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noble and manly figure, full of majesty and dignity. His countenance was extremely pale, his eyes blue, his hair auburn. His aspect was grave, and a smile but rarely appeared upon his face.

tired in the shroud in which he had so recently appeared, and laid in a coffin of lead, which was again inclosed in one of chesnut, covered with black velvet; the funeral procession again wended its way to the chapel, and the remains of the once great We have thus placed before our readers a Emperor were laid beneath the high altar. brief sketch of some of the prominent featThey were doomed to be speedily disturbed, ures in the career of the Emperor Charles the however, for two days after the Corregidor Fifth, a career not only interesting but in the of Placentia came to demand the body, and highest degree suggestive and instructive. although he was prevailed on, after much We have viewed him surrounded by all the entreaty, to leave it where it was, he insisted | pomp of royalty and attributes of power; we on the coffin's being opened, in order that he have accompanied him through sad reverses ; might see the face. The features had under- we have followed him to his retreat; we have gone but little alteration, and the spectators traced the prostration of his mind and body, gazed upon them for the last time, with min- have witnessed the extinction of the spark of gled awe and sorrow. life, and seen his remains consigned to the silent tomb.

Thus died, in the fifty-ninth year of his age and forty-third of his reign, the Emperor Charles the Fifth. In his youth, and before he was bowed down by illness, he was a

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"En terra jam nunc quantula sucit!
Exempta sit curis, viator,
Terra sit illa levis, precare!"

THE HON. AND REV. BAPTIST NOEL.

THIS highly esteemed evangelical minister, protection to trade and commerce, that the now a seceder from the Church of England, House of Assembly at Barbadoes voted him is maternally descended from an ancient their thanks and a valuable sword. In 1758, Scotch family in Kincardineshire, and is, be- he was promoted to the rank of Post-Capsides, paternally related to the noble house tain; in 1774, Controller of the navy. In of Hamilton, as will be seen by the following 1781, he was created a Baronet, with remaingenealogical sketch: The lands of Middleton der to his son-in-law, Gerard Noel-Noel. in Kincardineshire were in possession of the In 1784, he was elected Member for Rochesfamily of Middleton so early as 1094. In ter; in 1787, promoted to the rank of rear1660, John Middleton was created Earl of Admiral; in 1795, to that of vice-Admiral; Middleton; but the title was forfeited by the in 1805, Admiral of the red-squadron of His second Earl, Charles, in 1695. From him Majesty's fleet; and in the same year he bedescended Robert Middleton, who married came First Lord of the Admiralty, a Member Helen, daughter of Charles Dundas, son of of the Privy Council, and a Peer of the Sir James Dundas, of Arniston, by whom he realm, by the title of Baron Barham, with rehad two sons. Charles, his second son, born mainder to his only child Diana, wife of Sir in 1726, entered the royal navy at an early Gerard Noel-Noel, great-grandson of the age; and while commander of a 20 gun fourth Duke of Hamilton. The fruits of this ship in the West Indies, by his courage and marriage were a family of eighteen children, assiduity, took and destroyed a number of of whom the Hon. and Rev. Baptist WriothesFrench privateers, and afforded such effectualley Noel was the sixteenth.-Witness.

From Tait's Magazine.

DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.

Diary and Correspondence of Samuel Pepys, Corrected and Enlarged, with additional Notes, Illustrative and Explanatory. Edited by RICHARD LORD BRAYBROOKE.

No study is more interesting or important than the study of man. It may be pursued through a variety of means. We may observe his manners, tastes and habits; we may listen to his conversation, and mark the influence he endeavors to exercise over the minds of other men. All these may serve as indications of character, but the means by which we may most surely arrive at the truth is the perusal of the thoughts of the secret pages of the mind. Every other medium may prove false; this alone is unerring.

It is seldom, however, that an individual will allow us to read his soul, or trace his actions to their motive. We must, in general, be content with watching the changing and deceptive surface of events, while the steady undercurrent flows on, concealed from the curious gaze. When, therefore, it is possible to unlock the secret depositories of thought, and reveal the hidden springs of action, the privilege must be considered as eminently valuable, and the more so when we are permitted to investigate the motives of such men as Samuel Pepys, who enjoyed high offices, and fulfilled their duties with distinguished ability, if not with the most scrupulous conscience, and who exerted considerable influence over the affairs of the period. His diary is valuable as depicting to us many of the most important characters of the times. Its author has bequeathed us the records of his heart, the very reflection of his energetic mind; and his quaint but happy narrative clears up numerous disputed points, throws light into many of the dark corners of history, and lays bare the hidden substratum of events which gave birth to, and supported, the visible progress of the nation. We are introduced to the public characters of his time, divested of those deceptive trappings which led their contemporaries and biographers to view them, not as they were, but as

they wished the world to think them. For this, and many other reasons, is the diary valuable; and among the numerous claims it possesses to the attention of the public, is the graphic yet simple language in which the able but simple-minded Clerk of the Acts relates his extraordinary experience.

Born during one of the most eventful periods of our history, educated in the spirit of the times, and thrown by the accidents of fortune into the very centre of political movement, no man could have been better fitted than Samuel Pepys to present us with a faithful picture of the Court, of public opinion, and of the state of society as it existed in his age. Our diarist, while delineating other men, paints also himself, and by mingling the description of his conduct as a public servant with that of his domestic eccentricities, convinces us of his sincerity. We know he is writing the truth, for he never flatters himself nor others, but exhibits, with his abilities, his success, and his virtues, his faults and failings, his follies and his foibles, with the same degree of frankness. Certainly the diary was never intended by him for publication-of this we have undoubted testimony. Indeed, were such not the fact, its value would be immensely diminished in our eyes; and instead of ranking, as it now does, among the most curious and interesting works which the present century has produced, it would dwindle down in our esteem to a mere lively fiction.

Samuel Pepys was born on the 23d of February, 1632, whether at Brampton, a small country town, or in London, is a disputed point. The first germs of that varied knowledge which afterwards contributed to carry him so successfully through the world, were planted in his mind at Huntingdon. Thence he was removed to St. Paul's school, and thence to Trinity College, Cambridge.

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The early years of his life are enveloped in obscurity. A large portion of them seem to have been passed under the roof of a noble relative, Sir Edward Montague, though what situation he filled in this family is not determined. Indeed, until the commencement of the present diary we can find no authentic account of his life. He began to write it shortly after he was appointed as clerk in some office of the Exchequer, connected with the pay of the army; and we propose accompanying him through some portions at least of his experience, and touching on a few of the curious passages of his life.

Pepys introduces himself to us on the 1st of January, 1659, in a garret in Ale Yard, with his wife and servant, living in frugal style; yet, in spite of his humble position, not without influence in high quarters. For a considerable time we find him engaged in public business, an account of which he sets down with scrupulous accuracy, occasionally pausing to describe the good dinners he enjoyed, and the little inconveniences he suffered, in his daily walks to and from the office. This portion of the diary, in addition to its intrinsic value as a record of affairs during the period of the Restoration, is curious in the extreme, when regarded as a picture of the times a representation of manners and habits which would clash strangely with modern notions of civilization. Pepys describes how he came home with his wife one evening through the Park, when a poor woman offered to race her for a pot of ale, and, moreover, won the wager. Numerous instances of this sort occur; and in every page we discover testimony of the immense alteration which has since taken place in the topography as well as the state of society in the metropolis. We find mention of a little water-brook which

traversed the Strand, and found its outlet in the Thames; and of numerous other facts which attest the change that has since come over the aspect of London. But, perhaps, the most engrossing feature in this portion of the diary, is the extraordinary excitement which appears to have prevailed throughout society with regard to the movements of General Monk. For a long time his intentions were hidden in uncertainty; but when it at length became publicly known that he had declared for the King, London appears to have been frenzied with joy. From one end to the other the city was red with the blaze of bonfires, and the incessant chime of bells attested the general feeling. The King's health, hitherto interdicted, was drank in the public streets; and when a rumor went

abroad that some one would rise up in the House of Commons and protest against the restoration of Charles Stuart, a damp fell upon men's minds, which was only dissipated by the assurance that no such protest would be permitted. All the incidents connected with these important movements are related with faithful minuteness. We trace events from their very roots, and see how they branch and give birth to others, which ramify through the whole complicated scheme of public affairs. Taking himself as the centre of the narrative, Pepys describes a wide circle, and makes us intimately acquainted with all who came within its range. The diary is a history both of persons and opinions.

Following the humble clerk in his progress, we find him writing with a steady hand for his own advancement, making friends in every quarter, and conciliating those whom he fancied to be hostilely inclined. It was at once perceived by his friends that he would rise to power and influence, and those who could not hope to step before him, pushed him on, trusting that from his elevation he might lend a helping hand to them. By whatever means, however, the conclusion was brought about, certain it is that, on the 22d of March, 1660, we find Pepys, after passing through much trouble, and smoothing down, by his ability and industry, countless obstacles, receiving his warrant as secretary to the two generals of the fleet. "Strange," he says, alluding to the venality of those around him, "how people do now promise me anything-one a rapier, the other a vessel of wine, or a gun, and one offered me a silver hatband to do him a service. I pray God to keep me from being proud, or too much lifted up hereby."

Embarking on board Sir E. Montague's ship, Samuel Pepys accompanied the expedition sent to bring Charles II. to England. During the many negotiations which attended this movement, our diarist was continually surrounded by those who trusted to profit by his friendship. Each sought to win his regard. One sent him a piece of gold, another a vessel of wine, another some costly ornaments, another assailed his ears with adulation, another courted his friendship by promises, while others endeavored to secure it by unblushing bribery. Nowhere, however, do we find Pepys occupying himself with his own affairs to the prejudice of his duties as a public servant. He pursues his functions with unwearying vigor, writing and reading memorials, receiving deputations, holding counsel with the naval authorities, and de

spatching an infinite variety of business. His advice appears to have been sought, and often acted upon, by the most distinguished individuals. He was employed to draw up a very important vote relative to the decision of a council of war, and expressing that which was most favorable to the monarchy. Pepys thus describes its reception :

"He that can fancy a fleet like ours, in her pride, with pendants loose, guns roaring, caps flving, and the loud Vice le rois!' echoed from. one ship's company to another, he, and he only, can apprehend the joy this vote was received with, or the blessing he thought himself possessed of

that bore it."

On the 14th of May the expedition arrived at its destination, and on the 23d the King embarked amid, as Pepys expresses, an infinite and confused shooting of guns. His Majesty entertained the officers during the homeward passage with the account of his adventures, perils and escapes, and, finally, on the 29th of May, entered Whitehall in triumph. We find this passage of English history thus described in a quaint but curious and rare book very nearly out of priat :

"And it came to pass on the 29th day of the fifth month, which is called May, that the King was conducted in great state to his palace at

Whitehall, and all the people shouted, saying 'Long live the King!'

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direct me what to do herein," says our diarist. But he appears soon to have made up his mind; for on the 20th of June he received the warrant, and his altered position now begins to show itself in a more profuse style of living, in more costly clothes, and greater indulgence of his tastes, at all times eccentric and extravagant. Yet Pepys, though holding a very important civil post, receiving a handsome salary, and mingling in noble society, loved to busy himself with the most homely domestic arrangements, and found amusement in the most trifling incidents. In one page he describes how he caused his servant girl to wash the wainscot of his parlor, and how this afforded him great sport; and in the next relates the entertainment he derived from seeing a gentleman fall into a kennel in the Poultry.

The Duke of Gloucester died early in September, 1660, and caused a great gap at Court. His funeral was celebrated with some pomp, though Pepys, while making much account of the mourning he purchased for himself and his wife, describes little of the ceremony; preferring to ramble on to an account of his drinking wine at the Hope Tavern, eating 200 walnuts, and receiving a barrel of samphire from a friend. Appointed one of the justices of peace for Middlesex, with ingenuous frankness, that though mightKent, Essex, and Southampton, he confesses, ily pleased with this honor, he is wholly ignorant of the attendant duties.*

The secretary to the two generals is now again in London, where we find him alternate- Pepys was, of course, attached to royalty, ly devoting his time and attention to busi- and accordingly we find him writing and ness and pleasure, new suits, and choice speaking of King Charles with the utmost dinners. Flattery and bribes attend him inces-respect, paying deference to his slightest wish, santly. Now he finds, on returning home from his office, that a packet of chocolate (a rarity then) has been left for him, now five pounds are slipped into his hand, now a silver case is presented to his wife, and now a case of costly liquors comes unordered to his door. About this time it was thought fit in influential quarters that Pepys should be rewarded for his services during the expedition to Holland, and a place was sought for him. The situation of Clerk of the Acts was an important one, and numerous were those who aspired to its dignity and emolument. It was hinted that Pepys was to fill it, and the rumor caused great excitement among those who aspired to the post. One individual offered him £500 to desist from it. "I pray God

"The Chronicles of the Kings of England, by Nathan Ben D. Saddi, a Servant of God, of the House of Israel."

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rejoicing at the punishment of his enemies, and exerting himself vigorously in his service; but, when describing a visit to Sir W. Batten's house, he lets out the fact that in his earlier years he was a furious enemy of king and crown. Speaking of his meeting with an old schoolfellow, a deadly drinker," as he terms him, he says: "I was much afraid he would remember the words I said on the day when the King was beheaded-that, were I to preach upon him, my text should be, The memory of the wicked shall rot.'" However, the Clerk of the Acts suficiently proves, that if he once entertained ideas inimical to royalty, he abandoned them as he grew older, and we find him as staunch and loyal a subject as even a king could wish.

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How strangely the following sentence sounds in these days: I did send for a cup of tea (a China drink) of which I never drank before."

Yet, though courtly in his predilections, he is as homely and domestic as the most humble tradesman. Some strange points of his character show themselves in the following

extract:

"My father and I discoursed seriously about my sister's coming to live with me; and yet I am much afraid of her ill nature. I told her plainly, my mind was to have her come not as a sister but as a servant; which she promised me that she would, and with many thanks did weep for joy. *Found my wife making of pies and tarts to try the oven with, but not knowing the nature of it, did heat it too hot, and so a little overbake our things; but knows how to do better another time.

*

*

"15th (Nov).--To Sir W. Batten's to dinner, he having a couple of servants married to-day,

and as there was a number of merchants and others of good quality, on purpose after dinner to make an offering, which, after dinner we did, and I did give ten shillings, and no more, though I believe most of them did give more, and did be

lieve that I did so too.

"21st.-At night to my violin (the first time I have played on it in this house) in my diningroom, and afterwards to my lute there, and I took much pleasure to have the neighbors come forth into the yard to hear me."

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night, the rejoicing of the dense multitudes,
the thronged streets, and the bonfires which
surrounded London with a light like a glory.
The merry-making and drinking which con-
cluded the day somewhat unsettled his head,
but we, nevertheless, find him at the proper
hour in his office. He received a message
from his uncle a few days after, begging
that he would send down to a poor man,
named Perkins, a miller, whose mill the wind
had destroyed, an old fiddle, "for he hath
nothing now to live by but fiddling, and
he must needs have it by Whitsuntide to
play to the country girls but it vexed me
to see how my uncle writes to me, as if he
were not able to buy him one.
to-morrow to send him one."

But I intend

Pepys gained the confidence, if not the friendship, of most of those with whom he was associated. The secrets of state were no secrets to him. That which was a mystery to the popular eye was revealed to his favored gaze; and intrigue, and cautious diplomacy, were often regulated by his advice. About the beginning of July, 1661, his attention was somewhat distracted by the news of his uncle's severe illness. He was not well known to the old man, and could not nourish much affection for him; but he en

In the beginning of the year 1661 we find Pepys occupying a handsome house belong-tertained great expectations from him, and ing to the navy, and furnished with considerable luxury. His income increases gradually, and he finds himself enabled to indulge in expensive pleasures, and to lavish great sums upon dress and good living. Although burthened with an immense amount of business, and having continual calls made upon his time, he is yet able to walk about and amuse himself in society and at the theatre as often as his inclination turned that way. On the 3d of January he mentions, that he for the first time saw women acting on the stage. Previously it was the custom for boys or young men of effeminate appearance to play the female parts; and one Kinaston is spoken of as appearing in three different characters. Another curious trait of the manners of the period is given, where he says, that being seated in a dark place at the theatre, a lady spat upon him by mistake, "but after seeing her to be a very pretty lady I was not troubled at all."

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was, consequently, glad in some respects, though sorry in others, when the intelligence of his dissolution arrived. A special messenger woke him in the morning with the news, and before midnight he was at Brampton, where his father and numerous relatives were assembled. The body lay in the hall, but already gave forth unpleasant evidences of decomposition. "I caused it to be set forth in the yard all night," says Pepys, who then went to bed, greedy, as he confesses, to see the will. In this he was somewhat disappointed. His uncle had left him but little, though on his father's death he was promised the reversion of a large property. However, his uncle's death made some additions to his wealth, and he appears upon the whole to have been well contented with the result. A strange love of the theatre now took possession of his mind, at which he was much troubled, for it broke upon his business and wasted his time. The fascination was too great for him to resist; he was continually either at the opera or the playhouse, and satiety seems not to have diminished his taste for dramatic representations. When we consider how often we meet him in the theatre, in the parks, among gay company, at convivial parties, it seems marvellous how he was

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