his present Majesty, on his ascending the throne:-it was highly honorable to both parties.

Sir Walter inherited from his father and

mother a very considerable property. The different offices he holds are very lucrative; and the various sums which are known to have been given for his works, are beyond all precedent. A very large portion of his property he has expended on his estates in Roxburgshire, where he resides. He is one of the principal landed proprietors in that part of the country, and enjoys the blessings of a rural life, to which his disposition is evidently inclined. He rises early, and though he is lame, he frequently, both in walking and riding, tires out his stoutest guests; in fact, as a pedestrian or equestrian, there are few equal to him. Near his mansion are many scenes dear alike to the antiquary, the patriot, and the poet :these he is particularly delighted in contemplating. In general society he is rather reserved in his manners.

In political opinion, although he has vigorously supported the present administration, and is undoubtedly a very loyal subject and magistrate, he is known to be warmly attached to the Stuarts.

As a man, Sir Walter is known to be prudent without being avaricious, and generous without being prodigal. Many circumstances

of his life are recorded in the hearts of his friends, exemplifying the noblest and purest benevolence; and he is always solicitous that the honey-dew of his charity should fall in silence on its object, and not be ostentatiously blazoned by the trump of fame. Posterity only will know its full extent, and that his generous actions deserve as noble a monument as his literary compositions.

ANECDOTE.

GAMBLING was invented by the Lydians, when under the pressure of a great famine. To divert themselves from dwelling on their sufferings, they contrived dice, balls, tables, &c. It is added, that, to bear their calamity the better, they used to play a whole day without intermission, that they might not feel the effects of the want of food. The invention intended as a remedy for hunger is now a very common cause of that evil.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,

A CELEBRATED philosopher and statesman, was born in Boston, January 17, 1706. At the age of eight years he was put to the Boston grammar school, and from the aptness which he displayed, his father conceived the idea of educating him for the church, but wanting the means, he took him home at the age of ten, to assist him in his business. At the age of twelve he was put an apprentice to his elder brother, J. Franklin, who then published the Boston Gazette. This paper was the second which appeared in America.

It was, however, the paper called the 'Courant,' afterwards emitted by his brother, which became so famous for the effusions of his brother Benjamin. Young Franklin early evinced an uncommon taste for reading, and an attachment to books. His writings brought him into notice, and gave him encouragement to continue his literary labours.-When only seventeen years of age, he left his native town and went to Philadelphia, an entire stranger,

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