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TALY'S ROMANTIC ANNALS. A DICTIONARY of the PEERAGES

ITA

By CHARLES MACFARLANE, Esq.

Comprising Tales and Historical Summaries, illustrative of the Manners, Customs, Scenery, History of Italy and the Italians, from the earliest Times.

Also, in a few days,
II.

The False Step, a Novel in 3 vols.

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of ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, and IRELAND, Extinct, Dormant, and in Abeyance. By JOHN BURKE, Esq. Author of a General and Heraldic Dictionary of the Peerage and Baronetage of the British Empire, &c. &c. This work, formed on a plan precisely similar to that of Mr. Burke's very popular Dictionary of the Peerage and Baronetage, will comprise the whole of the Peerages of the three king....ms which have been suspended or extinguished since the Conquest, particularising the members of each family, in each generaten,

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collaterals or females, down to existing houses. It will connect,
in many instances, the new with the old nobi'ity; and it wa
all cases shew the cause which has influenced the revival of an
extinct dignity in a new creation.

* When it is considered that the most illustrious peers of England were swept away in the devastating conflicts between

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to mere names and dates, but supplying much historical, biogrIphical, and domestic detail, cannot fail to engage public atteation, and to be considered as a great desideratum in all Libraries, It should be particularly noticed, that this new work will appertain nearly as much to extant as to extinct persons of divination; for though dignities pass away, it rarely occurs that whole fami lies do. The editor has therefore sought, with the utmost assiduity, those branches still remaining amongst the mability and gentry, which have sprung from old and illustrious shoots, and he trusts that his researches will be found to have been sacrewtud. Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley, New Burlington Street.

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A Venetian Story. W"

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14. Scandal

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No. 769.

REVIEW OF NEW BOOKS.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1831.

The Bravo: a Venetian Story. By the Author of the "Pilot," the "Water Witch," the "Borderers," &c. 3 vols. 12mo. London, 1831. Colburn and Bentley.

MR. COOPER has here taken new ground, and with all the vigour and variety of novelty. Change of scene is sometimes as good for the mind as it is for the body; and, perhaps, the best proof of the originality of the present work-we must say, we should never have identified the writer from internal evidence, preface and politics being put out of the question. It is curious to observe how the same objects affect different minds. Lord Byron stood "in Venice on the Bridge of Sighs," and recalled her glories

"A thousand years their cloudy wings expand
Around me, and a dying glory smiles

O'er the far times, when many a subject land
Looked to the winged Lion's marble piles,
Where Venice sat in state, throned on her hundred isles."
When

"her daughters had their dowers From spoils of nations;"

"and of her feast

Monarchs partook, and deemed their dignity increased." To his eyes her romantic associations came hand in hand with her glories: the poet remembered the interest English genius had before flung around "the pleasant place of all festivity."

"Ours is a trophy which will not decay

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had been left for the competitors, was a gondo- | tinued the reluctant official, who, like all of lier of the public landing, well known for his subordinate condition, had far more jealousy of skill with the oar, and his song on the canal. the dignity of the sports he directed than his How art thou called, and in whose name dost superior. I am known as Antonio, a fisherthou put thy chance?' demanded the herald of man of the Lagunes.' Thou art old!' Sigthis aquatic course. All know me for Barto-nore, none know it better than I. It is sixty lomeo, one who lives between the Piazzetta and summers since I first threw net or line into the Lido, and, like a loyal Venetian, I trust in the water. Nor art thon clad as befitteth Thou art well protected; one who cometh before the state of Venice in take thy place, and await thy fortune.' The a regatta.' I am here in the best that I have. conscious waterman swept the water with a Let them who would do the nobles greater back stroke of his blade, and the light gondola honour, come in better.' Thy limbs are unwhirled away into the centre of the vacant covered thy bosom bare-thy sinews feeble spot, like a swan giving a sudden glance aside. go to; thou art ill advised to interrupt the "And who art thou?' demanded the official pleasures of the nobles by this levity.' Again of the next that came. Enrico, a gondolier of Antonio would have shrunk from the ten Fusina. I come to try my oar with the brag- thousand eyes that shone upon him, when the garts of the canals.' In whom is thy trust?' calm voice of the doge once more came to his 'Sant' Antonio di Padua.'Thou wilt need aid. The struggle is open to all,' said the his aid, though we commend thy spirit. Enter, sovereign; still I would advise the poor and and take place.' And who art thou?' he aged man to take counsel; give him silver, for continued, to another, when the second had want urges him to this hopeless trial.' Thou imitated the easy skill of the first. I am hearest; alms are offered thee; but give place called Gino of Calabria, a gondolier in private to those who are stronger, and more seemly service.' 'What noble retaineth thee?" The for the sport.' 'I will obey, as is the duty of Montforte, Duca and Lord of Sant' Agata in said the race was open to all, and I crave the illustrious and most excellent Don Camillo one born and accustomed to poverty. They Napoli, and of right a senator in Venice.' pardon of the nobles, since I meant to do them Thou shouldst have come of Padua, friend, no dishonour.' Justice in the palace, and by thy knowledge of the laws! Dost thou trust justice on the canals,' hastily observed the in him thou servest for the victory?' There prince. If he will continue, it is his right. was a movement among the senators at the It is the pride of St. Mark that his balances answer of Gino; and the half-terrified varlet are held with an even hand.' A murmur of With the Rialto: Shylock, and the Moor, And Pierre, cannot be swept or worn awaythought he perceived frowns gathering on more applause succeeded the specious sentiment; for The keystones of the arch: though all were o'er, than one brow. He looked around in quest of the powerful rarely affect the noble attribute For us repeopled were the solitary shore." him whose greatness he had vaunted, as if he of justice, however limited may be its exercise, Mr. Cooper sees things in "quite another sought succour. 'Wilt thou name thy support without their words finding an echo in the guess kind of way." He turns from the palaces in this great trial of force?' resumed the herald. tongues of the selfish. Thou hearest - his of Venice to enter into her prisons, and from My master,' uttered the terrified Gino, St. highness, who is the voice of a mighty state, her pleasures to dwell on her punishments: Januarius and St. Mark.' Thou art well says thou mayest remain; -though thou art instead of her patricians, he sympathises with defended. Should the two latter fail thee, still advised to withdraw.' I will then see her populace; and his readers have that ad- thou mayest surely count on the first!' Sig- what virtue is left in this naked arm,' returned vantage, which Mr. Cooper knows so well how nore Montforte has an illustrious name, and he Antonio, casting a mournful glance, and one to seize, of the subject brought before them is welcome to our Venetian sports,' observed that was not entirely free from the latent being unhackneyed. The scene is laid at the the doge, slightly bending his head towards vanity of man, at his meagre and threadbare time when Venice lived rather on past than the young Calabrian noble, who stood at no attire. The limb hath its scars, but the infipresent power, when glory was rather a great distance, in a gondola of state, regarding dels may have spared enough for the little I shield than a sword; and when weakness in the scene with a deeply-interested counte- ask. In whom is thy faith?' Blessed St. government led to even more than usual sus-nance. This cautious interruption of the plea- Anthony, of the Miraculous Draught.'Take picion, and was covered with even more than santries of the official was acknowledged by a thy place. Ha! here cometh one unwilling ordinary mystery. The interest is most dra-low reverence, and the matter proceeded. Take to be known! How now? who appears with matically excited and sustained, and the scenes thy station, Gino of Calabria, and a happy for- so false a face?' Call me Mask. So neat invested with that vivid reality which consti- tune be thine,' said the latter; then turning and just a leg and arm need not have hid their tutes the great charm of Mr. Cooper's narra- to another, he asked in surprise- Why art fellow, the countenance. Is it your highness's tives. Jacopo the Bravo is a Venetian, instead thou here?' 'I come to try my gondola's swift-pleasure that one disguised should be entered of an American spy; and, as in the pedlar's ness.' Thou art old, and unequal to this for the sports?' Doubt it not. A mask is case, his conduct is hallowed by a redeeming struggle; husband thy strength for daily toil. sacred in Venice. It is the glory of our excelmotive-which, however, we will not fore- An ill-advised ambition hath put thee on this lent and wise laws, that he who seeketh to stall. We select a scene from the festival of dwell within the privacy of his own thoughts, wedding the Adriatic; the competitors in the and to keep aloof from curiosity by shadowing gondola race are just submitting their claims. his features, rangeth our streets and canals, as It will introduce all the principal characters, if he dwelt in the security of his own abode. without prematurely revealing any of their Such are the high privileges of liberty, and secrets; and will shew how completely our such it is to be a citizen of a generous, a magauthor has caught the spirit of the time and nanimous, and a free state! A thousand bowed in approbation of the sentiment, and a Question him, as of wont,' rumour passed from mouth to mouth, that a How art thou named ?' con-young noble was about to try his strength in

scene.

"The first who came out of the crowd of boats which environed the vacant place, that

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useless trial.' The new aspirant had forced a
common fisherman's gondola, of no bad shape,
and of sufficient lightness, but which bore
about it all the vulgar signs of its daily uses,
beneath the gallery of the Bucentaur. He
received the reproof meekly, and was about to
turn his boat aside, though with a sorrowing
and mortified eye, when a sign from the doge
arrested his arm.
said the prince.

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"A Visit to Nicæa," by Dr. Walsh, is almost as pleasant in the narration as it must have been in reality: we take our first specimen, that our readers may share in the envy we our selves felt.

I

the regatta, in compliment to some wayward by the usage of such scenes. There are other the influence of strongly excited feeling. beauty. Such is justice!' exclaimed the herald, means of recognition than the eyes, and other was,' he exclaimed, as he proceeded in his in a loud voice, admiration apparently over-sources of admiration than the senses, lady. address, a mighty chief. The spot on which coming respect, in the ardour of the moment. Conceal yourselves as you will, here do I know we are now met was sacred to me and my Happy is he that is born in Venice, and that I am near the fairest face, the warmest family. Large was my family, but I alone envied are the people in whose councils wisdom heart, and the purest mind of Venice! This remain; the rest have died; they knew not and mercy preside, like lovely and benignant is bold augury, Signore,' returned she, who this good world which I am spared to see; my sisters! On whom dost thou rely?' Mine was evidently the oldest of the two, glancing heart is longing for them, and often says within own arm.' 'Ha! This is impious! None so a look at her companion, as if to note the effect me, Oh, that they had not died so soon! Great presuming may enter into these privileged of this gallant speech. Venice has a name for are my crimes: I am the father of nineteen sports.' The hurried exclamation of the herald the beauty of its dames, and the sun of Italy children-all of them I have murdered! now was accompanied by a general stir, such as warms many a generous heart.' Better that my heart longs for them. Had they been denotes sudden and strong emotion in a multi-such noble gifts should be directed to the spared, they would have been men and women, tude. The children of the republic are pro-worship of the Creator than of the creature,' learning and knowing the word of the true tected by an even hand,' observed the venerable murmured the monk. Some there are, holy God. But while I was destroying them, no prince. It formeth our just pride, and blessed father, who have admiration for both. Such I one stayed my hand, or said, Spare them.' St. Mark forbid that aught resembling vain-would fain hope is the happy lot of her who is Now my heart is repenting is weeping for glory should be uttered! but it is truly our favoured with the spiritual counsel of one so them.' To such a parent what agony must boast that we know no difference between our virtuous and wise as yourself. Here I place the scene of perhaps five or six hundred lively, subjects of the islands, or those of the Dalma- my fortune, let what may follow; and here happy children, gladdening their parents' hearts, tian coast; between Padua, or Candia; Corfu, would I gladly place a heavier stake, were it have afforded! We rejoice to believe that no or St. Giorgio. Still it is not permitted for permitted.' As the cavalier spoke, he tendered future parents will experience pangs of remorse any to refuse the intervention of the saints.' to the silent fair a bouquet of the sweetest and from such a cause." Name thy patron, or quit the place,' con- most fragrant flowers; and among them were tinued the observant herald, anew. The those to which poets and custom have ascribed stranger paused, as if he looked into his mind, the emblematic qualities of constancy and love." and then he answered-San Giovanni of the Mr. Cooper indulges in divers political diWilderness." Thou namest one of blessed gressions, whose whole and sole object is to memory!' 'I name him who may have pity prove that every thing went wrong in the world "We found ourselves in an elevated valley, on me in this living desert.'' The temper of till America set the example of right; and embosomed in higher hills, with a magnificent thy soul is best known to thyself; but this that no form of government was ever enlightened lake below us. The hills were clothed with reverend rank of patricians, yonder brilliant or advantageous, till that discovered by the trees of an infinite variety of foliage, covered shew of beauty, and that goodly multitude, United States. All our surprise is, that Mr. with fruit-chestnut, walnut, plum, cherry, may claim another name.-Take thy place."" Cooper does not address America as Azim did fig, apple, quinces, pears, and medlars in such "There were many unmasked and high-born Zelica, and exclaim, incredible profusion, as to be sufficient to supply dames, whirling about in their boats, attended "Oh my own love! why should a single day, the whole population of England; yet here by cavaliers in rich attire, and here and there A moment, keep me from those arms away?" there was no one to gather them. You may appeared a pair of dark lustrous eyes, peeping What can induce him to linger on this side think it an exaggeration to say that these fruit. through the silk of a visor, that concealed some the Atlantic? To be sure, that is no business trees formed large forest wood; but the luxncountenance too youthful for exposure in so of ours; all we have to do, is to assure our riance of vegetation in this country is such, gay a scene. One gondola, in particular, was readers, that among the many productions of that dwarf plants with us grow here to the size remarked for the singular grace and beauty of Mr. Cooper's prolific pen, few are more vivid in of giants. About mid-day, we stopped at a the form it held, qualities which made them-interest, or more original, than The Bravo. derven, or pass in the forest, where there is selves apparent even through the half disguise generally a small Turkish guard; attached to of the simple habiliments she wore. The boat, The Amulet: a Christian and Literary Remem- this was, as usual, a coffee-house, where we the servants, and the ladies, for there were two, brancer. 1832. Edited by S. C. Hall. Lon-lighted our chiboques, and had some coffee. were alike distinguished for that air of severe don, Westley and Davis. The coffee-house was under the shade of a large but finished simplicity, which oftener denotes WE shall allow the editor to speak for himself, tree, covered with yellow fruit, the nature of the presence of high quality and true taste, than in the first instance. He states that he " has which, as I had not seen any thing like it a more lavish expenditure of vulgar ornament. endeavoured to fill the present volume with a before, I was curious to ascertain. Against A Carmelite, whose features were concealed by larger proportion of articles of permanent inte- the stem I found a hanging ladder, which I his cowl, testified that their condition was high, rest and value than heretofore; so as to avoid, climbed up; and after ascending forty steps. and lent a dignity to their presence by his as far as possible, a very general complaint each one foot perpendicular, I found I had n reverend and grave protection. A hundred against the annual works that they are merely got so high as the middle of the tree. The gondolas approached this party, and after as butterflies of a season, and lose their attraction tree was a cherry-tree, producing an immense many fruitless efforts to penetrate the disguises, when that season is past. He has therefore profusion of fruit, of a beautiful transparent għided away, while whispers and interrogatories sacrificed, in some degree, amusement to infor- amber colour, and of the richest flavour. I passed from one to the other, to learn the name mation; but, at the same time, he has sought brought down my hat full, and they sent us a and station of the youthful beauty. At length, for such communications as may excite atten- basket full, for which we paid the value of a gay bark, with watermen in gorgeous liveries, tion, and gratify not the less because they aim about a penny to the man for the trouble of and in whose equipment there was a studied at accomplishing a better object than that of gathering. I took away with me some of the display of magnificence, came into the little whiling away an idle hour." We must, in stones, to try to propagate the kind at Concircle that curiosity had drawn together. The justice, add, that we think he has succeeded. stantinople, where it is unknown, as well on single cavalier, who occupied the seat, arose, The essay on the Gnostics, by Marmion Savage, account of the delicious flavour of the fruit, as for few gondolas appeared that day with their is full of curious and recondite research; and the beauty and magnitude of the tree, which gloomy-looking and mysterious pavilions, and we quite agree with the view taken of these could not be less than one hundred feet high; saluted the masked females, with the ease of one early interlopers on Christianity. The Rev. I also sent some to the Horticultural Society of accustomed to all presences, but with the re- William Ellis has contributed a very interest-London."

serve of deep respect. I have a favourite ing paper on "Infanticide in the Pacific Our traveller also mentions an odd instance follower in this race,' he said, gallantly, and Islands," that horrible crime now so rapidly of prejudice. one in whose skill and force I put great trust. disappearing under the mild influences of reliUntil now, I have uselessly sought a lady of a gion. One little fact, which we quote, speaks beauty and merit so rare, as to warrant that volumes. I should place his fortune on her smiles. But

"Several of the tracts on moral and religions subjects, which had been printed in Engand for distribution among the poorer classes, wer "In one of the islands, a short time ago, afterwards translated into modern Greek by I seek no farther.' 'You are gifted with a after the examination, and while several hun- different religious societies, and sent out ber keen sight, Signore, that you discover all you dred children were cheerfully partaking of the for similar distribution among the Greeks. We seek beneath these masks, returned one of the refreshment which their parents had provided had some of these with us, and gave them to two females; while their companion, the Car-for the occasion, while the parents were de- such of the children as could read. Next day. melite, bowed graciously to the compliment, lighted spectators of the scene, a venerable one of the priests brought them back, and sand which seemed little more than was warranted chief arose and addressed them, evidently under

they were dangerous books. We begged af

him to point out any dangerous passage, and he marked one; namely, What is your duty to your brother? Answer: To love him, and to assist him.' Now, said he, if that was pointed out to the Turks, they would immediately conclude that it meant our brothers in the Morea; and so it would bring destruction on us all. It so happened that I had received the proclamation which the new government of the insurgent Greeks had published, just as I was setting out, and so, not having time to read it, I took it with me to amuse us in the boat. If, therefore, the suspicion of the Turks had been excited by this tract, and they had then found the insurgent proclamation in my pocket, no doubt but all the Greek priests would be hanged on the spot; and the least we could expect would be, to be sent to keep company with the bishops in the torture-prison of the Bostandge Bashee. We, therefore, did not attempt the distribution of any more tracts on our journey."

with milk, and then presented it. A Turk African Monarchs."The sovereignty of the
never takes any thing of this kind but coffee, coast is divided between two barbarians; one
without milk or sugar, which is as black, thick, called King Pepel,' residing on the river
and bitter, as soot: when, therefore, he filled Bonny, and the other Duke Ephraim,' on
his mouth with the mawkish mixture we made the Old Calabar. The contest for making
for him, his distress was quite ridiculous. He slaves, and the opportunity of disposing of them,
could not swallow it, and he would not spit it has excited a deadly enmity between these
out, for a Turk never spits in company; so he native ruffians, which the English cruisers
kept it churning in his mouth, till he could avail themselves of. Whenever one of them
keep it no longer; he then made a pretext for proposes a cargo, the other immediately sends
going out, which he did as fast as a Turk can information of it to any ship of war on the
move, and got rid of it over the stairs. When coast, detailing the particulars of the cargo,
he returned, however, he said the ladies of the and the state of forwardness for sailing; by
haram requested to taste our tea also. So we which means many have been seized, and the
sent them in a specimen: we soon heard them envious and malignant passions of these savages
burst into loud fits of laughing at the extraor-made subservient to the cause of humanity.
dinary stuff; and we were informed they liked On one occasion of information of this kind,
it as little as the men.”
sent by King Pepel to the British, by which
his rival lost his cargo, he was so exasperated
that he prepared an expedition to attack him,
and take vengeance for the injury and insult.
He got a coffin made for Pepel, which he in-
tended to bear before him as an ensign, and
sent a messenger to apprise him of it.
Pepel,' said he, that I am coming, and bring-
ing his coffin.' 'Tell Ephraim,' said the other,
in reply, to bring the coffin, and I will put
himself into it." "

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"The Child of Earth.

Fainter her slow step falls from day to day,
yet doth she fondly cling to earth, and say,

Death's hand is heavy on her darkening brow;

Tell

We would call particular attention to the "Actual State of the Slave Trade on the Coast of Africa." We select one or two brief passages. Speaking of the Isles de Loss: "From their We conclude with a Turkish dinner and tea. vicinity to the mouths of the rivers Dembia, "We were shewn into a large room with a Pongas, and Nunez, the islands would be an divan, or sofa, continued all round the walls, important station for trade, as the intercourse and here we stretched ourselves. They brought would be much more free and direct from hence us the usual entertainment of pipes and coffee; than from Sierra Leone. If the islands were and, after some time, the muzzelim's son and once regularly established, with a small military his uncle entered the room, seated themselves force of men of good character, and under a "Cemeteries in India" is a touching subon the divan opposite, and smoked their pipes, commandant not likely to be removed; and if ject, treated with much feeling, by Miss Emma without saying a word. After passing an hour a proper system of cultivation were adopted Roberts. There are only three stories, but all in this silent way, preparations were made for and encouraged, so as to afford a regular and of them good: we like Mr. James's "Scenes supper. The young man stood up, took a cloth constant supply of wood, water, and refresh-from the Civil War," especially. Among the from a servant, and, with a dexterous fling, ment, to ships of the squadron which would poetical varieties, we would instance Miss Jewsspread it in a circle on the floor; in the centre regularly frequent them, the number of resi- bury's "Dying Girl to her Mother," and of this he placed a joint-stool, and on the stool dent merchants would increase; so that they "Song of a Guardian Spirit," by Mrs. Hemans. a large metal tray. We were now motioned to might become a depôt of African produce, and L. E. L. has been a very efficient contributor: approach, and having sat cross-legged on the a place of considerable importance. Traders for finish and thought, her productions here floor round the stool, we drew the skirts of the would all touch here, and deposit their cargoes, are among her best-the prose tale of " the cloth over our knees, while servants brought instead of running up the unhealthy rivers on Betrothed" is very dramatically told. We shall embroidered napkins, and laid one on each of the opposite pestiferous coast, subject as they leave the following poem, by Mrs. Norton, our shoulders. When all the company were now are to vexatious delays, and to the mor- to speak for itself. seated, including our janissary, the first dish tality of their crews from the necessity of drinkentered, and was laid on the tray; round the ing the tainted water of these streams. Above edge of the tray were placed long slices of brown all, by making it a free port, open to all foreign bread, with a horn spoon between each, so as vessels and merchandise, the resident British to project over, and form a complete border; traders would become the agents of the French and in the middle was set a large pewter basin and Americans, who would prefer resorting of pease-soup: having all dipped in our spoons, here to ascending the rivers on the continent, and taken a few mouthsful, it was removed, as they now do, with their goods. The eligiand immediately succeeded by another filled bility of this place as a station must depend on with sausages; into this the muzzelim's son its local advantages; and it appears to be less dipped his hand, and we all followed his exam- exceptionable than any which has yet been ple. This was also removed, and replaced by tried. Wholesome water, from a pure spring, one of youart, a kind of sour-milk, with balls is abundant. Above sixty yards above high of forced meat floating in it. Next succeeded water-mark is a copious source, from which balls of meat wrapped up in vine leaves; then vessels were supplied by tubes over the rocks; mutton boiled to rags on homos, a kind of pea and boats are filled, without landing the casks, like a ram's head, which they are very fond of at the rate of thirty tons per day. Fire-wood in this country; and, lastly, a pilaf, or dish of is in profusion; oranges and limes may be proboiled rice, with which all Turkish entertain-cured by only sending to pick and choose them; ments conclude. A glass of pure water was poultry may be had in any quantity; pigs are now handed round, of which we all drank, and so numerous that they run about the island then followed servants with a ewer and basin, without seeming to belong to any particular in which we washed. The whole apparatus person; excellent sheep may be bought for ten was now removed, and we resumed our pipes shillings each; and bullocks, in prime order, and seats on the divan, having despatched our are always grazing on the pastures. Should supper with such silent celerity that the whole experience realise this flattering picture, it will occupied but six and a half minutes! Our be highly gratifying to the friends of Africa; entertainer may be considered as a Turkish and one healthy and plentiful spot will, at lord mayor of a town-an English lord mayor length, be found by the English on this insadoes not entertain his friends after so frugal a lubrious coast, where they may fairly try their fashion. A dinner of six and a half minutes, benevolent experiment." and a glass of water! I wish Alderman

Price of Slaves." For a man, 9 ounces, or had been with us. As we had brought appa-216 yards of cloth, or 9 rolls of tobacco, or ratus in our baggage, we now procured some 36 gallons of spirits, or 139 handkerchiefs. For hot water, and entertained our hosts with a a woman, 8 ounces, or 192 yards, or 8 rolls, or dish of tea, which they had heard of, but never 32 gallons, or 128 handkerchiefs. For a child, tasted. We sweetened a cup in the most ap- 6 ounces, or 144 yards, or 6 rolls, or 24 gallons, proved manner with sugar, and softened it or 96 handkerchiefs."

I

I am content to die-but, oh! not now!-Not while the blossoms of the joyous spring Not while the birds such lays of gladness singMake the warm air such luxury to breathe

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Not while bright flowers around my footsteps wreathe.
Spare me, great God! lift up my drooping brow
am content to die-but, oh! not now !
The spring hath ripened into summer-time;
The glorious sun hath reached his burning prime:
Oh! must this glimpse of beauty be the last?
Let me not perish while o'er land and lea,
With silent steps, the Lord of light moves on;
Not while the murmur of the mountain-bee
Greets my dull ear with music in its tone!

The season's viewless boundary is past;

Pale sickness dims my eye and clouds my brow

I am content to die-but, oh! not now!
Summer is gone: and autumn's soberer hues
Tint the ripe fruits, and gild the waving corn;—
The huntsman swift the flying game pursues,
Shouts the halloo ! and winds his eager horn.

I

Spare me awhile, to wander forth and gaze

On the broad meadows and the quiet stream,
To watch in silence while the evening rays
Cooler the breezes play around my brow-
Slant through the fading trees with ruddy gleam!

am content to die-but, oh! not now!'
The bleak wind whistles: snow-showers far and near
Drift without echo to the whitening ground;
Winter stalks on with frozen mantle bound:

Autumn hath passed away, and, cold and drear,
Yet still that prayer ascends. 'Oh! laughingly

My little brothers round the warm hearth crowd,

Our home-fire blazes broad, and bright, and high,
And the roof rings with voices light and loud:
Spare me awhile! raise up my drooping brow!
I am content to die-but, oh! not now!'
The spring is come again—the joyful spring!
The wild bird dips upon its wanton wing:
Again the banks with clustering flowers are spread;
The child of earth is numbered with the dead!
Thee never more the sunshine shall awake,
Beaming all redly through the lattice-pane;

The steps of friends thy slumbers may not break,
Nor fond familiar voice arouse again!

Death's silent shadow veils thy darkened brow-Why didst thou linger?-thou art happier now!" " We now leave the book to the public favour it so well deserves. The editor amply redeems his promise of combining amusement and information; and the contents add to their individual merit the charm of variety. In these days, when appearance goes so far, we must not forget to commend the external aspect of the Amulet-it does the taste of its publishers much credit.

The Humourist; a Companion for the Christmas Fireside. By W. H. Harrison, author of "Tales of a Physician," &c. Embellished by eighty Engravings, designed and executed by W. H. Brooke. 12mo. pp. 300. London, 1832. Ackermann.

THE Humourist, at least, keeps good time. It was on the 16th of October last year that we reviewed the predecessor of this volume; and here we are on the 15th called to notice Mr. Harrison's second contribution to the amusement of the Christmas fireside. While most of the other Annuals (all, we believe, except Hood's and Miss Sheridan's) procure the co-operation of a number of popular pens, our author boldly attempts to raise the crop and reap the field of humour alone. It is sown with eighty engravings by W. H. Brooke; and the text is produced to illustrate these various and laughable designs, beginning with Emigration, and ending with a Brother of the Angle. The first represents an Irish family on the move, drawn by a single horse, and cart and horse covered with population; to which the author in his preface thus alludes: "He neither claims nor merits exemption from the common lot of authors. Like the animal in the first illustration of this Number, he has found his path an up-hill one; and the attempt to draw a multitude, with so many conflicting sentiments, laborious. He has had great critics on his back, and small ones upon his withers; while the shafts of censure have galled his sides. Could he, however to carry the simile not farther, but back, that is to the tail of the car -dare to hope that, like the Irishman with the uplifted shilelah, he is about to make a hit, he should forget his past labours in the prospect of future reward."

And Mr. H. continues: "The writer acquits himself of a duty in acknowledging the zealous co-operation of the artist to whose talents he is indebted for the embellishments,in reference to which, it is presumed, that, whatever sentence may be passed on the literary department, the reader will say with Fal

staff

'Good Master Brooke, I desire more acquaintance of you.'"

As who does not, that is acquainted with the

fertility of his fancy, and the artist-like execution of his designs?

The slender thread which connects the prose tales and poetical illustrations of the Humourist together, is too fine to admit of our taking our course, spider-ways, along it; and we shall therefore select two or three pieces or parts, as the fittest examples we can find of the general character and merits of the work. The opening is cheerful as its title-" Christmas." "Thrice welcome, Christmas! maugre thine approach Be mark'd by skies somewhat too cold and murky; I hail thy harbinger, the Norwich coach, Laden, inside and out, with chine and turkey, And sausage by the fathom. Thou hast other Attendants on thy state, in liveries rich, Green, red, and blue, a family of which The Humourist is but the younger brother; Who, while transcendent many a rival shines, Still hopes the world will smile on his designs; Though some like none but China plates, and sigh For that much-relished Annual, a mince pie. I mark some members absent from thy train, And yet, mine ancient crony, 'tis with pain Who in good days of yore were wont to swell it. Where mystic Mistletoe? unfairly banish'd, Where is Snap-dragon? all extinguish'd-vanish'd!

To grace the kitchen, and I live to tell it! Where's Blind Man's Buff? alas! this march of mind, With all its boasted blessings, hath refined Where is old Hunt the Slipper? with the snow Which melted many, many years ago.

Us out of half our former recreations!

Where Forfeits, paid (I hate alliterations)
In cunning Cupid's current coinage kisses?
Dispatch'd to Coventry by modern misses.
Where are the Country Dances, once promoted

To such distinction in our revels? Voted

Old-fashion'd as the Laird of Balmawhapple.

Caat off,' Poussette,' the modish belle derides,
As figures rude as Runic ones; Change Sides'
Is practised only in St. Stephen's Chapel.
Where is, I ask, our quondam friend the Reel,
Once footed to the liveliest of tunes?

Scorn'd e'en by shopmen as mostungenteel,'
And left to Highlander and Cherokee,
Who, though in most things else they disagree,
But I must quit the subject, lest, in fact, I
Concur in their contempt for pantaloons.
Become that bore, laudator temporis acti:
And, since the March of Intellect, the thief,
Hath left us our plum-pudding and roast beef,
Methinks 'twere scarcely wisdom to repine:
And, courteous reader, whosoe'er thou art,
Gallant or lovely, mayst thou bear a part
Be health and joy, and many a jocund meeting;
For 'tis a merry season, and in sooth
It glads the heart to see the cordial greeting
Reflected on the wrinkled brow of age.
Öf friend with friend, and mark the smile of youth
Oh! could I feel that this my humble page,

Full oft in Christmas festivals, and thine

When at the festive board the story lags, When wit grows dull, and conversation flags, Would fill the yawning chasm, and revive The silenced laugh, and keep the game alive,'

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would not grudge my toil, nor vigils kept
By flickering taper while the world hath slept:
No, my kind public! be your smile conferr'd on
My labours, and I ask no richer guerdon."

This is succeeded by the "Cares of Corpulence," in prose; and that, in turn, by "the Zoologist,' "Taming a Tartar," "the Governess," and many other sketches. From these we select "THE BILL," as a subject of the day. "Reform.

We've often thought, and p'rhaps 'twill strike
The reader, the Reform Bill's like
Our subject-plate, a waggon;

The fore-horse in the team's a Grey,
And, though they're working night and day,
But heavily they drag on.

For our own parts, we never mix
In state or civic politics,

Yet wish the Bill' may be a
Most sov'reign cure for England's ills,
And prove, like Abernethy's pills,
A perfect panacea.

We boast no legislative powers,
But leave to wiser heads than ours
The labours for which we
Have no vocation, while we say,
Cut every rotten branch away,
But do not harm the tree.
Without pronouncing on the Bill,'
In praise or censure, there are still
Some things we can't help noting;
For instance, those who t'other day
Got ten pounds for their vote, will pay
Ten pounds a-year for voting.
In many a wight whose crippled toe
On cushion rests, the Bill will blow
Up hope's expiring embers;
He'll soon discard his gouty shoes,
Bless'd with the liberty to choose
Another set of members.

The poor especially, 'tis said,
Expect the Bill' will cheapen bread-
We rather doubt it; still
Some reason in the hope we see,
They've heard so much concerning the
Provisions of the Bill.'

And, should it pass into a law,
Such wonders as the world ne'er saw
'Twill bring about, we trow;
Since it has clauses which propose,
We're told, to give a voice to those
Who have no voices now.

Thus Birmingham, for deeds in arms
So famed, though safe from war's alarms,
Will profit by the plan;

While Manchester, of high renown,
Will send two members up to town
By Pickford's caravan.

And Sheffield too, that shines in steel,
Its benefits will surely feel

Through all its various trades;
It needs no second sight to see
Its representatives will be

Two keen, well-temper'd blades.
Nay, in the Commons' House,' a few
Would have the colonies vote too;-
How strange twould be, some day,
When Parliament for business meets,
To see two members take their seats,
Return'd from Botany Bay!

'Tis more than probable the Bill'
Will oust a few old members; still
There must be some who never
Can care about a seat, since they
Would be, could they but have their way,
Upon their legs for ever.

Our song is sung;-if ask'd to own
Our party, we would answer, none-
Whig, Radical, or Tory;

We rank ourselves among the friends
Of those who, scorning private ends,
Seek England's weal and glory."

We regret that the pictorial puns, as well as the prose narratives, from their fixed nature in connexion with the designs, are beyond our possibilities in the way of extract: we can only refer to them as being often very ludicrous, and indulge our readers with the exhibition of two of the engravings.

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A Brother of the Angle.

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