196 Memoir of the Life and Writings of Lady Morgan. [VOL. 4 of the wildest and most melancholy fact is the more gracious to record, becast; and they are admirably calculated cause so many cruel and malignant arfor awakening enthusiasm, quickening rows have been launched against her the imagination, and engendering a con- in reviews and other anonymous protemplative and kindling temperament ductions, by those who disliked her polin the mind. From her earliest infan- itics or envied her success; and who, cy, Miss Owenson's memory was stored making a stalking horse of criticism, with the legendary lore of the land, and have chosen the woman for their mark, her ear formed to its minor melodies, when they professed to aim only at the whose abrupt modulations attain to author. In one instance, when a base effects "beyond the reach of art," and and diabolical attack was made through find a way to the soul unknown, per- the channel of the newspapers, (while haps, even to the Mozarts and the Paesi- she was yet almost a child, and her ellos of a more flourishing period of the utation as an author scarcely commenc science. repOften, while yet a child, and ed,) to blast her literary character, and seated upon her parent's knees, her ima- to drive her from society, nearly the gination, it is said, was purposely excited whole literary force of her native city and her feelings roused by these great mustered in her defence, and the pens instruments of emotion; and the gush- of all who best knew her, and could ing tears flowed abundantly in sympa- bear personal testimony to her virtues, thy with the fictitious sufferer, or res- were drawn in her vindication. So ponsive to the pathos of the national air. generally, indeed, was the indignation. While the friends of the infant were at these unprincipled calumnies, that thus taking delight in playing with a some peculiar means were songht for sensibility they helped to nurture, they expresssing public feeling in which all were not aware how far they gave cha- classes might participate; and it was racter to the genius, and determination in compliance with the public wish (if to the fortune of the future woman. duced at the Crow-street theatre, an we are rightly informed) that she prooperatic farce, called "The First Attempt," written many years before its appearance on the stage. The circumstances under which this piece was acted ensured its success. The house was The influence of the national music on Miss Owenson's mind may be inferred to have been considerable, from the circumstance that at an early age she noted down and arranged some of the best Irish airs, which she adapted to English words, and published in Lon- crowded as often as it was played; and don. These were, perhaps, the first on the author's night, the court, (with published specimens of Irish minstrelsy, the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, the and they suggested to Moore the idea then Lord and Lady Lieutenant of Ireof his splendid work, (as he has himself land, at their head,) the bar, and the liberally acknowledged,) which, in mak- town vied in their zeal and activity to ing the melodies of his country known grace the representation, and render it to Europe, has added a new and unri- profitable and honourable to the object valled wreath to the garland of English of their protection. poesy. The ardour and perseverance which are so essentially necessary to literary success, are prominently conspicuous in the character of Lady Morgan in all the relations of life. As her conceptions are clear, so have her volitions been decided and her affections warm. In the struggles of adversity, and in the still more arduous trials of literary and social trium, her devotion to her family have been alike exemplary. To see what is right and to do it, seems ever to have been the same thing with her; and the sarily circumscribed, and it rarely hap- VOL. 4.] Memoir of the Life and Writings of Lady Morgan. 197 to break open a letter committed to his saving a youth taken prisoner under Micharge, and to possess himself of a small randa, and condemned to certain death sum of money, in the intention of re- under the horrible form of perpetual storing it in a few days to the owner, slavery on the military works of a SpanFor this offence he was condemned to ish American fortress. The recollection die. In the court in which he was of such anecdotes is a source of the purtried, a scene of the deepest distress was est satisfaction. They tend to raise the exhibited by the presence and anguish literary character, they do honour to of his aged father, his wife, and her human nature, and they relieve the dark helpless infants; but the crime was one shade, which almost uniforinly obscures of those which society never pardons. the political history of the species. In such cases cupidity and apprehen- In the year 1811, when on a visit to sion are alike interested in striking ter- the Marquis of Abercorn, in the north ror, and mercy and hope must be silent of Ireland, Miss Owenson became acat their bidding. From the gloom of quainted with Sir Charles Morgan, a the condemned cell this unfortunate physician, and Fellow of the London criminal, like the drowning wretch who College, then in attendance upon Lord grasps at a straw, appealed to the ima- Hamilton. A congeniality of tastes ginary influence of a popular writer; soon led to a matrimonial connection. and the claim was irresistible to one whose domestic affections were the mainsprings of her being. that she was indebted for the boundless access she obtained to the saloons of Paris. Speaking French with a facility not usual among our countrymen, her peculiar powers had full play in that capital, where agreeability is the most direct passport to social intercourse. Since her marriage, Lady Morgan has chiefly resided at Dublin, where her house is the centre of whatever taste, litOn the receipt of his letter, Miss erature, and refinement is to be found Owenson addressed herself to the dif- in the Irish metropolis. The cultivaferent barristers of her acquaintance; tion which peculiarly marks the higher but the reply she received was uniform, ranks of British society, ensured her an The crime was unpardonable, the man's introduction into the upper circles of fate was sealed, and interference could England and Ireland; but she owes only expose her to mortification and perhaps the place she holds as much to defeat. Uuintimidated by these dis- her peculiar talent for conversation, and spiriting reports, she applied directly to what the French call, esprit de société, Baron Smith, the presiding judge on as to her professional eminence. It was the trial; and that amiable individual, in a great measure to these qualities rejoicing to have so good a pretext for tempering the rigour of justice, directed her to the foreman of the jury, with the promise, that if a recommendation to mercy could be procured from them, he would, in consequence of the conviction resting on circumstantial evidence, back it with his sanction. Miss Owenson saw the foreman of the jury, induced him to assemble the jurymen, and to sign the recommendation. She then drew up a memorial to the Duke of Richmond, the head of the Irish goverament, and, in one word, procured a commutation of the sentence to perpetual transportation. It is pleasurable to to add, that on arriving at New South Wales, the reprieved man became an industrious and honest member of society, and supports his family in independence and comfort. A circumstance not dissimilar in its event, and even more romantic in the details, occurred to the immortal Jenner, who was the means of The family of Lady Morgan is not new to literature: her father, who was a near relation to Oliver Goldsmith, was by him introduced, early in his life, to the Garricks, the Johnsons, and other eminent men of that day. His musical talents were of the first order, and notwithstanding their high culture, were strongly tinctured with the peculiar character of the national school. He wrote also very many songs for the stage, distinguished for their breadth of humour and brilliant wit: but he is most known to the literary world by his generous protection of the unfortunately celebrated Dermody. The extraordinary history of this miracle of precocious 198 Memoir of the Life and Writings of Lady Morgan. [VOL. 4 It is a singular fact, that on the Continent, the works of this Lady rank still higher than they do at home; and it affords a decided testimony of their intrinsic eloquence of thought and sentiment, that they should have been rendered so popular under the disfiguring "The talent and wayward eccentricity is well and philosophical view of life, than is known. Mr. Owenson found him mix- to be found in her earlier productions. ing colours for the scene painters at the Her reputation consequently has rapidtheatre, in the most abject penury. On ly increased; and public expectation discovering his talents, this gentleman, looks forward to further and still more with that prompt, uncalculating warmth successful efforts of her pen. of heart, which forms so brilliant a feature in the Irish character, took him at once into the bosom of his family, clothed and educated him, and by making his case known to the public, and especially to the celebrated Dr. Young, Bishop of Clonfert, Mr. O's near relation, he was the instrument for procuring garb of foreign translation. him that patronage, which, but for the Wiid Irish Girl," "St. Clair," and ungovernable and self-willed indepen- "The Missionary," are, however, well dence of Dermody's capricious dispo- translated, and retain their situation sition, must have led to every temporal among the popular and classical prosuccess. To Lady Morgan's only sis- ductions of the French press. "O'Donter, Lady Clarke, has descended a full nel," from the Hibernicisms with which portion of hereditary ability, which it abounds, was less likely to succeed would have been more productive, if the abroad, and the French translation is cares of a young and numerous family had not occupied too large a portion of her time and attention. This lady has recently brought out on the Dublin stage a comedy, called "The Irishwoman," replete with originality of conception, and humorous dialogue, and which met with the most decided success; so that it will probably soon find its way to the London theatres. both coarse and unfaithful. It was however read with great eagerness in Paris, and has, as we are informed, obtained likewise the honours of a Dutch and Spanish costume. The work however which has made Lady Morgan most generally known, is her "France;" having passed through three editions at home, three in America, and as many in France. Aa abridgment also has Lady Morgan commenced her pub- been formed, including those passages lic career very early in life: notwith- which fell under the censure of the standing therefore that she is still the French police, and published, we beyoungest successful candidate for litera- lieve, in Geneva, under the title of ry honors, of her own sex, her publish- "L'Esprit de Lady Morgan." ed works are already numerous. They Lady Morgan is in person petite, are a volume of poetry, written before feminine, graceful and animated; unishe was fourteen, and dedicated to that ting in her gay conciliating appearpatroness of Irish talent, the late Coun- ance, the ease of fashionable life, with tess of Moira: "St. Clair," 2 vols.; the navieté of strong and original tal"Novice of St. Dominick," 4 vols.; ent, and that even flow of spirits which "Wild Irish Girl," 3 vols. ; Patriot springs from constitutional benevoic Sketches," 2 vols. ; Ida," + vols. ; leace and an active and occupied "The Missionary," 3 vols.; "O'Don- mind. We have heard the conversanel," 3 vols ; " France," 2 vols. 8vo.; tional abilities of this Lady highly ex"The Lay of the Irish Harp," 1 vol.; and a volume of twelve Irish Melodies. She has now in the press another national novel, to be called "Florence Macarthy," which will appear in the coming season. 66 In her later publications she has taken a higher flight, and has exhibited a profounder acquaintance with the human heart, and perhaps a more caustic tolled, and her success in the great world attributed to that cause, and to what the French call l'art de raconter bien. If we may trust to our own powers of observation, great humour, pleasantry, and the absence of all affectation, and pretension, constitute no small part of its merits. Lady Morgan is, however, accused of being what is called uncertain, of only coming out ia VOL. 4.] Varieties: Critical, Literary, and Historical. 199 particular sets and circles; and we sion was by a great Law-giver dehave heard that when called on to shew nounced as treason. Though Lady off, she has, like her own Duchess of Morgan was bred a protestant in the Belmont, quoted the well known par- bosom of the established church, she lez nous la philosophie et puis la theolo- has from conscientious motives strenu gie, and then remained buried in im- ously advocated the emancipation of penetrable reserve and silence. One the Catholics. This vein of political feature in her character it would be sentiment has drawn down upon her a wrong to pass by, although we do not heavy measure of critical vituperation. always approve its results, we mean her But those who stem the stream of enthusiastic love of her native country. opinion, (especially when strengthened The situation of Ireland naturally be- by authority,) must expect occasional gets strong party feelings; and to re- ly to be dashed by its current against main neuter in times of civil dissen- rocks and shallows. VARIETIES. ww From the London Time's Telescope, for Dec. 1818. SAINTS' DAYS, OBSCURE CEREMONIES, REMARKABLE EVENTS, &c. IN DECEMBER. 'NOW WOW comes December, which He was of so charitable a disposition, after January for new-years gifts, that he portioned three young women, February for pancakes and valentines, who were reduced in circumstances, by March for leeks for the Welchmen, secretly conveying a sum of money April for fools, May for milkmaids and into their father's house. Milner, in their garlands, June for green pease, his History of Winchester, describes a mackerel, beans and bacon, and what curious font preserved in the cathedral not (this is a plentiful time,) July for of Winchester, and applies the carvings hay in the country, and August for on it to the life and miracles of this corn, September for oysters, October saint. The annual cereincay of the for brewing good beer, and November boy-bishop, once observed on this day, for drinking it. After all these are past, is described at length in Ath. Vol. II. some for working, but all for eating and p. 144. drinking, after all comes December, CONCEPTION OF THE V. MARY, DEC. 8. with the barns full of corn, the larders This festival was instituted by Anfull of beef and pork, the barrels full of selm, Archbishop of Canterbury, bebeer, the oven full of Christmas pies, cause William the Conqueror's fleet, the pocket stored with money, the being in a storm, afterwards came safe masters and mistresses full of charity, to shore. The council of Oxford, and the young men and maids full of however, held in 1222, permitted every play.'-(Poor Robin, for Dee. 1757.) one to use his discretion in keeping it. 'December had his due appellation December 10th is a fast observed by given him in the name of winter-monat, the Jews, on account of the approaches to wit, winter-month; but after the then made by the Romans to besiege Saxons received Christianity, they then, Jerusalem; the commencement of devotion to the birth time of Christ, the national calamities of the Jews. termed it by the name of helight-monat, that is to say, holy-month.' December, last of months, but best, who gave SAINT NICHOLAS, DECEMBER 6. of December the 12th is, by devout Jews, observed as a fast, on account of the profanation of the Holy Writings by their translation into Greek; a calamity said to have been succeeded by three days' darkness. SAINT LUCY, DECEMBER 13. This virgin martyr was born at 200 Varieties: Critical, Literary, and Historical. young man who paid his addresses to This is the shortest day, and is at London 7 h. 44 m. 17s., allowing 9m. 5s. for refraction. Shortest of all the varying days, That fill the circling round of Time,' Expectance views the Sun's bright rays, Advancing from the southern clime. CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25. [VOL. with the greatest absurdity, more particularly on the continent of Europe. The Fete de l'Ane and the Fete de Foux, the Feast of the Ass and of Fools, with other religious farces, are considered by Mr. Warton to have been first instituted at Constantinople about the year 900, by Theophylact, to wean the minds of the people from pagan ceremonies, by the substitution of Christian spectacles, partaking of the same spirit of licentiousness. The Ass's Festival was held in France for many centuries. A curious account of this religious ceremony was published in the year 1807, by M. Millin, a member of the French Institute. It is taken from a manuscript missal belonging to the Cathedral of Sens, and details the impious and extravagant mummeries practised in that church on Christmas-day. Pierre Corbeil, the author, was Archbishop of Sens, and died in the year one thousand two hundred and twenty-two. On this festival of folly, a bishop, or even a pope, was elected for the occaThe feast of our Saviour's nativity sion; the priests were besmeared with was undoubtedly celebrated in the early lees of wine, and they were masked or ages of Christianity; for we are told disguised in the most extravagant and that, under the persecution of Maxi- ridiculous manner. On the eve of the minus, that emperor burnt a church at day appointed to celebrate this festival, Nicomedia, which was filled with before the beginning of vespers, the Christians assembled to keep this festi- clergy went in procession to the door val. St. Gregory terms it the festival of the cathedral, where were two of festivals; and St. Chrysostom, the choristers singing. Two canons were chief of all festivals. It is named now deputed to fetch the Ass, and to Christmas-day, from the Latin Christi conduct him to the table, which was the Missa, the Mass of Christ, and thence place where the Great Chanter sat, to the Roman Catholic Liturgy is termed read the order of the ceremonies, and their Missal or Mass-Book. About the names of those who were to take the year 500, the observation of this any part in them. The modest animal day became general in the Catholic was clad with precious priestly ornachurch. ments, and, in this array, was solemnly conducted to the middle of the choir, during which procession, a hymn was sung in a major key, the first stanza of which is as follows: In the primitive church, Christmasday was always preceded by an Eve or vigil. When the devotion of the Eve was completed, our forefathers used to light up candles of an uncommon size, which were called Christinas candles, and to lay a log of wood upon the fire called the yule-clog or log. Orientis partibus Sarcinius aptissimus. Hez! Sire Ane, hez! Of all the various ceremonies ob- After this, the office began by an served on Christmas day, or during this anthem in the same style, sung purposely season, those formerly practised in in the most discordant manner possible; Catholic countries are, perhaps, fraught the office itself lasted the whole of the |