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WEEKLY DIARY.

MARCH.

REMARKABLE DAYS.

SUNDAY, 17.-Midlent Sunday.

The middle or fourth Sunday in Lent was formerly called the Sunday of the Five Loaves, the Sunday of Bread, and the Sunday of Refreshment, in allusion to the gospel appointed for this day. It was also named Rose Sunday, from the Pope's carrying a golden rose in his hand, which he exhibited to the people in the streets as he went to celebrate the eucharist, and at his return.

-17.-Saint Patrick.

The Tutelar saint of Ireland was born in the year 371, in a village called Bonaven Taberniæ, probably Kilpatrick, in Scotland, between Dunbriton and Glasgow. He died at the good old age of 123, and was buried at Down, in Ulster.

THURSDAY, 21.-Saint Benedict.

Benedict, or Bennet, founded the monastery of Cassino, in 529: it was built on the brow of a very high mountain, on the top of which there was an old temple of Apollo, surrounded with a grove. The Benedictine order of monks, first instituted by our saint, was, in the ninth century, at its height of glory.

SEA STORIES;

Or the Voyage and Adventures of Cyril Shenstone, Esq.

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No. IV.

* Oh morning, fair art thou; to thee the flowers Unfold their dewy leaves, and nature all Beams her most pleasing smile.'

The Fisherman.

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My senses now began in some degree to return to me,' continued the antique personage and I endeavoured to collect in my mind all that had passed. My servants too, began to recover, and my courage to shake away the disgraceful torpor which hung upon it. The flame roared and blazed out of the apertures, and the gorse weeds and dry brambles taking fire made a tremendous spectacle. It was highly pic*** would say, to see the flame reflectturesque,' as ed upon and illuminating the dim recesses of the shattered fane-the dusky objects appeared horribly fantastic in this light, and again a shudder crept involuntarily over my frame. Presently lanterns were seen emerging from the distant cottages, the hum of voices was heard, and shouts and the noise of people advancing grew more distinct. The blaze had attracted the cottagers, and upon search, we discovered that the dreadful apparition was no more than a simple contrivance of some poor illicit whiskey makers, to deter any rash and daring spirits' from penetrating into their sanctum sanctorum. Their performance had partly succeeded, and but for the unlucky accident of a spark catching some of the real,' which betrayed them, might have entirely taken. Being fully satisfied with this denouement, I escaped as soon as I could, and relieved my weary waysore und dripping frame with a comfortable bed, which soon expelled all disagreeable recollections of the appa

rition.'

I now requested silence, and begged as a peculiar favour that the young gentleman who had favoured us with the tale of the Water-wraith,' would also let us have another of his songs-he complied as follows:

Serenely bright is her azure eye,
And soft as the mellowing evening sky,
Light as the zephyr her streamy hair,
As the young winds sigh o'er forehead fair.

The waving locks o'er her temples stray,
As the new sun streaks the opening day,
And round and round they encircling twine,
As do the fond tendrils of the vine.

Her smile is as sweet as the pale moon beam,
That dances and sports on the rippling stream,
And her sigh is as soft as the midnight breeze,
That gently sighs 'mid the leafy trees.

And her voice is gentle, and low, and faint,
And like the sweet Bulbul's lone complaint,
For it charms the ear with its soft distress,
As her form, the eye, with its loveliness.
But the rose may wither, the lily may die,
The drooping snowdrop unnoticed lie,
And the heavenly blue of the violet fly,
For her charms their splendours all outvie.

For not so lightsome can trip the fay
The dew-gemmed grass at the dawn of day,
Nor the hart bound o'er the flower-speck'd lea,
With a step as light or as soft as she.

In beauty and splendour to her must cede
The young, the fair-hair'd Ganymede,
Nor was the fond Dardan's favourite,
So beautiful or so exquisite.-

The Scotch broker who had been long hem-ing and
ha-ing, desired us to keep silence for he was going to
favour us with his tale.

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Bravo,' said Jack Brindle,-
'Silence,' said the elderly gentleman,-
'Presto,' said the Scotchman, and accordingly

thus commenced.

TALE IV.

The Test of Affection.

'I arose early in the morning, and after taking a good breakfast set out from home. I was furnished with an oaken cudgel which I deemed, might, towards the latter end of my journey, be useful.-On the end of it was slung a small matter of provision, packed up in a handkerchief, and then hoisted over my left shoulder. A good quantity of rain had fallen in the night. It was, however, fair when I commenced my expedition, and I wished it so to remain ; for it was no pleasure to anticipate a wet day, and a journey of thirty miles on foot, before me.

The morning was still and beautiful; it was at the early hour of four; I could not yet distinguish the sun, though I was sensible he had left his ocean bed from the beautiful streaks of colouring in the eastern sky. To express the softness, mildness, and calmness of the scenery, at that hour, I cannot find adequate words, those only can conceive it who have witnessed the same. I had not proceeded more than two miles, before a few drops alarmed me with apprehensions of a soaking shower, from a heavy black cloud that was slowly sailing over my head, and my fears were soon realized by a very thick descent that followed, on which I betook myself with all speed to a thatched cottage, that I saw at some distance, for shelter. Its humble inhabitants were not yet risen, and the only shelter I could obtain was that which the eaves of the dark brown thatch afforded. Partially screened, I there watched the progress of the shower, redoubled fury, then slackened, until the dense cloud which alternately abated a litte, then increased with totally diminished, its heavy dark colour gradually changed to a livelier hue, the drops grew smaller and fell at wider intervals, and the sun burst forth in all the glorious refulgence of unclouded splendour. I then pursued my journey, it was now lighter, and the feathered warblers were chaunting melodiously among the dripping leaves and branches of the tress, and flitting from spray to spray, seemed to rejoice at the approach of morning. I now and then met a solitary rustic just issuing from his cot, and hastening to his

Jabour, which interrupted my meditations no longer
than while I returned his friendly salutation. For
two hours I proceeded on in this manner, when think-
ing it time for another breakfast, my former being
pretty well digested. and my appetite being sharpen-
ed by the caller air,' I turned into a pot-house, hard
by the way side, Keepit by Maggy Donaldson,' noted
for selling good auld Scotch drink, a tap o'the right
sort, a house where there had been many a good
splore kicked up by the devotees of the above liquor.
On entering, Patty, who had cleaned up the bouse,
and who was now busy at the kirn, left her task,
lowered the tone with which she was singing a
song of Burns', to attend to me-though while she
placed an old three legged worm-eaten oak table by
the side of the settle, on which I had placed myself,
and furnished it with a foaming jug of nut brown, I
caught the following:-

But wearily tent, when you come to court me,
And come na unless the back yett be a jee,
Syne up the back stile and let nae body see,
And come as ye were nae comin, to me.

Oh whistle and I'll come to you, my lad,
Oh whistle and I'll come to you, my lad,
Tho' father and mother an a' should go mad,
Oh whistle and I'll come to you, my lad.

At kirk, or at market whene'er ye meet mee,
Gang by me as tho' that ye car'd na a flie;
But steal me a blink o' your bennie black ee,
Yet look as ye were nae lookin at me.'

Old Maggy, who sat by the ingle, with a pipe in
her mouth, now accosted me with how far cam ye
this mornin,' gude man. When I had satisfied her
in this particular, she enquired where I was gaun,'
and when told her that I was going to visit old
Andrew Gillespie, my uncle, who was supposed to be
near death, she broke out what auld Andrew
Gillespie, that dwells at Flinty Knowe, amang the
muirs, sure he's nae ill, I should amaist greet up baith
o' my e'en if we were to lose him, there is nae a far-
rantlyer fallow in a' the kintra, than honest auld An-
drew Gillespie, I kent him lang syne, an a his kith
an kin.
He ne'er cam to the toun but he ca't for a
cog o' my nappy, for he was a canty auld carl, shame
fa the rogue that would injure him in word or deed,
an I hope the tale ye hae heard is na true, an that
ye'll find him hale an weel, and as canty as ever; but
if ye are gaun to Andrew Gillespie's the day ye'll find
it a lang step till't, and sae far's I can see ye'll hae a
wet day o't,' I was much pleased with this eulogium
on my relative, and I could have stayed with the auld
hostess much longer very willingly, for I love auld
Scotch songs and Scotch tales, and auld Scotch drink,
the one of which auld Maggy was well noted for sing-
ing, the other for telling, and the other for selling,
but it was absolutely necessary I should proceed,
which I did, after exhausting the last drops of the
precious exhilirating nappy! gathering up the relics
of my repast and wishing my hostess a 'gude mornin'.

Refreshed with my rest, I now travelled on with great vigour, until another shower drove me for shelter into a blacksmith's shed. After conversing awhile with honest Burnewin, about the wee dwarf Davie,' or canny Elshie,' of Muckelstane Muir, who sat for his picture to the author of the Popular Novels, and seeing no signs of better weather I again set forward.

Nothing further occurred on my journey for some time, nor was the scenery such as to tempt me to give a description of it. One reason, however, may be, I was anxious to arrive at my journey's end, and the day was not such as would permit a minute examination of many a fine scene, my course of travel I am sensible displayed.

It was lowering dark, the whole atmosphere was loaded with immense watery clouds. The wind was wild and boisterous, and, with short intermissions, the rain descended in torrents, so that I was soon thoroughly drenched to the skin. I now stopped again for another refreshment, as I was arrived at the last inn before ascending the mountains, through which

TO THE EDITOR.

--

'Damnant quod non intelligunt,' Cic. Envy will merit as its shade pursue, But like a shadow proves the substance true.'

РОРЕ.

I had yet a long journey, and not one of the best roads. After leaving the inn, I began to ascend a very steep path, which led several miles through a wild range of heathy hills and barren moors; and while on this part of my journey, frequently those fines of Burns forcibly impressed my recollection ;Admiring nature in her wildest grace, These northern scenes with weary feet I trace; O'er many a winding dale and painful steep, Th' abodes of covey'd grouse and timid sheep.'The scenery before me was majestic and sublime, not from extent of prospect but the height of the blacknings may not great results proceed, and the world hills the depth and gloominess of the valliesthe ruggedness, barrenness, and desert-like silence,reigning all around. The whole country was rent and tossed into mountains sublime in barrenness, and that more particularly impressive under its present appearance; a thick mist or rain fog sat sullenly upon the summit of every hill, and obscured with its murky mantle, much of the heathy declivities.

The weather in a short time cleared up, and the sun broke out again in his meridian splendour; cheered with the aspect of the day, I quickened my pace and soon gained the top of a hill, when I had a grand and extensive prospect of country before me for many miles.

Although in such haste to arrive at the end of my journey, I could not forbear stopping now and then to contemplate the charming scene, which was not, however, remarkable for fertility or luxuriant clothing, but chiefly for its bold outline and natural though rather naked features. The cots of the peasantry were, in general, scattered at a good distance from each other, and defended in some degree from the rude mountain-winds by a few trees, which towered high above the humble roof of faded thatch, and surrounded with the necessary appendages of a barn and a byre. I proceeded on and soon descended the steep hill. At the bottom was a small clachan or hamlet, containing a pot-house, where I devoured the remaining fragment of provision, and, after washing it down with another pot, again set forward with renewed vigour.

Crossing the narrow stone bridge at the extremity of the village, I entered a deep and most romantic glen, on the edge of which at the distance of four miles, was the humble mansion of my uncle Andrew. The vale wound about in a serpentine direction, and from the various aspects of every turning point, which when at a distance it displayed, much was given for speculation as to the course which it would take among the labyrinth of mountain vases, where other dells or glens opened from this. I, however, gained point after point, until I saw, with mingled sensation of pleasure and pain, the stepping-stones over the brook, and the steep zig-zag path by which I must leave the valley. By taking this path,-passing through the little hamlet at the top,-mounting another hill,-descending on the other side of it, till I came to the level, then clambering down another immense abyss, gaining its opposite side, whence it was but a few fields length of a gentle ascent up to my uncle's, I should cut my journey shorter a few furlongs. When I arrived at the hamlet, I enquired of a shepherd, the nearest way to the Flinty Knowe,' 'Ye maun gae back the gate ye cam again,' said he, down the brae and ower the burn, an kep the left han', and when ye are by th' Meikle-stane, gae through the wee yett and follow the burn till ye get to the mill, and thin ye'll be at the bottom o' the Flinty Knowe.' Thank ye friend,' replied I, but I'm nae for ganging that gate sae lang as I can fin' a shorter way, ye ken there is a nearer way gif ye wad tell. Come now, just show me the road.' Weel,' answered he,'ye may gang through the stile, out o'er the ground, an' by the thorn, an' then ye'll see its a thack house amang the trees, ye canna miss't.' Thank ye,' said I, and away I went. In a quarter of an hour I found myself going up the field that led to the house, and a crowd of sensations rushed into my mind.

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(TO BE CONTINUED.)

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SIR, I have been highly entertained in observing the career of a new self-created body of critics, or censors, whose proceedings hold so conspicuous a place in your Miscellany. From what small beginneed not be surprized, if they find the Club' at the Green Dragon become the model of elegant composition, the ne plus ultra of wit, and the arbiter of taste. It may already be perceived that they begin to imagine themselves possessed of power, which they are determined to exercise; and, in order that they may be uncontrolled in the use of it, they are proceeding to destroy every club which might oppose their views. Ambition, it is well remarked, can bear no rival near the throne, and envy delights in the destruction of whatever is excellent or useful. To what important ends their views are directed, it is scarcely possible for me to imagine, nor perhaps may it be known to themselves; for, as their power increases, so may their aims extend: for when we perceive, that, in the course of so short a period as has been that of their public existence, they have proceeded from censuring individual merit, to immolating whole Clubs, or Societies, as victims to their own interests, we may reasonably imagine that they are of a very important nature. Should their love of power proceed after the same ratio at which it has commenced, we may shortly expect the Club,' to be the sole judge of genius, literature, and taste; not only for your present circle, but for the whole kingdom; their judgments will shortly become infallible, and we shall have the novelty of beholding the frequenters of a pot-house, become the dispensers of literary fame, at whose bar all candidates for literary reputation must bow; and a Club to whom all other societies must yield the pre-eminence. I delight to contemplate the period, which I perceive is now fast advancing, when we shall have no farther occasion for Northern Reviews, or for laws to put down improper societies; when the Club' at the Green Dragon, by their genuine talents, will supply the place of the one, and by their satirical genius, render nugatory the others;-when the Iris shall, by their means, distribute the laurel branches of Parnassus, to the skilful riders of Pegasus, and have established its reputation in the reading world. How great, Mr. Editor, will be your obligations and those of the town, to the Club,' when these important objects are effected, and they surely cannot be long in the accomplishment, if it but holds out with half the speed at which it has commenced its operations. There is, to be sure, an old proverb, which says, the more haste the less speed,' but this musty piece of ancient wisdom cannot be applicable to any thing so out of the common way as the Club,' and I trust ere long it may attain the height of its critical ambition, having such indelible proofs of its originality, superior wit, and judgement.

To me, however, it appears rather ominous, that the Club' should have its origin at an alehouse, and take for its tutelary genius, so outré a creature as the green Dragon. The latter, indeed, some persons are pleased to say, is a very appropriate emblem for so formidable a body as the Club,' and that the only good hit they have made was in the choice of their guardian. Both, they say, are alike creatures of the brain, or airy drawn visions of the imagination; but, so far as they are each pourtrayed to the mind's eye, in the forms under which they are represented, there is a marked similarity between them, they are both frequenters of alehouses and alike venomous in their nature the one was the terror of olden times, and the other will be of modern days: that was the destroyer of virtue and beauty, and this is the foe to knowledge and truth. How natural then was it (they observe) that the Club' should shelter itself under

the wings of the Dragon, whose propensities they so closely imitate. These representations it must, however, be evident to your readers, are the offspring of some envious disposition, whose spleen is excited by the success of the Club,' and have not the slightest foundation in truth, for as Pope very beautifully observes, in one of my mottoes (which, in imitation of the Club,' I have placed at the head of my letter, but whether appropriately or not, your readers must be the judges) envy will merit as its shade pursue,' and the envious damnant quod non intelligunt.' However, in regard to the Club' meeting at a publichouse, I find much might be said in extenuation of this practice, as in this they do but follow the example of other learned men in former days. Johnson, Goldsmith, Burke, and characters of equal celebrity, enjoyed the feast of reason o'er their cups in a tavern, and why then should not the same enjoyment be extended to the Club,' who as far surpass their great precursors in sound criticism, as in solid judgement; and as far excel them in wit, as in classic elegance; and in knowledge, as in learning.

If, then, the Club' do but follow, when they are entitled by their merits to set an example, their modesty ought to be duly appreciated; and their motives should not be unfairly condemned in having chosen so humble a mansion for the display of their talents. Let the members not, therefore, be discouraged by any reflections that may be cast upon them, or on that account be deterred from animadverting on any other club that may think proper to take the same liberty'; for what are very just reflections when used in regard to others, ought to have no influence on themselves, for the infallibility of the Club' must be the fundamental article of their creed.

No one, who possesses a grain of judgement, can refrain from admiring the peculiar modesty and unaffected simplicity of that member of the Club,' whose adventures are narrated in the last number of the Iris; nor at the same time from bestowing the due meed of praise on the attic wit of the narrator. It is not presumption in an individual of so sound a judgement, as must be every member admitted into the Club,' to condemn by wholesale musical, débating, literary, or scientific societies; for his admission into that celebrated body, must be a sufficient guaranty of the correctness of his views, for a man noscitur a sociis.' Therefore, any Club, (if such there be) whose hopes have been blasted and whose fame has been destroyed by the withering touch of this offspring of the Green Dragon, cannot reasonably complain, as they must feel confident, it is done for the wisest purpose, and from the best motives. Indeed, the amiable dispositions of the Club' are too self-evident, to stand in need of argument, and it would but be ́a. waste of words to make the attempt. On the other hand, the want of talents in all the clubs, societies, or associations, which the constant member has attended, must be equally apparent, from his short continuance in any of them; for certainly a man of his settled habits and steady pursuits, would not so soon have deserted any Club which was in its nature or tendency calculated to produce good effects. No! forbid the intruding thought; let every thing be condemned rather than any part of the Club be suspected of misrepresentation; there seems indeed so natural an air of truth spread through the whole of the adventures; so earnest a desire is manifested to point out whatever is excellent, rather than to hold up to public view what is ridiculous, that no one can seriously entertain a doubt of the pure intentions of the writer. If we take a short view of the progress of the adventurer, we must be satisfied that he was actuated by a love of truth, and a spirit of candour, when he detailed his adventures to the Club;' and a wish to pourtray the excellencies of the different institutions of which he had either been a member or a visitor.

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It is highly natural that a being so fond of music' as the adventurer, should be deterred from the prosecution of that enchanting art, by the unseemly visages' of its students; as it was a matter of so much. greater importance that he should not sacrifice his chance of preferment, nor destroy his prospects in

56

tion, which from the ravages of time, and an unskill-
ful graver, was scarcely legible.

KEP, ON T
HIS SIDE

In the Town and Country Magazine, 1771, are some another quarter, by spoiling his pretty face. Yet,, after having sacrificed his musical propensity to the papers respecting an antique stone being found on a preservation of his beauty, it was somewhat unfor-heath, in Northumberland, with the following inscriptunate for him that he should have so long remained in the Blue-Stocking-Club, without having been enabled to pair off with some other member. His fear, whilst in this Club, of falling into that preferment It was said that it was sent to the society of Antiquafor which he had been so eager in the former, shows the natural disposition of man, who too highly appre-rians, and three of that learned body gave in their reciates that which he cannot obtain, and when the object is within his reach, under-rates its value, and therefore evidently displays the correctness of his story. It appears to me probable, that the same reason which induced the adventurer to forsake the Musical-Club, must also, in some degree, have ac'tuated him in retiring from the Debating Society, as ' on his it would be no recommendation of a man preferment,' to be a great talker, as the wife might wish to keep that department of the matrimonial state to her own province; and if that was the real cause, it evidently keeps up the consistency of his tale. It 'does not surprize me so much, that he should be so woefully disappointed in his expectations of hearing rational conversation, or improving discussion at a Tavern, as that he should, after so grievous a disappointment, and with an insight into the nature of such bodies, venture to join himself to the Green Dragon Club; but such is the inconsistency of human nature, that we one day prize what we have before As to the association without thrown away from us. a name, I hope that the member, of whom the adventurer makes such honourable mention as a logician, was not too personal in investigating the cause of his visit, as it appears from subsequent circumstances that he would have been perfectly justified in doing Of this Institution I should have wished to hear some further account, as I am inclined to think that

So.

the young man of learning, talents, and industry, must be one of the Club,' at the Green Dragon; who all of them appear so eminent for those qualities. Thus, throughout the whole of this narration, there seems to be displayed such evident marks of modesty and candour, that we cannot for a moment doubt of its truth.

Yet, notwithstanding all this strong internal evidence of the truth of the adventures which I have before endeavoured to point out, there are still some malicious enough to say, that the adventurer himself is a well known spouting character of this town. That he is in the habit of frequenting every Club or Society where he can gain admittance, and procure listeners to his empty declamations, and tinsel eloquence; but that he is frequently obliged to change his quarters, as he soon tires the patience of his auditors, which accounts for his having been acquainted with so many Clubs, and, as they insinuate, for his having so egregiously misrepresented them. I shall be obliged, therefore, to any of the Club to inform me if these things be so, as I cannot but believe that they are unfounded assertions, proceeding from AN OBSERVER. malice and ill-nature.

Manchester, March 12, 1822.

TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-Mr. Jeremy Antiq.'s communication, inserted in No. 5, of the Iris, no doubt will cause the whole host of Antiquarians to have recourse to their various Dictionaries, MSS. Notes, &c. &c. for the purpose of decyphering the Inscription: now these kind of monumental tributes are not uncommon; and frequently when the votaries to antiques have failed to elucidate, it sometimes falls to the lot of the unlettered to discover, though often attended with some whimsical or curious transposition, as in the example of the Countryman some years since in Shude Hill. Soon after the tax was put upon one horse cars, the owners of which were obliged to have their names and places of abode affixed in a conspicuous part, a Farmer attending this market possessing one of these vehicles, had it marked behind in Roman capitals all of one size, AMOSTODDACTONATAXED CART: but the countryman made it out to be A most odd act on a Taxed Cart,' though the story is old the readers of your valuable miscellany will pardon the repetition.'

Had I been able to attend any of the succeeding Lectures, I should have risen with pleasure at Mr. neous; and if he conscientiously wishes me openly to defend, by fair polemic discussion, whatever I L.'s request, to state what appeared to me erromight advance contrà to his performance, I should doubtless accede to the proposal. For the sake of truth I could sacrifice the diffidence of declining age, and could, I trust, cheerfully submit to the sway of conviction. As Mr. L. is also enamoured of truth, he cannot much desire my name and address, because truth is the same under every pen, and remains unaffected by casual circumstances.

It is, to say the least, anomalous for a public Lecturer to concede that he has no pretensions either to accuracy or elegance of manner; but here I believe the accuracy of nearly all his statements, nor the Mr. L. to be too modest for himself. I never doubted elegance of most of his descriptions, but surely such exhibitions are free for public disquisition, and are to be determined philanthropic or not, by the discerning reader, and not by the parties concerned.

ports, the first of which made it out to be 'Clemens
said he, being evidently an L, and the IDE a trans-
pontifex bic jacet, sanctus servus Dei, the second letter,
position of Dei, from the ignorance of the sculptor: a
stone erected to the memory of one Clemens, a digni-
fied brother in the convent, the stone being found
about a mile from the ruins of an old priory.' The
second was much surprised that the other should give
such a 'forced construction' and' a preposterous idea'
in attempting the solution. His explanation was, that
the stone was found near an old Roman military road,
close by an extensive morass; he granted that K was
on ancient monuments often substituted for C; but,
how in the name of wonder,' could the two letters
which were plainly E be imagined to be L E, but
Risum teneatis! he could
the creame of the jest I. DE, being construed into
a transposition of Dei!
have helped him to a better exposition, if nothing but
a monkish origin would content him, viz. SSID
E sanctissimus in Deo, but he contended that it was
more ancient than the days of Popery, and gave his de-
termination as follows: K often found instead of C,
and C for Cœlius: Æ, ædilis, an officer whose busi-
ness was to see the roads kept in good repair, PO This Day is published, price 4s. a Second Edition,
NT pontem, H Hadriani, he who built the Picts
wall, ISS I, jussu (the first n, and the former
part of the latter u, being obliterated, D. E, demolisit:

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The hypothesis concerning the horizontal moon, may not be novel; but this does not remove the dif

ledge my obligation to Mr. L. for a fair confirmation of the phenomenon. As my signature was not asficulty. I had rather have been induced to acknowsumed for the present occasion, and I am unwilling to resign it, until it has been shewn more dissonant with my nature, allow me still to subjoin, PHILANTHROPOS. March 12, 1822.

in 12mo. of

A VINDICATION of the Character and Writings of the HON. EMANUEL SWEDENBORG, against the -Cœlius ædilis, Hadriani jussu, pontem demolisit when Slanders and Misrepresentations of the Rev. J. G. by draining the morass the bridge became unnecessary. The third gave the other two great merit for Pike, of Derby, including a Refutation of the False their ingenious solutions, but was sorry that the latter Reports propagated by the late Rev. John Wesley, with Brief Remarks on the rash censure pronounced should betray such egregious ignorance of the Roman respecting the same pious and illustrious author. on Baron Swedenborg and his Writings, by the Edistate, and a want of being versed in the monumenta veterum: in short he gave the initials to be Cæsaris ex edicto per orbem nuntietur templum hic instauratum tors of the Evangelical Magazine. Almost all the ob- . So that like Hercules jections that have been, or can be brought against the sacrum sibi ipsi dicatum esse. after having finished the greatest of his labors and ex-writings of Baron Swedenborg, are in this work comtended his conquests over the feros et indomitas pletely and satisfactorily answered; By ROBERT HINDMARSH, Minister of the New Jerusalem Temple, Bolton-Street, Salford, Manchester. Brittannos, we find him erecting a temple on the limits of his ambition, and flushed with conquest assuSold by Messrs. W. & W. CLARKE, Market-place. ming the honors of a God. As I have wrote more than I intended, I shall briefly state that these luminous displays of learning and antiquarian research were at once razed by the oral tradition of an old greybearded schoolmaster, whose memory unluckily informed him (when the affair became public) that this invaluable inscription was neither more nor less than KEEP ON THIS SIDE, an instance of the benevolence of some unlettered cottager, to warn the traveller of his danger, and prevent him riding into the quagmire.

But to conclude without cherishing the least disrespect towards those who study to rescue the 'remains of our forefather's works' from oblivion, I cannot make out Mr. Jer. Antiq's inscription to be any other than the well known Epitaph that if I mistake not was wrote by Benjamin Franklin for himself, viz. 'The body of Benjamin Franklin, Printer, like the cover of 'an old book, its contents torn out and stripped of its 'lettering and gilding, lies here, food for the worms: yet the work itself shall not be lost, for it shall (as 'he believes) appear once more in a new and beauti'ful edition corrected and revised by the author.' L.

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TO THE EDITOR.
SIR,-When I was apprized of Mr. Longstaff's
intention to repeat his course of Astronomical Lec-
tures, I regretted that my strictures had not been
reserved for the present number of your Miscellany,
lest I might be supposed to deter any from the lauda-
ble design of favouring him with their attendance.
Our Philosopher, however, has been pleased to
address me in so unphilosophical a manner, that I
only regret the trouble, of what may seem incumbent
upon me, to write somewhat in the shape of an
answer.

LECTURES ON POETRY.
On Monday, 1st. of April, at seven o'clock in the
evening, the REV. J. J. TAYLER, A. B. will begin a
COURSE OF LECTURES, at the Rooms of the
Literary and Philosophical Society, George-Street,

Manchester, on the HISTORY OF ENGLISH
applying to Messrs. Robinson and Ellis, 5, St. Ann's
POETRY. Further Particulars may be learned by
Place; Messrs. Clarkes', Market-Place; or Mr. E.
Thompson, Market-Street; who will also receive the
Names of Subscribers.

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Biographical Sketch; we consider that to divide, would be IMLAC will oblige us by sending the remaining part of the to injure it.

The Essay by Marophilus has been received.-K.'s Letter
on the Astronomical Lectures duly came to hand.”
We are obliged by the offer of T. C. but must decline
accepting it.

The length of B. G.'s Letter precluded its insertion.
The Adventures of a Guinea' cannot be inserted--the writer
is advised to adopt subjects more consistent with rectitude
and decency.

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Or, Literary and

Scientific Miscellany.

PUBLISHED

No. 8.-VOL. I.

TO THE EDITOR.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1822.

SIR,-The translation which I inclose was made from the French by an ingenions and excellent Lady for her own amusement, and put into my hands by a friend, with permission to use it as discretion might direct. The simplicity, piety, and feeling, with which this little sketch is drawn, render it, in my view, a beautiful piece of biography; whilst the character pourtrayed, is assuredly of that rare and admirable class, which it imports the best interests of society should have all possible publicity given to it. It is on these grounds that I offer it for insertion in your agreeable publication.

according to the custom of the society, some ministers came to make what is called a family visit; the house seemed then altered in appearance, every one became grave, and every thing bore the impression of this holy visit. Elizabeth Gurney was particularly struck at this time, with the evangelical instructions which she received. In a soul like hers, religious impressions could not be transient. Too pious and too enlightened to content herself with an useless devotion, she proved her faith by her works; and very soon afterwards she requested her father would allow her to change one of the drawing-rooms, at Eastham, into a school-room. She received eighty poor children there. Every day she passed Translated from Mad. Du Thor's history of the some hours with them, in reading and ex

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MRS. FRY.

Quakers.

plaining the Bible to them. She adopted
the simple dress of the Quakers, and
renounced the dissipated pleasures of the
world. In 1800 she married Mr. Fry,
whose generosity and goodness justified
the preference she had shewn him. In-
stead of opposing her charitable endea-
vours, he assisted her in them; giving
her the means of relieving the unfortunate,
by settling a considerable annual sum at
her disposal, which she spends entirely
on the poor.

.

WEEKLY.

PRICE 3 d.

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self to the governor for permission to be admitted-he answered, that it would be really dangerous to go into such an asylum of vice and disorder, and that he himself did not dare to do so;-that the conversation she would hear, and the horrors she would witness, would disgust her, and he thought it his duty to dissuade her from such an undertaking. Mrs. Fry said, she knew very well to what she was exposing herself, and only asked for leave to go into the prison. The governor advised her not to take either her watch or purse: Mrs. Fry's answer was, 1 thank thee, I have no fears, I shall keep both my watch and purse.' She was taken into a room of the prison in which there were about 160 women-those that were condemned, and those that were not tried, all mixed together. Children, brought up in this school of vice, hearing and uttering nothing but blasphemy, added to the horror of the scene. The prisoners eat, dressed their victuals, and slept in the same room. Newgate resembled a den of wild beasts. Mrs. Fry was not discouraged; the grace of God is infinite; the true christian never despairs. Notwithstanding her delicate state of health, (at that time particularly so) she persevered in her pious design. These women "The life of Mrs. Fry is a series of listened, and looked with astonishment good actions-her time is divided amongst at the calm serenity of her fine figure, daily acts of charity-she makes no dis- which seemed to soften their ferocity. It tinctions-the unhappy are brethren, has been said, that if virtue would shew whatever difference there may be in coun- herself, she would be irresistible; and "Elizabeth Gurney, third daughter of try and religion. Grief is every where it is from this cause that I explain the John Gurney, of Eastham Hall, in Nor- the same; benevolence should therefore extraordinary ascendant which Mrs. Fry folk, was born in 1780. She lost her be universal. Mrs. Fry is equally the gains over every one. Yes, virtue is vimother early, and was then left very physician of the mind and body-she sible; she inhabits the body of that beneyoung to herself. Her father, though a comforts, she feeds; she gives the Bible volent woman who, like prayer, is the member of the sect of Quakers, was not and clothing; and thus practically ex-support and consolation of men. a very strict one, and allowed great liber-plains the doctrines which she teaches. ties to his children. Elizabeth Gurney, brought up in the world, enjoyed all the advantages which birth, fortune, and education can give. She was taken to London, where she wished to see every thing, partock of all the gay diversions, and returned into Nortolk-she was then seventeen. A short time after her return,

"Courage may be praised, glory may be extolled, but when we talk of piety, virtue, and humility, we should make use of other language; and it would not be understanding Mrs. Fry to give her one of those cold, formal, academical phrases, which apply to all the world, because they express no sentiment. Here, my task is easy; 1 have but to relate, and am only afraid that the truth may appear an exaggeration. Admitted to Mrs. Fry's intimacy, a sort of diffidence hinders me from betraying her domestic virtues; but her public character will declare what I must conceal.

She refuses not her assistance to the guil-
ty; she treats vice like an illness, and never
avoids the sick.

"Always employed about the unhappy,
and endeavouring to do them good, Mrs.
Fry having heard of the deplorable state
of the female prisoners at Newgate, re-
solved to visit them. She addressed her-

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Mrs. Fry thus addressed the prisoners. You appear to be unhappy; you are in want of clothes; would you not wish for a friend to attend to you, and to relieve your wants? Certainly,' said they, we should desire nothing bet ter; but nobody cares about us, and where should we meet with a friend?' I came from the wish of being of use to you,'

6

.

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very soon.

Her

explains different passages in it.
voice is very sweet; you feel that it is
the expression of virtue, its tones are so
mild and pure.

"As useful to her sect, as she is to

to her.

THE CLUB.'

No. IV.-Friday, March 15th, 1822.
"Let me see wherein
My tongue hath wrong'd him: is it do him right,
Then he hath wrong'd himself: if he be free,
Why then, my taxing like a wild-goose flies,
Unclaim'd of any man."

SHAKESPEAR.

The letter of An Observer,' which appeared in the

Our friend the Schoolmaster, who was in the chair, begun by remarking that it was much to be lamented that the writer of the letter had not devoted that time to the study of English grammar, which he appeared to have spent in learning the rudiments of Latin. If”

continued he, gravely, the parents of this gentleman

had confided him to my care, even for a very short period, his composition would have been the better for it; for I think, I may say without vanity, that I have not a boy, who has been six months in my grammar-class, who would have made so many blunders in the use of pronouns as are to be found in the first pa

Newgate, Mrs. Fry shews in her evan-
gelical ministry, the indulgence which
proceeds from real piety, and a pure con-
science. Her eloquent morality impresses
so strongly, that you feel better, or at
least, that you may become so by listening
She is loved, not feared; and is
the example of all her precepts. What
interesting details I could give! but I
must conclude this little sketch, happy
in thinking that Mrs. Fry is still young, at the professional importance with which Mr. Obser
and that her family and friends, the poorver's violations of grammar, were noticed by the
and the world, may hope to keep her chairman. We reminded him that some of the most
long amongst them!"

ragraph of this gentleman's letter.'

The rest of the members could not forbear smiling

said Mrs. Fry, and I think if you will assist me, that I may be so.' She then spoke words of comfort to them, and gave them rays of hope. She did not "The city of London has voted Mrs. talk of their crimes the minister of a God of love, she went there to console, Fry its thanks, and there is not an Enand to pray, and not to judge and con-glishman who does not bless her name. demn. When she was going away, these But is there any country except England, women crowded round, as if to detain where a woman, who did not possess the her, saying, you will not return any religion of the state, would have been more to us;' but Mrs. Fry promised to allowed to interfere with the prisons, and last number of the Iris, has naturally engaged the atto make rules for them? Every where tention of the Club,' and was the first subject of concome again, which she did She entered the prison with the intention else, party feuds, and private animosity,versation at our meeting this eveningof passing the day in it-the doors were would have been offered to the success of persevering virtue. shut upon her, and she remained alone with the prisoners. You cannot think,' said she, that I came here without havThis book, (she ing an order to do so. held a bible in her hand) the guide of my life, led me to you: it commands me to visit the prisoners, and to have pity on the poor, and the afflicted. I am ready to do all in my power, but my efforts will be vain, if you will not second me.' She then asked if they would wish her to read some passages out of that book, They conwhich had sent her to them. sented. Mrs. Fry chose the parable of the householder, in the 20th chapter of St. Matthew, and when she came to those that were hired at the eleventh hour, she said, the eleventh hour is now striking lives your for you; the greatest part of has been lost, but Christ came to save sinners.' Some asked who Christ was?' others said, that surely he did not come for them; that the time was passed, and they would no longer be saved.' Mrs. Fry replied that Christ had suffered; that he was poor also, and that it was specially to save the poor and the afflicted Mrs. Fry that he came into the world.” procured the establishment of a school in the prison itself, for the religious instruction of the children; the prisoners, notwithstanding their own disorderly, lives, seized with eagerness the idea of improving their children: this was gaining a great point. When Mrs. Fry had made the rules for the management of the prisoners, a day was fixed, when the Lord Mayor and Aldermen being present at Newgate, she read them aloud; asking the prisoners if they would follow them; in which case they were to hold up their hands as a sign of approbation. This was done unanimously; so great was the respect and confidence which Mrs. Fry had inspired them with. Thanks to her perseverance, and the years she devoted to it, the prison has changed its appearance

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-the influence of virtue has softened the horrors of vice-Newgate is become a school of penitents.

"Fridays are the public days on which the prison is visited; when Mrs. Fry reads the bible to the prisoners, and often

Such is MAD. DU THOR's account of the life and
labours of MRS. FRY,--which bears internal evi-
dence of its fidelity, and, in all that has relation
to the public, enjoys a testimony as glorious as it
is undisputed. Who, that reads this sketch, joins
not in the hope expressed by the writer, that such a
life and such labours may long be continued to the
world!. Those who remember the visit of this ex-
traordinary woman to MANCHESTER, and are aware
of her truly christian anxiety to do for the inmates of
our crowded jail, what she had with so much admi-
rable prudence effected in Newgate, may be pardon-
ed for a natural solicitude to know why that rare and
benevolent talent, which gained the grateful thanks
of the city of London, and the cordial sanction of
its highest authorities, was not permitted to exert
itself here? With all the reverence which is due
to magistrates (and none can be more disposed than
the writer to pay it) we are not debarred, I hope,
from expressing a respectful wish to know the
grounds of a proceeding, in which the public have
an interest so deep and general. It is understood
that the answer returned to Mrs. Fry's application,
was to this effect; that there was no occasion for
her services.' If this be correct, two inferences will
obviously suggest themselves :--

First,-Is our prison really in that high state of

promising geniuses in the town (that is to say in the opinion of their several admirers) were eminent for a truly original disregard of the rules of syntax; as well as for using many words in senses which no writer of English had ever discovered to belong to them, We was a disciple of this school, and as such, entitled to thought it not impossible that the writer of the letter of his claim to mental superiority. Dismissing therewrite false English as the strongest proof he could give which the laws of the 'olden time' were not applicable, fore, all consideration of his style, as a matter to we had merely to consider the subject of his letter, and the charges which he has brought against the Club.'

And, truly, to find ourselves, at the end of our third number, obliged to enter into a defence of what we have already written, is by no means agreeable to persons of a disposition so thoroughly patifie as ourselves. We never dreamt that the club would

nour of an attack; and not having expected to enter be thought sufficiently conspicuous to deserve the hothe field of literary warfare, we are quite unprovided with weapons for the contest. Whatever terrible notions Mr. Observer may have formed of our dragon, however formidable he may appear to the waking visions of that gentleman, we beg to assure him, that, to say the least, the poor animal is quite as harmless, and has just as little venom as himself. We fear he has taken his notions of our dragon from bis acquaintance with the Boa Constrictor, which, in Blackwood's

moral discipline as to make the labours and assist-magazine, is said to be capable of swallowing a Rhiance of such a person unnecessary?

Second,-If it be, would it not be a high gratification to the public, to have this certified to them in a regular report, and are they not entitled to the IMLAC. satisfaction?

noceros! Now, if this is the case, we entreat permission to undeceive him. We do solemnly protest that our dragon never intended to eat the club of which Mr. Observer is a member; nor did we ever purpose to destroy either that or any other association. How, indeed, could either we, or the dragon, hope for

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