We have perused the work now before us with consi-sults than any violent declamation either pro or con a parderable satisfaction. It has been the object of the writer ticular denomination of Christians. We warmly recomto compress within a small compass, every thing that can mend this sermon, both for its style and its sentiments. be deemed essentially useful regarding rural affairs. He carefully avoids the discussion of those plans which have been principally adduced by wild and visionary theorists. The opinions of our author are, in general, founded on farts ascertained by himself during his residence in Ireland; and his conclusions, on this account, become important. In introducing his subject, he offers some general observations on farming-on the profits which it usually yields and on the methodical arrangements by which it must be conducted. It is fairly admitted, that so far as regards economy in ploughing, the Scotch enjoy a superiority over the English. With two horses and one man

of the public buildings, institutions, curiosities, manners, and amusements of the French capital; together with models of epistolary correspondence, and directions to travellers. We do not know many works of a similar size and sort that we would sooner recommend to persons about to make a tour on the Continent.

voured me with a few biographical sketches of suffering humanity, but I did not incline to encourage him, and we passed silently on.

The care of a wealthy and once admiring kindred had purchased for the unhappy lady whom I came to visit a greater share of comfort than usually falls to the lot of the confirmed bedlamite; but still to me, who had seen her once so differently situated, her apartment looked bare and desolate. It chanced to be one of her tranquil intervals, and I found her measuring, with slow, firm steps the limits of her circumscribed domain. Except that

DE BURGO'S BRIDE.

By Alexander Sutherland, Author of “ Tales of a Pilgrim." mental suffering had set its ineffaceable seal on her fair

And this the world calls frenzy.

brow, she was little changed from what I had formerly known her. Her form was still faultless, and every motion into which it fell full of grace--her classically shaped head still rose in swan-like dignity—her dark eyes shone with a brilliancy I had never seen rivalled even in the days of her pride-and her lips, though slightly compressed, as if she were occupied with bitter thoughts, still curled in all the plenitude of patrician beauty. The last time I had beheld her, she had moved the fairest among the gay and the glorious; but, even in that bright hour, when all was splendour and joy around her, she looked not more strictly beautiful than when, a mind-smitten creature, her arms folded closely over her lacerated heart, she stood before me in that house of woe.

I was prepared to find that she had forgotten me, for our former acquaintance had been brief; and, therefore, felt no surprise when, after a short and rather stern survey, during which she had paused in her walk, she turned away with some stateliness, and silently resumed it. For a few moments, I could not divest myself of the restraint which her noble presence inspired; and, while I yet hesitated to address her, she suddenly turned round, and plant

MISCELLANEOUS LITERATURE.

BYRON. THERE is no solitude more terrible than the madman's cell-no sound more hideous than his wild impassioned cry. It is scarcely possible to keep the blood from curdling to the very heart, while one stands between the four bare walls that enclose him. The miserable pallet on which he reclines the chill sluggish atmosphere he breathes the perpetual gloom that pervades it, relieved only by the light that flashes from his sleepless eyes, are sufficiently repulsive to scare even affection's self away. How many of the world's denizens fancy in their ignorance that they nourish love stronger than death; that there are beings in existence from whom even this most terrible of all maladies could not separate them; but how few, how very few, have stood the ordeal, and repaired, day after day, through long years of despondency, on a visit of mercy to the den of despair!

These, or something like these, were the thoughts that occupied me as I passed through the court-yard of the gaunt and spacious structure in which one whom I had known in the enjoyment of many blessings-friends, riches, talents, and beauty,—was now entombed, for whated herself before me. is the cell of madness but a living grave, possessing all the terrors, without the tranquillity, of the house of death? It was a visit that had, perhaps, better have been left unpaid—for what right had I, who ranked not among her kindred, to look upon her in her desolation? but I could not bring myself to pass the building for the last time I was ever likely to pass it, without turning in, and ascertaining in a personal interview the condition of the stricken deer, who had found within it a place of refuge. Besides, I had in these days rather a desire to watch the aberrations of insanity, and note the various forms in which it developed itself according to the state of the prostrated mind, and the nature of the blow that had destroyed it. In some countries, the madman is reverenced as one who utters the behests of Heaven; and this is not to be marvelled at, when we consider the sublime thoughts that often mingle with his ravings, and the almost oracular expression they sometimes assume.

I found some difficulty in obtaining the interview I solicited, for the keeper was a man of rigour in his way; but at length, as in almost every case of the kind, a bribe unlocked the grate. As he led the way along a succession of dark passages to the lost one's apartment, I heard, on each side, sounds of despair; for every door we passed— | and there were many of them-opened into a cell inhabited by some solitary wretch. From one came deep sighs, such as sanity, even in the extremity of suffering, never gave vent to--from another groans--from a third a wild melancholy song-and from others, shrieks, and execrations, and the horrible clank of chains. In each door was a small aperture permitting a view of the interior of the cell; and two I ventured to survey. In one, I beheld a miserable creature, covered with rags-for he would permit nothing else to remain on his shivering limbs stuck up, like a statue, rigid and motionless, in a corner of the dungeon. In the other, I saw only a hideous face, which almost touched mine the moment I put my eye to the aperture, and made me start back in dismay. My donation had made the menial who acted as my conductor talkative, and he would readily have fa

"Are you a friend or an enemy?" said she abruptly. "A friend, lady," I answered; "at least you once deigned to bestow that title on me.'

39

"Then prove it, and take me hence," was her rejoinder. "This is no home for the heiress of Louvaine,—the grim, horrible faces that inhabit it are not the society to which she has been accustomed the jabberings that pervade it through the day, and the shrieks that fill it in the night, are not the sounds that should soothe the ear of a highborn lady. Take me hence, stranger, if you are, as you say, a friend-take me back to the wild woods of my infancy-to the roof where no vile menial dare insult, with his arrogance, the daughter of its master."

I shook my head, for I knew not how to reply. "I see how it is," said she bitterly; "all mankind are alike—the wretched have no friends. When I was happy, how they crowded round me! but now they are all buried in the same boundless grave—the wide weltering sea."

"Nay, lady," said I, "there are still many to whom your happiness is dear; and to me, the friend of Eustace de Burgh, it can never be otherwise."

"De Burgh!" she almost shrieked, while her whole frame quivered like an aspen, and she struggled to relieve her hands from the confinement, in which, I observed with sorrow, it had been necessary to place them. "De Burgh! My Eustace!-What know you, stranger, of my lost lover? But, stay-I remember-You are the companion of his wanderings; the friend whom he had tried long, long before he knew his Edith, and whose kind blessing followed us when we fled together from the cruel and the cold, who sought to separate us in our native land. Have you come to require his bloody corse at my hands? Do you think, pale stranger, that my young hero would have left my side, if the grave—the same grave that yawns for these wearied limbs--had not closed over him? Your eyes tell me that you think I led him to his death, and perhaps you are right, though, believe me, it was dire mischance alone that struck him down into the sea. Listen: It is right that the memory

of one so brave and kind should not perish with this frail spirit. Friend-De Burgo's friend-for even in my desulation I love to give him the chivalric name of his knightly race-I will tell you how he died."

night, De Burgh and myself stood side by side upon the deck, our hands clasped, our hearts devoted, watching for the wave that was to engulph us. By the dim phosphorescent flashing of the sea I saw a huge ship rushing down on us with the swiftness of a whirlwind. Tempesttost like our own, but contemning the elemental strife, she bore bravely over the swell with her every sail set, while we scarcely dared to unfurl a yard of canvass on our quivering masts. Our crew gave but one terrified shout to warn the stranger of our danger. In the next instant, flung onward by wind and billow, she was on board of us, and the crack of doom followed. I clung to De Burgh-not to save my own life, for that was valueless-but to shield his, which was so immeasurably dear; but in an instant of time, even while I looked into his beautiful eyes, and drank in the words of courage that his brave heart uttered, an unseen power dashed him far from my embrace. What mysterious bolt had stricken him I know not, but it hurled us many yards asunder; and when I tried again to enclasp him he was floating lifeless on the waves. How I was saved it matters not-better far that the charitable hands that succoured me had left me to share his grave. His body, they told me, was never recovered from the deep. Mine, as you see, was brought here, but my heart is with him in the waters."

Her tale of sorrow was told. I cared not to probe further so immedicable a wound; and with a mental imploration that peace might descend on her broken spirit, I departed. The sad exclamation, "De Burgh's friend, take me hence!" pursued me to the outermost gate of the

Though the catastrophe to which she referred was not unknown to me, I could not bring myself to decline listening to the recital of it from her own mouth; and, with the figurative eloquence of insanity, she proceeded : "We were wedded-wedded, as you know, in defiance of all that the worldly and the wise could say against it. He had selected me from ten thousand, who would have been proud to become his bride; and for him I left my ancestral home, and a happier home the wide world contained not. My father looked sternly, and spoke as he looked, and my mother-my never-changing mother, wept fondly on my bosom; but neither harsh words, nor gentle tears, had power to win back my devoted heart. What recked it to me, richly dowered as they told me I was born to be, that he had little but a proud name, and a soldier's fortune? Had the wealth of the world been mine, I would have strewn it at his feet; for of what value are riches and honours, when the heart is blighted, and those with whom we wished to share them are torn away? We fled, as I have told you, far over the waters. De Burgh's duty called him to the sunny islands of the Adriatic; his gallant companions in arms garrisoned stout Corfu; and among the bright groves of that storied isle, with the snow-tipped pinnacles of the land of deathless deeds to gaze on, he assured me time would roll over us as it rolls over the blest in heaven, if there be time beyond the grave. How gaily bounded the gallant ship that car-building; and though I had left the lorn one without beried us away over the sea! How radiantly hung the sun ing able to utter a word of consolation, I did not forget her on the rim of the broad Atlantic, on the evening that I adjuration. Men called her mad, but there was a method beheld, with saddened heart-for my mother's sigh fol- in her madness that held out a hope that in a kindlier relowed me on the breeze,—the cliffs of my native land treat her stricken mind would regain at least a portion of vanish behind us. Had not the glances of De Burgh tranquillity, though it might never thoroughly recover the been fastened on me had not his voice, and for a war- shock it had sustained. It is unnecessary to detail the rior's it was the gentlest of all voices-whispered hope means by which, despite the frowns that awaited me, as and joy-I know not but I might have chidden the very the friend of one whose memory they held sinister, I won gale that sent our ship like a bird into the solitudes of the on her natural guardians to remove her from the thraldom ocean. I have heard men speak of the loneliness of the in which she was so obviously drooping down into hopepathless main. I have heard them say that the desert less despair. But alas! the resolution to restore her to itself is scarcely less heart-wearying and monotonous. It comparative liberty was taken too late. Her devoted may be so-for the only desert of which I have a know- heart, sacrificed at the shrine of that indestructible attachledge, is the arid one of my own breast-but willingly ment, which had been her bane, had broken before the would I live for ever in such a desert as was the deck of messenger of mercy reached her prison, and he found her that small ship to me. True, the illimitable waters were at peace. Her dust rests in the mausoleum of her kinaround us-true, a frail plank alone separated us from the dred, which has since opened to receive the last of her race; profound abyss that has swallowed up so many proud and her memory, noble and beautiful as she was, has argosies true, the mischance of a moment might have passed from her native halls for ever. cast us helpless into the bosom of the waves; but what cared I for jeopardy, when he whom I adored so dearly, Sood by me ready, if fate so willed it, to perish on the same billow! De Burgh's friend-you have sat by the same watch-fire-slept in the same tent. You have listened to the wild and perilous tales that he loved to tell, and sympathized in the solemn thoughts-pure and exalted as the philosophy of angels-that his spirit breathed. To you, therefore, I need say no more of these haltyon hours. A storm came on. The sea was tossed into mighty waves, and our ship groaned in every timber as WE consider ourselves fortunate in being able to lay she stemmed them. I was told that there was danger, before our readers some account of the provisions of this bat De Burgh's arm begirt me--his bright face was turn-important bill, which will certainly receive the early dised unblenchingly to the surge and was it for me-like cussion of Parliament next Session. The preamble sets himself the descendant of a warrior-race--to permit fear forth that, "Whereas, the detrimental and injurious to unnerve my heart? Three terrible days we wandered practices of Puppyism within the cities of London, Dubalmost helmless over the waters on the fourth morning lin, Edinburgh, and other parts of his Majesty's domigreen headlands of Portugal rose in the orient, but the nions, have increased, are increasing, and ought to be ditempest still raged in all its fury, and the mariners pre-minished, be it enacted," &c. Of the enacting clauses, saged that we should only reach the shore to find our graves. We stood for the Tagus, shattered and despairing -and with the even-tide, in storm and darkness, tried to enter that far-famed river. What recks it to me that a proud capital is mirrored on its bosom, or that its waters How over sands of gold? In the tumult of that terrible

"The Romans grew extremely expensive and foppish; so that the Emperor Aurelian forbid men that variety of colours on their shoes, allowing it still to women."

ARBUTHNOT.

the

the following are the chief:

I. This clause recites a great many acts regarding Puppyism, some of which are to be repealed, others confirmed.

II. The recital of this clause is, that it has become a common practice for puppies to walk about the streets

BILL FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF PUPPYISM.

(Communicated by a Member of his Majesty's Privy Council.)

X

special jury consisting of methodists or quakers, or both; and the offender upon conviction of the offence charged, and of the aggravation of being habit and repute a puppy, shall be banished, if in London, from the West end of the Town, from the Parks, Theatres, and Opera-houses, Ball-rooms, and all fashionable places; and if in Edinburgh, from Princes' Street, George Street, Queen Street, Heriot Row, Great King Street, and the whole of the West End; from the Prince's Street, Queen Street, and other Gardens; from the boxes of the Theatre; and from Concerts, Balls, and even Public Dinners; such banishment to endure for the space of three, and not exceeding six weeks; and if the offender shall appear in any prohibited place within the said time, it shall and may be lawful to quiz, show up, and annoy the said offender, and e to cut him by means of the cut direct, or in any other r manner, in which cutting is, or lawfully may be prac-r IV. This clause imposes heavy penalties upon per- tised; and upon second conviction of this offence the of sons wearing a superfluity of chains and ribbons across fender shall be solemnly declared an irreclaimable puppy, their breasts, and interlaced through the button-holes of be branded on the little finger with the letter P., and be their vests, under the false pretence of having valuable banished to Leeds, Manchester, or Port Glasgow, as the watches, quizzing-glasses, &c.; on persons riding horses case may be, for the full space of his natural life; but reor driving gigs about town, for the sole purpose of dis-serving power to the said offender to enter any regiment play; and on persons wearing false collars, riding-shirts, of cavalry or foot-guards, in his Majesty's service." or false wrist-bands. This last class of offenders are to be given over to the washerwomen. It is understood, however, that this provision met with much opposition from Mr Hume in the Committee which prepared the bill, on financial grounds.

X. By this section it is provided and declared, that the privilege of privately spending any number of hours daily at the mirror is reserved entire as it formerly stood; and that puppies of sixty, or upwards, are not to be affected by the statute, they being considered incorrigible; but they are to pay a capitation tax of five guineas yearly.

XI. At present there is no eleventh clause to the bill; but it is said to be the intention of government to introduce here an enactment that the ladies' sleeves shall not be made larger than would contain their whole body.

Such are the outlines of this important bill, which, in all probability, will finally determine the contest that, for centuries, has distracted this country, between the puppies on the one hand, and the plain men, or, as the former have denominated them, the flats and quizzes, on the other. In Lord Castlereagh's time, the puppies had friends in the ministry; but it is believed that a united anti-puppy administration is at length at the helm. The necessity for some such measure having become obvious and urgent, the Duke of Wellington is said to be resolved on carrying it through at all hazards; but it cannot be disguised that a most violent contest will take place on the occasion. Even in Edinburgh, a puppy association has been formed, comprising, report says, doctors, eminent lawyers, judges, and even clergymen. Their great hope is to bring over the whole female sex to their side, and thus foment a do

smoking cigars, to the great discomfort and annoyance of the lieges; and it is made lawful for the police, or any magistrate or justice, summarily to apprehend the offender, to confiscate his cigar, and confine him in any of the common sewers of the city, for any period not exceeding twelve hours.

III. "Whereas it has become a common practice for persons having, or imagining themselves to have, handsome throats, wilfully, feloniously, and puppyishly, to walk or promenade about the public streets, with their shirtcollars turned over, and a piece of black ribbon tied about their necks, instead of a cravat, Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all such persons shall, and may be summarily apprehended as aforesaid; and, upon conviction of the said puppyism, shall have a mustard or other blister applied round their said throats, there to remain until removed in course of law."

V. "Whereas persons with two left legs, without calves, or without thighs, or having thick knees and ancles, feloniously and puppyishly appear at private parties in tight pantaloons, Be it enacted, that any person convicted of said offence in manner foresaid, shall be ordained to appear in public for three weeks, in the Highland garment, called a kilt, or philabeg; and that the said tight pantaloons shall be forfeited, one-half to the common good of the city, and the other to the lady or gentleman who shall have given the information."

VI." Whereas many persons, not bald, who have grey or red hair, or for no other cause than the pure spirit of puppyism, do cause their natural hair to be cut or shaven off, and cover their heads with wigs, wilfully, puppyishly, and fantastically, Be it enacted, that all such persons, on conviction, shall forfeit said wigs to the worshipful societies of poulterers in London, Dublin, or Edinburgh, to be by them applied in the production of chickens from eggs; and shall be sentenced to appear at all public places with Welsh wigs, of not above one shilling value, until their natural hair be again fully grown." VII. This clause relates to the puppyish, macaroni-mestic rebellion; for which end, they have engaged the cal, and hair-etical practice of persons not in his majes- assistance of all the dancing masters; and regular meetty's service, and not foreigners, wearing moustaches and ings are held for practising postures, the use of canes, whiskers of excessive size. The whole of the whiskers fans, vinaigrettes, &c. From the number of horses in the and moustaches are ordained to be summarily cut off, and possession of the puppies, it is believed they are to orgathe product given to the Edinburgh Infirmary, or Guy's nise a body of cavalry; and some alarmists report that Hospital, for stuffing mattrasses for the use of the pa- their curricles, buggies, and jazies, are to be converted into armed chariots, after the ancient Scythian fashion. Violent debates upon the question have occurred in the Six Feet Club; and it is rumoured-but we hope incorrectly -that this body will ultimately join the puppies. Petitions from the restaurateurs, friseurs, perruquiers, tailors, and men-milliners, are in preparation. It is said that a warm feeling in their favour prevails in France, and that assistance is even expected from that quarter. But the most serious difficulty is to be expected in the army, where the puppy faction have many friends and allies. With a premier like the Duke of Wellington, however, there is every reason to believe, that the measure will be carried ; and we cannot help calling upon every true and loyal subject to rally round the King and Constitution at a crisis so important.

tients.

VIII." And whereas many persons altogether destitute of genius or intellect, set up for wits, and do in private parties wilfully, puppyishly, and feloniously criticise the theatricals of the day, the new novels, the dioramas, and other matters of literature and art, which criticisms are chiefly purloined from the NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE, and EDINBURGH LITERARY JOURNAL, or other eminent periodicals, Be it enacted, that such persons, upon conviction, shall be liable to all the penalties provided by statute in the case of common swearing, one moiety of such penalties to go to the informer, and the other to be paid over to the Commissioners of the National Debt, to be by them applied in extinction of said debt."

IX. “Be it farther enacted and declared, that it shall and may be lawful, along with any of the above mentioned offences, to charge the aggravation of being habit and repute a puppy, which charge shall only be triable by a

LITERARY CHIT-CHAT AND VARIETIES.

WE learn that the materials for the Life of Byron have increased so much upon Mr Moore's hands, that he proposes extending the work to two volumes quarto instead of one, as was originally intended.