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Oh! how could fancy crown with thee
In ancient days, the god of wine,
And bid thee at the banquet be

Companion of the vine?

Thy home, wild plant, is where each sound

Of revelry hath long been o'er;

Where song's full notes once pealed around,
But now are heard no more!

The Roman, on his battle-plains,

Where kings before his eagles bent,
Entwined thee with exulting strains,
Around the victor's tent;

Yet there, though fresh in glossy green,
Triumphally thy boughs might wave,
Better thou lov'st the silent scene,
Around the victor's grave.
Where sleep the sons of ages flown,

The bards and heroes of the past;-
Where through the halls of glory gone
Murmurs the wintry blast;

Where years are hastening to efface
Each record of the grand and fair;-
Thou, in thy solitary grace,

Wreath of the tomb! art there.
Thou o'er the shrines of fallen gods,

On classic plains dost mantling spread,

And veil the desolate abodes

And cities of the dead; Deserted palaces of kings,

Arches of triumph, long o'erthrown,And all onee-glorious earthly things,

At length are thine alone.

Oh! many a temple, oncé sublime
Beneath a blue Italian sky,

Hath nought of beauty left by time,

Save thy wild tapestry!

And reared midst crags and clouds 'tis thine
To wave where banners waved of yore,
O'er mouldering towers by lovely Rhine,
Cresting the rocky shore.

High from the fields of air, look down,
Those eyries of a vanished race,
Homes of the mighty, whose renown
Hath passed, and left no trace;
But thou art there!-thy foliage bright,

Unchanged, the mountain storm can brave;
Thou that will climb the loftiest height,
And deck the humblest grave.
The breathing forms of Parian stone,
That rise round grandeur's marble halls,-
The vivid hues by painting thrown,
Rich o'er the glowing walls;
The Acanthus on Corinthian fanes,
In sculptured beauty waving fair;
These, perish all-and what remains?
Thou-thou alone art there!

"Tis still the same-where'er we tread, The wrecks of human power we see; The marvels of all ages fled,

Left to Decay and thee!

And still let man his fabrics rear,

August in beauty, grace, and strength; Days pass, thou Ivy never sere,

And all is thine at length.

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SPECIMEN OF AMERICAN MODERN ANACREONT (From the Canadian Courant.)

Pass round the wine;-I would not change
This glass for all the specious bliss
That fools find in the varied range

Of joys, which grace a world like this,
Whose rainbow beams are ever cheating,
Bright, too, like them, but just as fleeting.
Yes,-from good wine I ever found

My soul a hue of heaven could take,
Which lighted up the gloom around

With tints so bright, they seem'd to make
My life, just then, a dream of pleasure,
Knowing no bound, alloy, or measure.
When poets sing of Woman's smiles,

They may, perchance, mislead a few,
But he who knows their syren wiles,

Will prize them as I've learn'd to do;-
For smiles will cool when ills assail us,
But rosy wine will never fail us.
Then pass the wine, that blessed charm
Enjoy'd by suffering sons of earth,-
A gift from heaven, whose spell can warm
Each better feeling into birth;
And from itself a bliss doth borrow
Which smiles at pain, and laughs at sorro
April 6th, 1825.
WAVERLY

[graphic]

We have just perused a hurried letter, written by friend Dr. Richardson, and dated from Lac Hus, April, 1825. At that point, the party, about thi number, had just arrived and pitched their tent for hours, previous to entering on those intermediate vid

"Where things that own not man's dominien dwel and leaving far behind them the last scattered t cultivation-fields partially or wholly cleared, with and there a column of smoke seen curling above then bouring beeches, to indicate the site of the settlers or lazily resting on the nether sky, "like a little wed in the warld its lane."-From Montreal to Lake H no incident worth recording occurred; but the j was performed with ease and expedition: every m joyed excellent health, and daily felt his spirts be more buoyant from the continued calmness and f of the weather. On the 24th April, the party we bark in two large canoes for Fort William, trave their course the upper end of Lac Huron, Salt St and Lake Superior. From thence, they proceedi canoes by Lac la Pluie, Lake Winipeg, Cumbe house, and Methy-portage to Athabasca, where t pect to meet the three boats, with their crews of A shire-men, that were sent out from England last s "Fort Reliance," situated on the shore of the Gr Lake, and the most northern piece of masonary world, was expressly built for the safety and c the travellers, and will terminate their wanderings present season; and here amidst the bleak and b wilderness, they must while away the time the b they can, atil the sun re-appears above the hori even the lichen covered rocks of the artic circle

"Feel in their barrenness some touch of spri This spot they expect to reach by the end of Sp aid on leaving it next season, the heads of the exp ike the patriarchs of old, will take separate ro one going to the east, and the other to the west with very different objects in view-objects whi fondly trust will yet be accomplished, and add, i many new and interesting members to the great f civilization. At Cumberland House, Mr. Dru the botanist, will take leave of his companies

lavished their beauties unheeded since the che mence his researches amidst myriads of planu which be appointment of this youth, who is nearly related was under the eye of Professor Hooker of Glasgow,

ditable to Government. During the former jou Dr. Richardson regretted that he had to leave the botanizing ground on the route before the plas come into flower, and therefore suggested the propr attaching a supernumerary botanist to the expedi This suggestion was instantly listened to, and though R. even proposed to bear part of the expense, his May ministers were too liberal to take advantage of the On the contrary, they left it to our townsman to select recommend a proper person; and we have little that Mr. Drummond will execute his mission with gree of zeal that will extend both his own and bis p tor's reputation.-Dumfries Courier.

Literature, Criticism, &c.

E REAL AUTHOR OF JUNIUS' LETTERS
AT LENGTH DISCOVERED.

The first sentence in the following article is extracted the last Liverpool Mercury, in which some brief re3 appeared on the subject, with an intention that Mr. try's book should be treated more at length in the ding Kaleidoscope. We have now perused the whole ; interesting volume with the attention it merits, and ve not the shadow of a doubt that Lord Viscount ille was really the author of the celebrated Letters of s. If any of our readers, after perusing the brief is of evidence we are about to present to them, still ain doubts on the aubject, we feel assured that a al of the work itself cannot fail entirely to remove

directed against many of the noblemen and gentlemen of
his time. That he was a military man and of high rank,
and not less than fifty years of age, is also plain. A pe-
rusal of Junius will confirm this opinion.

Lord George Sackville is the only man of the day in
whom we can discover all the qualifications necessary to the
author of Junius. As successor to the Duke of Marl-
borough, he had the chief command of the British forces
on the Continent, where a circumstance occurred which is
sufficient to arouse and to account for that tone of deep
rancour and cutting sarcasm by which the Letters of Junius
are characterized. He had been, as he no doubt conceived,
most unjustly reproached. He was dismissed the service
previously to any inquiry into his conduct; and when he
demanded a court martial, was convicted by it, for imputed
disobedience of orders at the battle of Minden. His ene-
mies accused him even of cowardice; and his alleged shy
conduct in the field became the subject of vulgar caricature.
Prince Ferdinand, who had the command of the Allied
most interesting work, which has just made its Continental troops, and under whom Lord George Sack-
rance, will, if we are not greatly mistaken, ex-ville was ordered by the British Government to act, de.
in unusual sensation in the literary and political clared that he regretted "that the Marquis of Granby
s, not only of England, but of Europe at large, had not had the command of the British cavalry on the oc-
has dispelled the hitherto impenetrable mystery casion adverted to;"-which sarcasm may serve to account
ich the identity of an unrivalled political writer for Lord George's subsequent feelings towards the Marquis.
een so long involved;-a mystery which, we will,
"The most important witnesses on his trial (says Mr.
ver, venture to add, without disparagement to the Coventry) were the Marquis of Granby, Lieut. Colonel
r, has not a little enhanced the interest and reputa-Fitzroy, brother to the Duke of Grafton; and Lieut.
f the Letters of Junius. The work to which we now Colonel William Augustus Pitt; and these families stand
"In fine (observes the
he attention of our readers is entitled, " A Critical pre-eminent in Junius' Letters."
ry regarding the real Author of the Letters of Junius, writer a little further on) not one man connected with
ng them to have been written by Lord Viscount Lord George's trial escaped retaliation and personal cen-
ille." The individual to whom the literary world is
ted for this interesting volume is Mr. George
try, to whom we take this opportunity to return
cknowledgments for the copy now before us.
r readers in general are, no doubt, already aware
the Letters of Junius have been successively ascribed
ore than twenty different public characters; and that
reponderance of the circumstantial evidence adduced
een generally thought to point out Sir Philip Francis
e individual who had most pretensions to the disputed
of authorship. This decision, however, has been most
letely set aside by the author of the work under review.
Philip Francis was patronised by the Earl of Chat-
Junius says, in a private letter to his printer (Wood-
of the publication called the Whig," I neither
ire the writer nor his idol," (the Earl of Chatham.)
the opinions entertained by Junius of the Earl of
ham, we also refer our readers to vol. II, pp. 452, 510,
1, III, pp. 108, 174, of Junius's Letters. After a
sal of the passages here alluded to, we think it im-
ible to remain in the belief that Sir Philip Francis
the author of them; for, as Mr. Coventry observes,
r Philip was raised to the station he held in society
he interest of the Earl of Catham. He was an en-
siastic admirer of that nobleman, and on his decease
ed a high eulogium on his character, and observed,
at he had left no one behind him that bore any re-
Ablance to him.""

ir Philip Francis was warmly patronised by Welbore is (afterwards Lord Mendip) to whom, as well as to Earl of Chatham, he had great obligations. unius invariably speaks of Welbore Ellis with the utst contempt. (See vol. II. pp. 128, 239.) Other cirmstances are mentioned which tend to prove that Sir hilip Francis could not be Junius. In Junius's Letters events are referred to which happened before Sir Philip rancis was born, but of which Junius had an intimate nowledge;" and "Junius expressly states a circumance which he saw with his own eyes, before Sir Philip rancis was born, viz. the Jesuitical books burnt in Paris by the common hangman.'"

Whoever Junius was, it is evident he was an injured man, and that feelings of wounded pride, and a lively wense of deep injuries, pointed the cutting and severe satire

sure afterwards."

A circumstance of this complexion can alone account for the bitterness of Junius' sarcasm against the characters who were obnoxious to him-who were also the enemies of Lord George Sackville-who had received from them the most painful wound that can be inflicted upon a man of honour, and of an acute and high tone of feeling.

The places and emoluments enjoyed by Lord George, previously to his dismissal from the army, and of all of which he was stripped at that period, were conferred principally upon the persons who were his most active enemies. It is remarkable, too, that the friends of Lord George are invariably treated as friends by Junius.

nistration. Observe also the strong resemblance, in spirit and manner, between the letter addressed by Junius to the Right Hon. Lord Mansfield, in Nov. 1770, (see Junius's Letters,) and Lord George Sackville's speech in the House of Commons, in Dec. 1770, on the administration of criminal justice. (For this speech, and Mr. C.'s remarks upon it, see Mr. Coventry's book, from p. 185 to 189.) Lord George was a member of the Privy Council from 1765 to 1775. This circumstance will account for the critical knowledge possessed by Junius of every proceeding of the administration, and disclosed by him through the medium of his "Letters," long before it could have reached the ear of the public through any common channel.

It will also explain the necessity of concealment on the part of the author; though, as we observed in our remarks on the subject in the Mercury of last Friday, sufficiently strong motives for concealment must have operated more or less upon every writer of similar daring.

The Letters of Junius ceased previously to the period when Lord George Sackville accepted office under his Majesty, George the Third.

We particularly recommend the book of Mr. Coventry to those who feel any interest in the inquiry in question. We have been much gratified in the perusal of it.

P. S.-The only notice we have hitherto seen of this interesting discovery of Mr. Coventry is contained in the following paragraphs from the Times and Examiner:

"We have never been converts to the opinion so strenuously maintained by some, that Sir Philip Francis was the author of the Letters of Junius. Very different has been our impression after perusing a book just published, the object of which is to demonstrate that Lord George Sackville is the real Junius. In the absence of positive proof of a direct nature, a case can only be established by the fair and natural bearing of coherent and undoubted circumstances; and it is a rule, both in law and morals, to decide upon such testimony with nearly the same confidence as if the whole point of the question had been the subject of ocular observation. Applying this rule, we think that Mr. Coventry, the author of the book now before us, entitled A Critical Enquiry regarding the real Author of Junius, has collected such a quantity of circumstantial evidence, at once various and connected, as would convince any twelve men, whether judges or mechanics, that Lord George Sackville and Junius are the same. Human judgment is fallible; and it is possible that some positive evidence may still exist to set aside such a decision; Mr. Coventry cites the testimony of many of the distin- but, till such evidence is produced, we think the long. disputed question may be considered as set at rest by the guished contemporaries of Lord George Sackville, to prove present volume. Many a wretch has been convicted of that his talents were equal to the achievement of a work murder and treason on half the evidence here produced to like Junius; and the speeches of Lord George in Parlia- establish a point of authorship."-Times. We have ment are records of his eloquence and of his political feel-read this very interesting book, and coincide in the opinion ings, which are exactly in unison with those of Junius. expressed by the Times.”—Examiner. The resemblance in the chain of thought and expression is striking; and no one who has read the Memoirs of Lord George, and followed him through his political life, can doubt of his identity with Junius: and it is impossible, with this previous knowledge, to read a page of the celebrated "Letters" without being impressed with the conviction that they proceeded from the pen of Lord George Sackville. There are, we will venture to say, many points of coincidence, in sentiment, expression, and style, between Junius and Lord George Sackville, which will be discovered on a careful perusal of the works of the former; and to have quoted all of which would have rendered the very able investigation of Mr. Coventry too voluminous.

Notwithstanding the character of Junius's political sentiments, he was an advocate for the American war and the American Stamp Act; and though he identifies himself with the interest of every private soldier, he opposes the disbanding of the army in time of peace.

Such are exactly the sentiments and opinions avowed by Lord George Sackville in Parliament, though in other respects a strenuous opposer of the measures of the admi

* See Mr. C.'s book, p. 196 to 197, for a speech by Lord George, on the Impress of Seamen, in October 1771.-This speech combines, in a remarkable degree, the characteristics of the writings of Junius.

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE.

NO. V

The MODERN ATHENS; a Dissection and Demonstration of Men and Things in the Scotch Capital. By a MoDERN GREEK. Second Edition, 8vo.

The very general indignation into which the soi-dissant wise ones, male and female, of the modern Athens were worked by the appearance of this little book, as well as the chastisement which the Athenian editors endeavoured to bestow upon the conjectural author or authors, were a sort of promise that its interest would last longer than a day; and that a second edition has been called within four months of the appearance of the first, is a proof that the promise is realized. The hand of the Greek falls, we think, somewhat more heavily upon the Athenians than might be expected of one subscribing himself as belonging to their own nation; but somehow or other he contrives that it shall generally fall in the right place, so that while the Athenians quarrel with the biting severity of the volume, the chief ground of their vexations seems to be their inability to deny its truth.

A second volume is said to be in the press, in which certain other cities of the north are to be dealt with after the fashion of the Modern Athens; and as to the Athens herself, we know not whether in that second volume the author intends to plaster the wounds he has already made, or to inflict new ones. We shall see.

(Continued from our last.)

blishment of a Mechanics' Institue va rited enrol their names in a book which was f occasion at his office. This book, which he now in his hand, had, in consequence of this hint, res the signatures of four hundred and fifty Liverpoli chanics. The preamble to these signatures vis following effect:-"The individuals whose tars hereunto subscribed would feel most sincerely g the gentlemen of Liverpool, if they would p them an Institute, for the benefit of the mechi t town."-This book, which he, Mr. Smith, present to the Chairman and committee, mi dered as a respectful requisition of the Liverpo nics to the gentlemen of the town to step forward behalf; and there could be no doubt, from the the present most numerous and respectable ment the request would be promptly complied — applause.) Mr. Smith then proceeded to st cond objection to which he had alluded, and va conceived would be completely removed by a les just received from that excellent and most useful Birkbeck, to whose talents and exertions the Lea chanics were principally indebted for the establis their prosperous institution.-(Applause.) He, r should now take the liberty to read the letter be dressed to Dr. Birkbeck, together with the answer had been received that morning. Mr. S. then following correspondence:

The Envestigator. (The Rev. Gentleman here read a paragraph, from a speech | principle of such institutions as that which it of an individual whom he was proud to call his friend, intended to establish. He (Mr. S.) thought it. [Comprehending Political Economy, Statistics, Jurispru. whom he had always revered for his transcendant genius, however, to be prepared with a practical answer dence, occasional passages from Parliamentary Speeches but whom he now loved more for the qualities of his heart objection which might have been urged at this of a general nature, occasional Parliamentary Docu--the Rev. Dr. Chalmers, in confirmation of this state- against the great project now in contemplation. ments, and other speculative subjects, excluding Party ment.) Every man, however, was not qualified to be an had taken his measures accordingly. He had br Politics.] inventor or discoverer. The great majority of mankind persons express an opinion, that the mechanism were blessed with nothing more than the average rate of pool were themselves entirely indifferent to s talent, and must, from the constitution of our nature, stitution as that now recommended, and he Li LIVERPOOL MECHANICS' SCHOOL OF ARTS. continue in the rank of manual labourers. But even on heard it urged, that, if once established, they these individuals, this Institution would confer important after the novelty had subsided, grow weary of benefits. It would elevate their minds and improve their derive none of the advantages expected from the morals. He then contrasted the condition of the labourer, ments. He (Mr. S.) thought he could reply to th who had no sources of enjoyment save that which he de- jections to the entire satisfaction of the presenc As we are of opinion that the letter of Dr. Birk-rived from the indulgence of his appetites, with him whose When he first heard of the alleged indifere beck is calculated to do much public good, we here insert mind was enlightened by science. The pleasure arising Liverpool mechanics on the subject, he had norm it, as also the speech of Mr. E. Smith, together with that chimedes was thrown into an ecstasy by discovering a me- which such of them as felt any interest in the from the acquisition of knowledge was very intense Ar- issued a placard, addressed to that class of persis, of the Rev. A. Wilson, as their arguments are general, thod of finding the specific gravity of bodies. Let them and are intended to remove some objections entertained in give, therefore, to the operative, a measure of information certain quarters against the very principle of affording the regarding the causes of those phenomena with which he means of education to the poor. was familiar, and he would have materials for happiness, independent of external circumstances; he would be raised from being a mere animal machine to the dignity of a raThe Rev. ANDREW WILSON, in moving the third tional and intelligent agent. In those hours of leisure, resolution, observed, that after the very distinct and which else would have been spent in frequenting the appropriate remarks which had been made by the learned haunts of dissipation and of crime, he would be visited by Doctor Traill, very little remained for him to perform. exhilarating thoughts and improving reflections. He then The object of the proposed Institution was to afford in-adverted to the fact, that those workmen who were the struction to mechanics and artisans in those branches of most enlightened were the most peaceable, and were never science which were of practical application in their several guilty of those excesses into which others had run. He trades; and it merited their support, because it had a di- referred particularly to the destruction of valuable pieces rect tendency to bring forth native genius from obscurity, of machinery, under the idea that they were hurtful to and render available to the country much talent that might the interests of the labourer. He would venture to say otherwise have slumbered in dormancy. No class possessed that no one who had been educated at any of the Schools of a monopoly of genius; it was to be found occasionally Arts or Mechanics' Institutions would be found joining among all classes, and not less frequently among the poor in the senseless clamour against the use of machinery. In than the rich. There were great facilities for the cultivation conclusion, he adverted to a very gratifying circumof that talent which the higher orders possessed, but there stance. This Institution was to be placed under the mawas much danger lest that portion of it which existed nagement of no one class exclusively, but of a committee among the lower classes should be useless or unimproved, formed out of all classes. It was a well-known fact, that, from the want of some guiding hand to encourage its first when such associations are formed by workmen alone, and feeblest efforts. There was much mental and corpo- they are prone to cherish a feeling of dislike towards the real energy allowed to run waste, because there was no higher classes-to regard them as persons who have no one to direct the stream into its proper channel. How sympathies with their less favoured brethren, and who much toil and ingenuity have been squandered on at- will do nothing to remove the imperfections of their tempts to realize the phenomenon of a perpetual motion, education. And, on the other hand, the richer individuals while a slight acquaintance with the first principles of me- of the community are apt to look with extreme jealousy chanical philosophy would have shown that all such at on every movement originating with the operative classes, tempts are utterly preposterous. Many talented mechanics which has a tendency to ameliorate their condition: but, were engaged in inventing what had been discovered long in a case like this, where there was a voluntary stepping ago, and were consequently spending their ingenuity in forward of the higher orders to assist those who are placed vain. But the instruction to be given would direct their in less favourable circumstances, in knocking off the efforts to the proper path, and would give birth to many shackles of ignorance, the most affectionate and cordial new discoveries. Every process of art was dependent on intercourse must ensue. Here was an emanation of kindsome scientific principle, whether it was recognised, or re-ness from the influential classes of the community, and mained concealed. No improvements could be expected, there would be a reflection of it from the hearts of the if men were contented to tread servilely in the steps of artisans. And it was by the prevalence of such feelings their forefathers, or if they surrendered themselves to the that the well-being of the community was to be preserved. random conjectures of a wild imagination. The operator The members of the state were thus bound together by must be guided in his researches by the lights of genuine ties stronger than the enactments of human legislators, science; and workmen were possessed of great manual even by those bonds which alone can effectually unite mind dexterity, and were placed in circumstances the most fa- with mind, the soft but the omnipotent ties of kindness vourable for making discoveries. The workshops were and of gratitude.-(Applause.) the schools of science. Even were the lectures, which would be delivered, to state only what had been done by philosophers and experimentalists, they would not be useless. Much practical knowledge was concealed in books to which the workmen had not access, or recorded in mystical characters which they could not understand. And it was of importance they should see the successive steps by which former philosophers had proceeded in the march of discovery, and what they had actually attained. Such lectures would be like putting into the hands of a person who was traversing an unknown ocean, on a yoyage of discovery, a chart in which the tracks of former navigators were delineated. He would perceive what regions were fully explored, and in what quarter discoveries were most likely to be made. The Rev. Gentleman then noticed an objection to such institutions, that by drawing attention to subjects foreign to their profession they had a tendency to spoil good workmen. There might be force in such an objection if it had been proposed to expatiate on those branches of science or literature which have no direct bearing on their ordinary employments-if, for example, it were proposed to make the blacksmith an elegant penman, or the carpenter an eloquent and accomplished orator. But it was utterly inconceivable that any such result could follow when the great object of the Institution was to render the workman acquainted with the philosophy of his own profession, and to untold to him the theory of those operations about which he was daily conversant.

Liverpool, June 4 SIR,-Unless I have greatly mistaken your chara motive which induces me to address you will be apology I can offer for this intrusion on the part of a You will perceive from the Liverpool Mercury, & Ma forward you a copy, that we are to have a publis here on Wednesday next for the purpose of forming a nics' Institute in Liverpool. Amongst the object have been urged against similar establishments, ham it contended, that the Mechanics, after the Lore somewhat abated, would become indifferent to the and the lecture-room. We have not found this to case with the members of the Liverpool Apprentices La (nearly one thousand in number.) They continue the books with unabated, I should rather say, with zeal. Will you, my good Sir, favour me with the your own experience on this point, as it will e meet the objection to which I have adverted. You' so muca experience that you will now be enabled to whether the general body of mechanics and artist country do, or do not, really relish and appreciate a brary and the lecture-room.

To Dr. Birkbeck.

EGERTON S

Mr. EGERTON SMITH in rising to second the motion observed, that as the object of the resolution was to raise the necessary supplies, he had some thoughts of taking for the model of his speech, on the present occasion, Swift's laconic sermon, the text of which was "He who giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord;" to which the facetious Dean merely added, "Now my good brether, if London, Jun S you like your security, down with your dust."-(Great SIR,-You would indeed have greatly mistaken m laughter.) Mr. Smith wished to be understood, that the ground of being a stranger, you had hesitated in although he was obliged to use the term poor to the for any information which you might think essent mechanics, in conformity with the scripture text, he did important object now in contemplation at Liverp not mean the slightest disrespect to a body of men too deeply interested in the scientific progress of for whom he had the highest respect, and whom he of this country, and too firmly convinced of the regarded as the strength and sinews of the country. of Mechanics' Institutions to the acceleration of th Mr. S. in continuation, observed, that he should avail not to feel myself gratified, and even obliged, by i himself of the present occasion to offer a few observations, mitted, however remotely, to contribute to their r which, he trusted, would not be deemed irrelevant to the and support. I regret that I cannot enter so large great object of the meeting. Dr. Traill, in the interesting this subject as its importance demands, on acco address they had just heard with such pleasure, had shortness of time allowed me for answering your alluded to certain objections which some few persons felt and the interference of unavoidable professional duties to the very principle of enlightening the people. He It will, I am sure, be gratifying to you, and to all the fre (Mr. S.) was aware of the existence of these narrow pre- of education around you, to know, that at the end of judices, but it was consoling to find that the persons who and a half, the time that has elapsed since the Lor harboured them appeared to be ashamed boldly to state chanics' Institution was founded, the zeal, activity, and them in public. He had attended much to the proceed-tion of the operatives, have not in the slightest degre ings of meetings similar to the present, and he did not Our sixth quarterly general meeting was held last recollect that in one instance any person had been found reporting upon and considering the state of the stati hardy enough to come openly forward to object to the and the attendance and interest were greater than upon

occasion. I will venture to say, that if the charm Ity have declined, its place has been supplied by a of a much higher description, a deep conviction of the oral and intellectual excellence of this establishment. ambers, there is no falling off from the lectures; as to on, it is, as it has ever been, intelligent and profound. zure-room still continues to be crowded; and each suelecturer retires with astonishment and delight, on acf the decorum which is observed, and on account of id anxiety, and the universal aspect of intense study, pervade the audience. Every one, after the delivery of s to the mechanics, has felt conscious of having, in a unknown to him before, awakened interest and comted information; and, therefore, has experienced a of animation and delight which no similar underhad ever yielded.

part of our plan, equally flourish, also, and do not exThe elementary schools, which y diminution by having lost the gloss of novelty; and ding-rooms appear to be very fully attended: so that I boldly proclaim, as the result of my own experience, own words, that "the general body of the mechanics

isans of this country do really relish the library and

Cure-room."

further add, that an Institution is actively called for, dy of men resembling those, who will, I hope, take adof that which you design to form the shipwrights, oplar, Blackwall, Limehouse, &c. the shipping districts metropolis. In about a month, I hope to have the -e of setting it forwards, having the promise of very deupport from some of the most enlightened among the merchants, and shipbuilders, with other persons of inin that neighbourhood.

every good wish for your success, and with the hope
Eving early intimation of your proceedings,
I remain, very respectfully,
Yours, &c.

se.

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Miscellanies.

439

of England, previous to publication, submitted it to Dr.
Johnson's inspection, and attempted at the same time to
Mrs. Macaulay, a lady who undertook to write a history
palliate its faults by observing, that she had a great
many irons in the fire."
ning a few pages, very coolly replied,
mend you, Madam, to put your history where your irons
To this the Doctor, after scan-
are.'
"Then I recom-

taneous productions of nature. that the mind and the body, in infancy, were equally feeble; but he ought rather to have said that the body had He (Mr. Smith) had said decidedly the advantage; as a child immediately after birth would, by mere animal instinct, seek the breast of its proved by the physiologers. His face not very great, mother, whilst the mind was a complete void or blank. ample forehead, yellowish reddish whiskers, which naThomas Hobbes-His head was of a mallet forme, ap Could there be a stronger argument than this to show that turally turned up belowe, he was shaved close, except a it was the duty of man to bestow due care upon that help-little tip under his lip; not but that nature would have less inert faculty, which, if not neglected, was capable of afforded him a venerable beard, but being mostly of a improvement without limit? whereas the capabilities of the pleasant and cheerful humour, he affected not at all aubody were very circumscribed. Nothing could be more fallacious (continued Mr. Smith) than to contend that ele, and that of a hazel colour, which was full of life and education rendered a man more dissatisfied with his lot, or spirit, even to his last; when he was in discourse, there sterity and gravity, and to look severe. He had a good endangered the security of the government-the direct rewould render him an unfit and troublesome subject to a his eic-lids; he had middling eyes, not very bigg, nor shone (as it were) a bright live coal within it. He had in his relative duties in society: it was true that it merry humour, one could scarce see his eies; by and bye, verse was the fact. Education and study instructed him too kinds of looks; when he laught, was witty, and in a tyrant; and so he ought to be-(great applause) but it would make him truly loyal to a free government, as he very little. He was six foote high, and something better, when he was serious and carnest, he opened his eies round would know that where fied with his lot, would prove his greatest consolation, by of bread and butter, and tooke his walk, meditating till there was no law there was no liberty." and went indifferently erect, or rather, considering his great Education so far from rendering him dissatis age, very erect, He rose about seven, had his breakfast prove that happiness was not confined to any sphere or dinner he took a pipe of tobacco, and then threw himself teaching him what it was the object of all philosophy to His dinner was provided for him exactly by eleven. After condition, but that its attainment depended chiefly upon a immediately on his bed, with his band off, and slept about ten; then he did putt downe the minutes of his thoughts. man's own conduct and pursuits. Education and reflection halfe an houre; in the afternoon he penned his morning would teach him that moderate labour, so far from being thoughts. He died the 14th of December, 1679, aged 91. and mind in a state of health and vigour, and kept aloof that a positive evil, was a positive good, as it preserved the body, (continued Mr. S.) there were any man of humble life or consonant. worst of all human curses, listlessness and ennui. If correct speakers omit the h, when it comes after an article Pronunciation.-It has been often remarked, that inthat of the mere rich man, he would tell him, that he did Woodman's Hut. amongst his hearers, who repined at his lot, and envied unfortunate propensity, and was cast for Schampt, in The An actor in Decamp's company had this not think there was on the face of the earth a more miserable being than a wealthy man, who had no inducement This gentleman delivered it thus: A dialogue, in the last act, runs thus: I see a house yonder;" to which the others assent. to exertion, and who possessed none of those intellectual brother comedian, relishing the joke, exclaimed-" No, GEORGE BIRKBECK. fr. Egerton Smith, Liverpool Mercury-office, Liverpool. resources within himself which could alone render retire-it a'nt; it's only a nut (hut)." Which Decamp, who I see a nouse. His ment supportable. One example of such an unfortunate doats on a frolic, couched with "Yes, yes, it's a nabitasletter of Dr. Birkbeck was received with general been related to him by a friend, upon whom he could imbeing had come within his own experience, or rather had tion." Smith said he should take the opportunity, whilst to the poor man who envied his neighbour merely because plicitly rely. The circumstance conveyed a very useful moral d the attention of the meeting, briefly to express he was wealthy. The person to whom the anecdote related inion upon the general question under consideration. was what the world termed independent-that is, he was ad already adverted to the objections which had been very rich; and had no inducement to exertion. He had ced against the principle of enlightening the people, received no education, and had consequently no relish for ad stated that the persons who raised such objections reading or literary and scientific pursuits; and he grew so ventured to do so at public meetings like the present. weary of existence, that he actually committed suicide company had probably read the proceedings of an through downright listlessness; as was proved by a brief tant meeting which took place in London, a few letter left behind him, addressed to the gentleman who since, when the Marquis of Lansdown was in the told the story to him (Mr. Smith.) The letter was of so it was that of the London Metropolitan Infant singular a description, that it was calculated to make Society. At that meeting it was laid down, and the company laugh and cry at the same time. It was sally recognised as a principle, that the extension of couched in the following terms: Dear Friend, I edge amongst all classes of society ought to be a am tired of buttoning and unbuttoning, and so I am = object of all good governments. So convinced was off. Give my compliments to all inquiring friends.”r. S.) of this truth, that he would venture to say, (Great laughter.) If this unfortunate gentleman (conif ever a moral proposition were capable of de- tinued Mr. S.) had in his youth had the advantage of tration, it was the proposition, that it was the duty such an establishment as a Mechanics' Institute, the catasan, as well as his interest, to do all in his power to trophe, in all probability, would never have happened. te the intellectual character of his countrymen to the Mr. Smith further observed, that it was particularly inst pitch it was capable of attaining. He (Mr. S.) cumbent upon his townsmen to set about the establishdemonstrate this to himself as clearly as he could ment of a Mechanics' Institute, without delay, or they the existence of a Deity; and if he failed to impress would be left far behind by other nations, and other parts of onvictions upon the minds of others, of the advocate rather than any radical defect in the had already made great progress in this good work, and it would the their own country, in the march of intellect. America nent. Reason was the faculty upon which man prit appeared by the last number of the Glasgow Mechanics' y prided himself, as constituting the characteristic Magazine, that there were already in Great Britain about iction between himself and the inferior animals:-it Sfty establishments similar to that which it was now pro: much more exalted than that derived from mere of institutions were becoming popular, and one of the he best gift of the Creator, and the source of enjoy-posed to set on foot in Liverpool. In France these kind al gratification. To bestow all his time and attention most eminent of the French philosophers had conthe body, and to neglect the sublimer capabilities of descer ded, or, he ought rather to say, had done himself oul, was, therefore, to mistake his true interests, and the honour to become a lecturer to such establishments. ced deep ingratitude to the author of his being. He There was only one other point which he would press said that God endowed man with reason; but he ought upon the attention of the meeting before he sat down. er to have said with the capacity of reason-the The people would have, and ought to have, amusement in or seed, which, with due care and cultivation on of some so 't, and it was good policy to procure for them own part, would ripen into that noble faculty. It was, those of the most innocent and useful description. In oubt, a wise dispensation of Providence, that nothing his opinion, the want of manly and athletic sports was his world, which was of any value, could be acquired one of the greatest evils of the present age; and he had out exertion. God did not give man bread; he did always thought, that, if there were less labour and more shower down manna upon him; but he gave him grain, recreation, it would be beneficial to the interests of the ch, with due industry on his part, could be converted community. If it were found impracticable to afford the abundance of the staff of life. In like manner, Pro- people amusement out of doors, let them be provided ence did not endow man with reason, but with the cailities of acquiring it. nd were alike feeble and helpless; neither would they this desideratum, and, independent of its utility in other At his birth the body and the establishment as that now contemplated would supply with some domestic recreation as a substitute. Such an arrive at maturity, without care and cultivation. respects, that consideration had great weight with him. ely, then, to neglect the culture of the nobler part of Mr. S. then concluded with thanking the company for the n, was as culpable and absurd as to neglect to sow the flattering attention they had bestowed upon the observad in the carth, and to trust for sustenance to the spon- tions he had offered to their notice.-(Applause.)

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and trim as powder and puff can make them, give a preAppearance of Barristers in the Courts.-Their black posterous, and, to speak the truth, a silly expression to robes, not ungraceful, and their grotesque wigs, as white many a noble countenance among them, while the ordi nary ones look barely human, all the intellectual organs cheek bones seem unnaturally protruded, and the chin lengthened, as if it signified nothing how little brain a being narrowed or under total eclipse above, while the lawyer had, provided there were jaw enough. To do them justice, (with a few exceptions) they are a sorry-looking, sallow-faced fraternity, with prominent eyes, flabby under lids, and cheeks, forehead, and mouth so lined and indurated, that their physiognomies may be compared to that of the sphinx herself, tatooed with hieroglyphics.—Sheffield Iris.

ing eccentric announcement appears in the Leeds Mercury,
of the 21th of May:It is with great reluctance I have
Dissolution of Matrimonial Partnership.-The follow-
tually agreed to part, and live separate from each other;
to state to the public, that my wife Martha and myself
but the law says when partnerships are dissolved they must
advertise, so I say, I will not be answerable for any debt
vary in opinions; but after a long conversation we ac-

take children at large schools, only six years old, was going
into the village without leave, when one of masters called
A boy, of a much earlier age than it is customary to
after him- Where are you going, Sir ?"-" I am going
a halfp'orth of nails for ?"-" For a halfpenny, Sir," re-
plied the urchin.
to buy a halfp'orth of nails, Sir," What do you want

or debts she contracts. Jas. Binns."

in the streets of Munich. It is a calash drawn by two A singular equipage has been seen for the last six months and has so well tamed that that they have all the docility at St. Petersburg, found very young in a wood near Wilna, enormous wolves, which M. W. K. formerly a merchant of horses, and have entirely lost their ferocious instinct. The Police have only required that they should be muzzled. M. W. K. parades the city in this equipage several times a day, and always attr: ts an immense crowd.

Correspondence.

[FROM THE LIVERPOOL MERCURY.]

DIORAMA.

TO THE EDITORS OF THE LIVERPOOL MERCURY.

in this particular already, and will do well to tame himself
down a little more.

Mrs. McGibbon's Portia I witnessed for the first time, and though I must confess I did expect much from her, yet she far exceeded that expectation; and whether as Portia or as the Doctor she charmed me alike. This lady's elocution is beautiful, and she is never forced, exaggerated, GENTLEMEN,―The pleasure the public feel in being assured, or unnatural. She was as playful and easy in her first on your veracity, that no other deception is used in the repre-scenes, as she was dignified and eloquent before the court; sentation of the picture now exhibiting at the Diorama, than her by-play in the casket scene was natural and striking. what the art of the painter imposes, can only be equalled by Mrs. Haydn Corri made a most charming Jessica, and sang delightfully; the dress, too, she wore deserves mentioning,-it was extremely beautiful, and, what is more, as tasteful as beautiful. This lady, I am happy to observe, becomes every evening a greater favourite, and I hope, shortly, to see her in something calculated to display those abilities which have been her passport to us, and which cannot fail to ensure to her that patronage which should ever crown the efforts of sterling merit.

their astonishment at the perfection at which that art has arrived. That some have been sceptical enough to refuse assent to the repeated assurances of the persons engaged at the Diorama, that it is a perfectly plain surface, cannot be wondered at, when it must be admitted, that in no one single instance has so heavy a tax been, perhaps, ever imposed on a man's credulity. Although an artist myself, I must confess

nothing less than the assurance you have given would have
ever persuaded me that some deception in the representation

had not been used. I am now satisfied, and feel peculiarly
happy that an opportunity is offered the humbler class of
artists and mechanics to visit this splendid and unparalleled
Exhibition, on terms within their reach. It is a thing every
man, who has a particle of taste for the fine arts, must see.
Liverpool, 23d June, 1825.
AN ARTIST.

The Drama.

THE THEATRE.

TO THE EDITOR.

It

SIR,-On Saturday last we were much surprised at the sudden appearance of Mr. Kean on these boards. appears, he arrived here from Dublin, proposing to proceed directly to London, but " en passant" entered into an engagement for one night. The notice given to the public was necessarily short, and yet the house was comparatively well attended.

The Merchant of Venice was the piece selected for the evening; I am not aware whether the choice was Mr. Kean's,-be that, however, as it may, a most unhappy choice it was for exhibiting that gentleman's powers. His performance of Shylock was one of the most lamentable attempts I have witnessed for some time, and I am confident, that it would not have been endured by the audience, could they but have divested themselves of the idea, that it was the celebrated Kean who stood before them. It is, perhaps, one of the greatest drawbacks an actor of celebrity ever laboured under, to be expected to be found great in every character he performs; and this expectation is but too generally raised by the injudiciously unqualified panegyrics of friends, who, commonly, injure more than they serve an actor, by lauding him forth as admirable in every thing. Mr. Kean has most unquestionably suffered himself to be led away by those-to him-" melodious voices," and the consequence is, that whenever he wishes to be great, it is in vain we shall look for any thing like nature in him; hence, the reason we see him accused of being "a sort of rhetorical Merry Andrew, whose excellence consists in the exhibition of a certain round of tricks ;" and, really, those who last season here witnessed his Hamlet, his Richard, (ay, his boasted Richard!) and his Shylock on Saturday last, must, indeed, be "wilfully blind" not to partially admit the justice of the animadversion. Mr. K. is, in fact, an enfant gate, and until he shall have left off listening to those who have spoiled him, and take again to nature and propriety, he can never expect to be admired by the judicious few, the praise or censure of one of whom "should, in his estimation, overvalue a whole theatre of others."

Bassanio was very ably sustained by Mr. Bass; a little less of the declamatory, in the scene where he examines the

caskets, might, perhaps, have been better; I allude merely to that part of the scene where he descants upon the caskets. Mr. B.'s besetting sin, formerly, was a predilection for spouting; he has corrected himself, however, considerably

After the interlude, Mr. Kean was loudly called for; he came forward, and after addressing a few words to the audience, again retired amid unmingled and vehement applause.

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Circular Panorama of Naples.-Rotunda, ner New Market. This beautiful and interesting pain deservedly increases in popularity. It is one of the whose Panoramas, for nearly half a century, have pro specimens from the pencil of the celebrated H. A Bart a rich adornment to the metropolis, and who has not nexion with the person of the same name who ext moving pictures here. The spectator on entering the form in the centre of the Rotunda, finds himself in sea of emerald and azure hue, on which vessels of e Bay of Naples, elevated above the surface of a w size, from the tiny pleasure boat to the proud impo ship of war, are displayed. Turning to the bottom of bay, the city, with all its churches, palaces, castles, sloping to the sea,-villas, hills covered with rich a convents, is seen in the form of a vast amphithe luxuriant verdure, the Appenines, Mount Vesuvias short, the painting is a masterpiece and wonder of The beauties and bold sublimities of nature are her mingled and displayed in one enchanting view, which, and amply reward the proprietor for the enormous exper have no doubt, will prove a source of general attraction he has been at in preparing it for the entertainment of th residents and visitors of Liverpool.

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Half-past two, Thermometer 82 in the shad

To Correspondents.

THE PAZLEWOOD SCHOOL SYSTEM-We purpose, next
introduce this subject to the notice of our readers
Mr. KEAN. Our correspondent N. will perceive w
omitted some of his observations upon Mr. Kean
ceived them to be irrelevant; and our taste has
us to take any part or, interest in the late fra
that gentleman and the public. With respect to t
remarks upon Mr. Kean's acting, our opinion is,
correspondent is a prejudiced judge.
SPANISH LITERATURE.-No. V. of those essays is res
our next publication.

PERVERTED INSTINOT. The paper of our Denten
dent is suspended until we can learn from him whe
anecdote of the cat is founded in fact. We shall
to a postage to ascertain that point.
TREBONIUS is informed that we have not hitherto ber
cessful in our inquiry, but hope to obtain the re
formation before the appearance of our next pa
Cornelia's communication, entitled No FICTs, w
unluckily mislaid, is now in the hands of our printers,
shall appear next week, or the following Tuesdayatfurts
We have further to notice. Thy Friend-Aligne
Annd Bella, who wili oblige us by her own translatin
Printed, published, and sold, EVERY TURDAY

E. SMITH & CO. 75, Lord-street, Liverpool

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