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serve their ancient simplicity and hos pitality. They usually dine at twelve o'clock, and make their principal meal at supper, at eight o'clock. I was delighted with the fine complexions and good-natured unaffected manners of the young Dutch women, after seeing the pale faces and languid affectation of the British Indians. They generally speak English well, and many of thein write it correctly.

Every day, while at the Cape, I rode out in the fine country at the back of the Table Mountain, where many of the English have pleasant country houses, and there are some fine Dutch estates, particularly that of Constantia, where the rich wine of that name is produced. I was particularly delighted with the Hottentot camp, where eight hundred of that savage people have been civilised and taught the arts of society. Before the last taking of the Cape by the British, the Hottentots, embodied as a regiment by the Dutch, were treated ther as public slaves than as soldiers; their only clothing was undressed sheepskins, or coarse blankets; they were miserably fed, and worse lodged; and the only art they seemed to have practised was the weaving of mats and baskets. Their condition is now widely different; their cantonments have been rebuilt, and they are fed, lodged, and clothed, as well as any peasants I remember to have seen. Their houses, furniture, and clothes, are all of their own manufacture, for they are ingenious and expert at any handicraft for which they have a pattern; they are also fond of music, and readily learn to play on any instru

ment.

The Dutch have stocked the colony with oak and fir, neither of which arrive at such perfection as in Europe, though the fir thrives so well as to be useful as small spars for ships. It is curious to see the firs of Scotland and Norway, the oak, the myrtle, and the geranium, with the orange, the peach, and the apple, mixing their foliage, their flowers, and their fruits, in the same garden. But the climate is so delightful, that, though the tenderest plants require no sheiter in the middle of winter, the summer heats are never so great as to prevent one from enjoying all kinds of

exercise.

The supplies for the colony are brought from the farms in the interior by the Dutch boors, who, I am sorry to learn, do not grow a third of the corn they

might produce, for they have a noting that the colony is prosperous in propertion to the high price of wheat, not in proportion to the quantity they might export, so that, with perhaps the most fertile soil in the world, they buy a great deal of corn from the Americans, and have been more than once reduced almost to famine. It is true, that government requires them to produce a certain quantity of wheat, but they grow as little more as they can help.

All the wheat, maize, barley, oats, but. ter, cheese, and fruit, are brought to Cape Town in waggons, sometimes drawn by sixteen or twenty oxen, driven by a single Hottentot, who sits in the front of his waggon, and drives all the beasts in band, with a long whip, with which he contrives to touch the foremost, and which it is great part of a young Hottentot's education to learn to manage with dexterity. Sometimes whole families come down in these waggons, which are fitted up very commodiously within, The boors are in general a large stout race of men, coarse in their habits and manners, and accused of great cruelty towards their slaves and the natives of the country; a particular tribe of the last, however, often revenge themselves by setting fire to the corn and hay, and killing the cattle, which they never carry away. These wild people are called Boschemen; they are more savage than the Hottentots or the Caffres, living on trees or in caves, and feeding on fruits, roots, and such wild animais as they can shoot with the bow and arrow, the only weapon with which they seem to be acquainted. They are a diminutive race, being seldom, if ever, seen above four feet high, and they are

not numerous.

The Dutch in the neighbourhood of the Cape are much more European in their habits; such of their houses as f saw were commodious and well furnished, and their tables were covered with a profusion of good things, and very weil cooked. I ate at my friend Mr. Cloete's house part of a roasted porcupine, and thought it the best animal food I ever tasted. There is abundance of venia son, excellent vegetables, and fine fruir, of which the ladies are expert in makmg most delicious preserves. Beef and mutton are brought from the inland farms, and are often excellent; the we which is commonly drank is small and pleasant, and free from the lusciousness of the Constantia; there is also a

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stronger sort, which improves very much by age, though it never arrives at the excellence of either Sherry or Madeira.

ST. HELENA.

We approached from the south-east, and till we saw the flag-staff, we did not perceive any marks of inhabitants; but, having reached the flag-staff point, we saw little batteries perched like birds' nests in the rocks, but not a blade of grass, nor any green thing was discernible. When we got abreast of St. James's Town, our eyes were regaled with the sight of about fifty trees among the white houses of the town, and their verdure, and the brightness of the buildings, produced the most singular effect, contrasted with the blackness of the rocks, which seem threatening to fall upon them on both sides. We landed about twelve o'clock at the only landing-place in the island, at St. James's Town, which reminds me of an English fishing-town; it has a few good houses, some shops of European and Indian articles, where every thing is sold very dear, a church, and a play-house. The society is by all accounts miserable enough, and the inhabitants so much at a loss for amusement, as to be divided into parties, who hate one another cordially, and quarrel for ever. The valles in the interior of the island are said to be extremely fertile and beautiful. The oak and the fir thrive well on the hills, the date and the cocoa flourish in the town. Here are grapes, peaches, apples, and bananas, with very good vegetables, particularly potatoes, but hitherto the inhabitants have not made the most of the advan tages of the soil. However, the present governor has done a great deal for the colony, and has encouraged plantations of all kinds. St. Helena is not subject to the violent rains which render tropical climates so uncomfortable during some months in the year; but there are gentle showers, which fertilize the earth and feed the springs, the water of which is excellent. I do not know if they have attempted to make wine here, but they brew very good small beer for the use of the ships which touch at the island. The presence of a fleet fills the measure of St. Helenian gaiety so completely, that an islander once expressed her wonder, "if the ladies in London did not feel very dull when the China feet leaves the Thames !".

After tiring ourselves with lounging about the town, we came on board, and were under way by eleven o'clock the MONTHLY MAG. No. 236.

same night, well pleased to have seen this curious little rock, but never wishing to visit it again.

AN ACCOUNT OF BENGAL, BY IBRAHIM, THE SON OF CANDU THE MERCHANT.

(From the Appendix.)

This is the account of what I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, have seen; this is what I have been present at, and a witness to; where is the Malay who has seen the like that I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu, have seen since I arrived in the great country of Bengal!!

How long was I on my passage from the Malay countries, but how much was I rejoiced to see the beauty of Bengal, which shines like the sun on all nations; for this country of Bengal is so large, that, were I to walk for three months, I should not reach the end of the stone houses, which are every-where so high, that I could never see the hills for them;

this accounts for people saying the hills cannot be seen from Bengal. Alas! I have not forgotten the day when I ventured into the bazar, and, having no one to direct me, lost the way. How many days was it painful for me to put the soles of my feet to the ground! how rejoiced was I to reach the house of Tuan Doctor Layten, and afterward to think of the wonders I had seen!

How perfect and beautiful is the fort! how exact all its proportions, its four sides, and all its angles! This is a proper fort; but who would suppose it so large, when it can hardly be seen from without? This is a fault; but why should I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu, the poor merchant of Keddah, pretend to give my opinion in this place, all is so wonderful, and much beyond what I before knew? But yet I must describe what I have seen, that Malays may no longer be ignorant of this great country, but be acquainted with all its wonders and all its beauties, so that their hearts may be glad, and they may no longer be ignorant! Inside of the fort there is a ditch larger than that on the outside, and at the bottom of both it is level and smooth, like unto a mat fresh spread out, and the colour is like that of young paddy; for such is the management of this place, that when the Rajah pleases the water can be let in from the river, and when the rains are heavy, the water can be let out. Within this fort, which is like a large city, how

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many are the stone store-houses for arms, for gunpowder, for small-arms, cannonballs, and every thing required in war; and how many store-houses are there for wine, because there are many white men, and so many sepoys, that who can count them!

It was in this great country, in this country of Bengal, which is in this place called Calcutta,-how. many months journey from Penang !on the fifteenth day of the month of Shaaban, in the year of the Iegyra, one thousand two hundred and twenty-five, at the hour of ten in the morning, when all Malays remained in the same state of ignorance as when I left them, that I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, went to the palace of the Rajah, with all the great men of the Rajah's court, and was admitted even to the second story, (or rather second heaven.)

How beautiful is this palace, and great its extent, who can describe it! Who can relate the riches of this country, and, above all, the beauties of the palace! When I entered the great gates, and looked around from my palaukeen, (for in this country even I, Ibrahim, the son of Cando the merchant, had my palan keen,) and when I beheld the beauty and extent of the compound, the workmanship of the railings, and the noble appearance of the gates, of which there are five, and on the tops of which lions, carved out of stones, as large as life, eem small, and as if they were run ning without fearing to fall. I thought hat I was no longer in the world I had left in the east; but it is fortunate that I was not yet overcome with surprise, and that I lived to see the wonders that were within, and to write this account, that men may know what it is.

When I entered the palace, and my Tuan said, "Ibrahim follow ine, don't be afraid, this is the house of the Rajah, and he is kind to all people, parti. cularly to Malavs," my heart was rejoiced; and as I felt above all Malays on this great day, for there were no other Malays here, I plucked up my courage and followed my Tuan, even mixing with other Tuans, of whom there were many on the stairs at the same time, all of them having large black fans in their bands, and kindness in their looks, for, whenever I raised my eyes to any of them, they smiled.

The ots of the great hall are of Black stone, polished and shining like a uror, so that I feared to walk on them;

and all around, how many transparent lustres and branches for lights were suspended, dazzling and glistening so that I could not look long upon them!

Until I arrived at the second story, the stairs were all of stone, which formed part of the wall, and had no support. I then entered the great hall where all the Tuans were assembled, and every one looked at me; but I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, knowing the kindness of my Tuan, and that be would laugh at me if I remained behind a pillar, so that no one could see me, walked about and saw every thing, mixing with the other Tuans: no one spoke to me, but all made room for me when I passed, so much was I distinguished among the people of the court.

The floor of this great room is not of stone, because it is of a dark-coloured wood, beautifully polished; and, were I to describe all the beauties of this great hall, the splendour of the throne, andall I saw there, I should write what would not be read in three months. My head turned giddy when the Rajah entered; but, as far as I can recollect, I will faithfully describe all that I saw inthis beautiful place.

At the end of the hall there is a throne, superlatively beautiful, supported by four pillars of gold, and having hangings of the colour of blood, enriched with golden fringe; it is beautiful in the extreme, and the elegance of the drapery is surprising. Within this throne there is a golden chair, with hangings and fringe of gold, in which the Rajah sits, when he receives other Rajahs and Vakeels.

In front of this throne, how many chairs were arranged in rows, and how many couches with white cushions were between the pillars, on each of which there was a stamped paper, as well as on the couch on which 1 afterwards sat down; for 1, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, was seated with the other Tuans.

Near the throne, in front of it," there were many gilded chairs, but one of gold was placed in the centre upon the Rajah's carpet, which was beautiful and rich.

When the court was full, and I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, was near to the throne, the Rajah entered, and every one moved different

ways.

But, as soon as the Rajah seated himself, the muntries and high officers of state arranged themselves according to their rank.

On that side of the hall which was to the left of the Rajah, and within the pillars, all the wives and family of the Rajah were arranged in a row one by one; and it is impossible to forget their beauty, for who could look on them without feeling unhappy at heart! And, when every body was seated, and I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, on a couch between two pillars, the Rajah looked around from time to time, and often cast his eyes on the ladies, when I could perceive that his heart was gladdened, for his countenance glowed with satisfaction, giving pleasure to all.

Among all the ladies there were six who were most beautiful, seated in chairs, being pregnant, some two, others six months; but there was one of the wives of the Rajah beautiful to excess, and she was eight months gone with child. She was kind and delightful to look at, of a beautiful small make, and she sat in front of a large pillar, while a Bengalee moved a large fan behind her. Whoever gazed on her felt kindness and love, and became unhappy. She resembled Fatima, the wife of I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, but she was more beautiful.

It is the custom of this great country, that the wives of the Rajah always sit on the left side of the throne. They have neither diamonds, nor cats'-eyes, nor ru bies, nor agates; yet they are beautiful, and their dress is bewitching. Some looked tall and others short, but I did not see them stand; they appeared happy, and glistened like fish fresh caught. Such! proud Bengala's King and court, Where chiefs and champions brave recort, With ladies happy, gay,, and free, As fishes in Bengala's sea!

One beauty shone amid the throng,
I mark'd her nose so fair and long,
So fitted to her pretty pole,
Like a nice toad fish in its hole.

One beauty small, amid the row,
Did like the fair Sanang.n show;
None softer Emil'd amid them all;
Small was her mouth, her stature smail,
Her visage blended red and pale,
Her pregnant waist a swelling sail.
Another's face look'd broad and bland,
Like pamflet floundering on the sand;
Whene'er she turned her piercing stare,
She seemed alert to spring in air.
Two more I mark'd in black array,
Like the salisdick dark were they;
Their skins, their faces fair and red,
And white the flesh beneath lay hid

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These pretty fish, so blithe and brave, To see them frisking on the wave! Were I an angler in the sea,

These fishes were the fish for me!!

Some time after every one was seated, an aged bintara stood up and addressed the Rajah; but I, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, did not understand him, although I have learnt Arabic. When this bintara had finished his speech, he looked round to all. Two sida-sidas, who were youths, went each into dark wood cases that had been placed in front of the Rajah, and then began to address and reply to each other. Four times, as the youths became fatigued, they were relieved by others. They spoke in different languages, but not in Malay; therefore I was disappointed, because I could not understand them.

After the Rajah bad amused himself with their speaking, and was tired of it, every body stood up, and he gave to each who had spoken titles, and, to those who had not, he gave papers, and small packets tied with red string, for red is the English colour. What these packets contained I don't know, but one fell to the ground from the hand of the bintara, and it sounded like metal; it must have been gold or silver, and as large as a dollar. First, the bintara with the green eyes, (for it is the custom that the eldest bintara should have green shades before his eyes, that he may not be dazzled by the greatness of the Rajah, and forget his duty,) brought the books and packets, and delivered them to the bintara with the black bajee, from whose hands the Rajah received them one by one, in order to present them to the youths. The papers glistened, and were beautiful to look at; and they contained much writ ing for the youths to learn against the next time the Rajah might call them together.

When this was over, the Rajah, who had hitherto remained silent, and spoken only by his kind looks and smiles, took from the skirt of his bajee, on the left side, a book; and, after every one had taken his place, and the Bengalees, with gold and suver sticks, and some with whisks to keep the flies off, had arranged themselves behind the Rajah, he spoke aloud from the book; and how long did I hear the Rajah's voice! Every one was pleased; but I regretted that it was not in Malay; tor who could understand it!

While the Rajah was reading aloud, the sepoys entered from one end of the

hall, and marched along, passing the side of the throne, but behind the pillars. The meaning of this custom I do not comprehend, but it was no doubt some compliment to the Rajah, who seemed pleased, and raised his voice while every one stirred..

After the Rajah bad finished he got up, because no one sat down any longer, except the ladies, and I followed my Tuan out of the hall; but I did not hear cannon, nor music, nor acclamations, for the English delight in silence.

It was three days after before I could think of and recollect all I had seen ou this great day. I write this history, that me may not be ignorant of Bengal, aut of the manners and customs of the great Rajah of the English; and it is written at Bengal, by me, Ibrahim, the son of Candu the merchant, in the thirtieth year of my age, and on the day of Kbamis, being the twenty-seventh day of the mouth of Shaaban, and in the year of the flight of the Prophet of God, one thousand twe hundred and twenty-five.

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[The genius of LORD BYRON does not stand in need of our eulogy. That its character is established by this work, will be evident from the elegant specimens of his lighter pieces, which we present beneath. From the principal poem, we could detach no piece from the context, without injury to the Author. But the whole work has rare merit, and deserves our warmest applause; particularly as the production of a Nobleman, at a period when nobility scarcely presents even an amateur or patron of elegant literature.]

ON LEAVING ENGLAND.

"ADIEU, adieo! my native shore
Fades o'er the waters blue ;
The Night-winds sigh, the breakers roar,
And shrieks the wild seamew.
Yon Sun that sets upon the sea,

We follow in his light;
Farewel awhile to him and thee,

My native Land-Good Night!
"A few short hours and He will rise
To give the Morrow birth;
And I shall hail the main and skies,
But not my mother Earth....

Deserted is my own good hall,
Its hearth is desolate;

Wild weeds are gathering on the wall;
My dog howls at the gate.

"Come hither, lither, my little page!
Why dost thou weep and wal?
Or dost thou dread the billows tage,
Or tremble at the gale?
But dash the tear-drop from thine eye;
Our ship is swift and strong:
Our fleetest falcon scarce can fly
More merrily along."

Let winds be shrill, let waves roll high,
I fear not wave nor wind;
Yet marvel not, Sir Childe, that I
Am sorrowful in mind;

For I have from my father gone,

A mother whom I love,

And have no friend, save these alone,

But thee-and one above.

My father bless'd me fervently, Yet did not much complain; But sorely will my mother sign fill come back again."Enough, enough, my little lad! Such tears become thine eye; If I thy guileless bosom had

Mine own would not be dry,

"Come hither, hither, my staunch yeoman, Why dost thou look so pale?

Or dost thou dread a French foeman ?
Or shiv'rest at the gale?

Deem'st thou I tremble for my life?
Sir Childe, I'm not so weak;
But thinking on an absent wife

Will blanch a faithful cheek.
My spouse and boys dwell near thy hall,
Along the bordering take,

And when they on their father call,

What answer shall she make?'-
"Enough, enough, my yeoman good,
Thy grief let none gainsay;
But I, who am of lighter mood,

Will laugh to flee away.

"For who would trust the seeming sighs

Of wife or paramour?

Fresh feres will dry the bright blue eyes
We late saw streaming o'er
For pleasures past I do not grieve,

Nor perils gathering near;
My greatest grief is that I leave

No thing that claims a tear.
"And now I'm in the world alone,

Upon the wide, wide sea:
But why should I for others groan,

When none will sigh for me?
Perchance my dog will whine in vain,
Till fed by stranger hands;
But long ere I come back again,

He'd tear me where he stands.

"With thee, my bark, I'll swiftly go
Athwart the foaming brine;
Nor care what land thou year'st me to,
So not again to mine.

We'come,

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