the Pope! There he is with two tiny gilt crucifixes before him! Off mitres! Off hats, red ones and all! for the pasha of three mitres is at hand. A slowly-approaching chair, bearing a personage dressed in flowing robes and backed by a long "tail" of prelacy, arrives at the open space, and is in front of all eyes-a huge white bird seems he at this distance with some strange plumage on its crest-hush! hush!-we bend forward with the multitude, and are half idolaters already! What a silence! the imposing solemn silence of such a multitude, during which the great pontifical bird stirs not a feather! and now a flag is thrown out from the window, to warn the bells in the belfry, who have told it in an instant to the cannon at St. Angelo, who are telling it to the people who know it already! The object of all eyes now rises like a large white albatross on a rock, preparing to descend over the sleeping waters below. Erect stands the "Pontifex Maximus" amidst that motley cortege, and having made the sign of the cross, the white sleeves fluttering forth to the breeze at their full extent of inflation, he speaks, and you hear him speak, though you cannot collect the words. He subsides into his arm-chair, and the thing is over! Still not a sound! but when the slowly-receding form has disappeared, then thousands, under the first influence of the homœopathic dose of benediction administered to them, fight and scramble for the indulgences or bonbons which are falling profusely and promiscuously among them from the balcony-first come first served! There is luck in spiritual as in temporal things. Dogs howl! the sounds of whips and carriages break the silence! and secular affairs are resumed as if nothing extraordinary had happened. -Blackwood's Magazine.

The Gatherer.

Extraordinary Present.-The New York Herald of the 15th ult. contains the following extraordinary advertisement:-"Child. -To be given away, an interesting and healthy child, aged fourteen months; American parents. Any person wishing to adopt a child as their own, will find a rare opportunity by addressing a line to A. B., New York, giving address, and when to be called upon.

Cast-iron Buildings.-A correspondent of the Times says:-" Buildings of castiron are daily increasing, at a prodigious rate in England, and it appears that houses are about to be constructed of this material. It is proposed that the walls shall be hollow, so that the whole house may be heated by a single stove in the kitchen. A three

story house, containing ten or twelve rooms, will only cost about 1000l.; and it may be taken to pieces, and removed to another place at an expense of about 251. It is understood that a large number are about to be manufactured, to be sent to Hamburgh, for those persons who have had their habitations burnt."

Bad punctuation and spelling.—A poor woman at Shoreham, whose husband was going to sea, handed through the clerk, to the parson, this public prayer:-" A man going to see, his wife desires the prayers of this congregation." The parson, pointing it in his own way, read to the ears of his flock,-" "A man going to see his wife, desires the prayers of this congregation," and set them all in a titter.

Sagacity of London Sparrows.-I have often been amused, when walking the suburban streets of London of a wet day, in observing with what care the sparrows carry their tails at an elevation of forty-five degrees, or thereabouts, evidently with the intention of keeping them well out of the mire; this I think must be their reason, for on ordinary occasions, in fine weather, the sparrow carries his tail rather below the horizontal line.-J. N.

Abilities are common; genius is rare. We meet every day with those who apprehend with quickness, and apply with judg ment. This, perhaps, is sufficient for the due treatment of temporary topics. But it is not sufficient for the production of a standard work. Examine our ablest literary journals by this standard, and see what will be the result. It may be best done by a reference to the tables of matter in the combined indexes of a series of years. I have done so; and could not hesitate in the conclusion to which I came. A general truth, of any novelty, and not borrowed, rarely occurs.-E. B. B.

Book-shelves. To give some idea of the extent of the new portion of the library of the British Museum, it has, as a point of useful information, or perhaps also as a matter of curiosity, been ascertained that the whole length of the shelves, which hold 260,000 volumes, was 42,240 feet, or eight miles. The length of the shelves in the library at Munich, containing 500,000 volumes, taking the same proportion, will be fifteen miles and two-fifths. The King's library in Paris, of 650,000 volumes, must, by the same calculation, have not less than twenty miles of shelf!

LONDON: Published by HUGH CUNNINGHAM, 1, St. Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square; and sold by all Booksellers and Newsmen.

T. C. Savill, Printer, 107, St. Martin's Lane.

AFTER a rather long journey, we were surprised, when about two leagues from Landeck, by so violent a storm, that we gave immediate orders to the postillion to stop the horses at the first habitation, with the hope of obtaining shelter. After enduring, as meekly as possible, the unpleasant effects of the pitiless rain for some time, we arrived at the gate of an avenue which led to a castle of an imposing appearance, but whose environs denoted either the sluggish disposition or the absence of

VOL. XL

the proprietor. We entered, and made our way, with some difficulty, however-for the road was overgrown with briers-to the castle, expecting only to meet the porter, with whom we hoped to obtain shelter. On reaching the château, and demanding if the proprietor was at home, we were a little surprised at receiving the answer

"Yes, sir, M. de P- is within."

"Be so kind," I said, " as to take our respects to your master, and tell him that he would confer upon us a very great favour [No. 1130.

by allowing us to remain in the hall till the storm abates."

The servant disappeared,and soon returned, saying that we were to consider ourselves at home, that everything should be prepared for our comfort, and that as M. de P would dine in half-an-hour, he craved our acceptance of his invitation to dinner. Such an offer, and at such a time, was too good to be refused. We accepted it, at the same time congratulating ourselves on the opportunity afforded us of becoming acquainted with the proprietor, for the sad and solemn aspect of the castle had strongly excited our curiosity. The state of neglect in which this magnificent abode was allowed to remain made us at first imagine that it belonged to some miserable wretch, who shrunk at the idea of drawing from his coffers a single crown even for the most urgent repairs; but the number of servants we saw soon banished this idea, for we were persuaded that a miser, of all other persons, was the least likely to indulge in idlers of so expensive a nature. There was a mystery hanging over the castle and its inmates; the servants wore an aspect of the most solemn kind, and when spoken to, they answered in so low and so trembling a tone, that it seemed as if they were afraid of the sound of their own voices, or that some dreadful calamity would fall upon them if they were heard to speak. My friend, whose mercurial disposition found matter for pleasantry in everything, said—

"I will tell you what, B- we are like rabbits in a warren-trapped.' This is, depend upon it, the abode of robbers, and not a morsel shall I eat except they place a pistol on each side of my plate."

I replied

"If this is actually a den of robbers, their intention is to cut our throats. No bad idea to invite us to dinner. A narcotic powder can be easily mixed up with the food, and a quiet dispatch, you know, is always the best for all parties."

This pleasantry put us in good humour, and we were laughing heartily, when a tall, athletic lackey made his appearance, and told us, half whisperingly, that dinner was ready. We rose, followed two more of equally powerful proportions, who ushered us into the presence of a man far advanced in years, and whose tall, grave figure would have had a venerable appearance, had his countenance not borne a disdainful and unforgiving expression. He received me with lordly politeness, but slightly started on seeing my friend, on whom he fixed his eyes with a look which seemed to denote that he bore him no good will. Cwho was as handsome a young man as I ever saw, seemed, like me, astonished, for this was the first time they had ever met.

The old gentleman then asked us if we had any news from court, and listened to our remarks without making a single com

ment.

Ten minutes had scarcely elapsed, when we were asked to walk into the dining-room. M. de P- assisted by two lackeys, followed us. The repast was served up in the most sumptuous manner. On perceiving that the table was laid out for four, and that there were only three of us, my friend's curiosity, as well as my own, became somewhat excited. M. de P pointed out our respective places, but instead of sitting down, he remained standing behind his chair, and with an air of mockery, said— "Be seated, gentlemen."

At that instant the door opened, and a lady clothed in mourning, preceded by two lackeys, and followed by two female servants, entered. Never did an apparition check the gaiety of two giddy headed fellows sooner than the appearance of this woman, whose countenance was as white as ivory, and her hair of the darkest jet. Her eyes shone with a strange, wild lustre, and no expression animated that apparently lifeless head. Madame de P- (whose name was announced with the greatest solemnity) approached the vacant seat, and turning towards me, then to my friend, slightly inclined her head to each, and sat down. The gaiety and good humour which had marked our entrance gave way to the highest pitch of curiosity. C broke the silence, and in the course of the conversation addressed himself several times to Madame de P, who neither spoke nor touched anything, while M. de P-treated her as if she were in reality a statue. We made all haste to finish our strange repast: a chillness came over us; and it was with pleasure that we saw the dessert placed before us. Like the dinner, it was truly luxurious; but there was one dish which had more of singularity in it than all that we had hitherto witnessed. It was a Louis d'or placed in the middle of a silver plate, which was put before Madame de PWe cast an inquiring look at Monsieur

and Madame de P- The countenance of the old man changed not, and that of madame remained inflexible. The dinner was at length finished; we rose, left the castle, and after puzzling our brains with conjectures, we thought no more about it. When we reached Landeck, we hurried on to Constance, without asking any questions respecting the singular inhabitants of the castle.

Several months passed on; and often at the dinner-parties to which we were invited we excited the curiosity of the guests by reciting the most singular incident of our travels-the Louis d'or. Every one was astonished at the account which we gave

of the strange apparition, and each tried to unveil the mystery of what we had

seen.

One day, when in company with the Duchess de B and the Marquis de V—, who had just arrived from America, where they had been living for fifteen years, I began my accustomed recital, and was proceeding with the description of the dessert and the Louis d'or, when suddenly the marquis, who had been paying no attention to my story, listened attentively. One of the company, who had previously heard the tale, cried, laughingly,

"Le Diable! he is at it again. Will he never be done with his inexplicable Louis d'or ?"

The Marquis de V- became agitated, and beseeched me to continue my recital. When I mentioned the name of Madame de P, and spoke of her marble countenance and of the Louis d'or, his face became as pale as that which I had been describing, and pressing me by the hand, he whispered that he wished to have a word with me in private.

"My dear sir," the marquis said, as soon as we were alone, "Tell me where this castle is situated, and by what means I shall be able to reach it."

I gave him all the necessary information, and thinking, in return for my condescension, that he would tell me the cause of his inquiries, I asked him if he knew the lady. He replied, with a grave air,

me.

"You will know all very soon," and left

A short time afterwards, I set sail for the East Indies, and had not long arrived, when a letter from Creached me, which unravelled the mystery of the Louis d'or.

The following, according to the servants' account, is a true description of the scene which took place at M. de P--'s.

The Marquis de V- went to M. de P's, and giving his name as the Count de Gravilliers, demanded his hospitality. M. de P received him as he had received us, and the dinner was prepared with the same ceremony. When Madame de Pentered, she screamed on perceiving the marquis, but her husband tried to calm her by saying,

"It is only Count de Gravilliers." Madame de P seated herself, cast her eyes downwards, and became much agitated. At last, the dessert was served up, and with it the inexplicable Louis d'or. The Marquis de V- demanded, with a careless air, what was the meaning of it. And M. de P - replied, "Madame de P- alone knows the

secret.

"I cannot ask madame to relate it," the marquis said; " but in my travels I learnt the history of a louis, which I will tell

you, and which will cause madame to relate hers after I have finished."

M. de P, astonished at the audacity of the stranger, said, with a menacing air"Well, sir, begin your story."

"About twenty years ago," the marquis said, "there was a gentleman, living at St. Gaudens, who was poor, and who had an exceedingly beautiful daughter. She fell in love with a Spaniard, a Marquis de Vand was tenderly loved by him. The day was fixed for their marriage, and both were happy at the prospect of the future." At these words, M. de P- looked attentively at the marquis, and madame trembled involuntarily. The marquis continued, without paying the slightest attention

"Within a few days of the wished-for period, a German viscount, both old and debauched, met the young girl, was struck with her beauty, asked her hand of the father, who, seduced by the immense wealth of the viscount, gave her up to the old scoundrel."

At that word M. de Prose, but the stern look of the marquis seemed to overcome him, for he sat down exasperated. The marquis continued

"What rendered this marriage more miserable than even the disparity of years, was, that it was the result of an infamous wager. The viscount was the enemy of the Marquis de V——, and he had sworn to be revenged on all that belonged to him. You turn pale, Monsieur de P! Yes, you guess it. The name of that young girl was Lucille.”

M. de P- was like marble, and his wife seemed insensible to everything. The Marquis de V- continued

One

"He married the young girl, and took her to Klumm Castle. Can you guess what took place there? The viscount continued his disreputable life, and left a sort of valet to watch over the actions of his wife. evening, as he was returning from the chase with several of his friends, the servant whispered in his master's ear that he had seen a stranger enter his mistress's apart

"As the young man, deceived by this apparent act of generosity, was obeying, scarcely knowing what he did, the viscount said

666

Apropos, sir, have the kindness to give me a louis.'

"Wherefore?'

66 4

Oh, I will tell you when we next meet. It is only for a keepsake.'

"The marquis gave him a louis, and when he had reached the ground, the viscount cried

"You had forgotten, sir, to pay the tax due to women of this kind.'

"The curtains were drawn up, and the young man was obliged to leave the place.

"After that the viscount left the room, asked his companions if they had seen the gallant passing, and on being answered in the negative, he invited them to inspect his wife's apartment. Every corner was searched, and all agreed that the valet had lied. He was afterwards condemned to imprisonment for life for calumniating his mistress. And as to the louis?"

"There it is," M. de P- said, on rising. "For the last twenty years it has been served up to her in the same manner. I told you that you would know some day why I asked it of you."

"And you told me also," the marquis said, "that we would meet again. I have waited long." Then he added, drawing his sword," But now I have found you."

"A duel!" the old man cried."No, that was not my resolution. I will manage the affair without giving you the honour of crossing swords with me.'

"Would you assassinate me?" the marquis said. "But that, villain, will not astonish me, seeing that you have nearly brought to the grave that poor innocent woman."

"Well!" M. de P—— cried, seizing a knife, "and you cannot prevent it!"

He was in the act of rising, when a ball penetrated his head, and he fell back in his chair mortally wounded.

This case was afterwards taken before the Toulouse parliament. The Marquis de V succeeded in leaving the country, and nothing has been heard of him since. Madame de P- retired into a convent, and lived for some time after that event. At her death the fatal louis was found upon her person, but no one had ever heard her speak of the mystery with which it was connected.-From the French of F. Soulié.

Ruins. All ruins are delightful. Antiquity is a mighty sorceress, that flings a beauty and an interest around whatever she touches, hallowing even the most commonplace objects to the contemplative eye.— Gertrude.

GINES OF THE TURKISH OR OSMANLI EMPIRE UPON CIVILIZED NATIONS.

By W. Francis Ainsworth, Esq.

(Continued from p. 180.)

PART II.—THE PRESENT CONDITION AND

PROSPECTS OF THE OSMANLI EMPIRE.

THE future destiny of the Osmanli rulers of the aborigines of Turkey in Europe and in Asia is connected with three simple points:

First, the progress of internal modifications to adapt the constitution of the empire, and consequently its capabilities and resources, to cope with the civilization of those around it.

Secondly, the accidental and artificial support which it may receive from European nations, in order to prevent the colossal growth of its natural enemy, the Russian empire; and,

Thirdly, its being able to keep in subjugation the greater intelligence and industry, the increasing numbers and awakening energies, of the Christian aborigines.

In reviewing, in the first place, the primary consideration, we shall adduce first the points in favour of Turkish regeneration, and then discuss such as are opposed to it.

First in the list of favourable circumstances, and standing prominent over all others, are the modern ameliorations in civil and military government.

The reforms of Mahmud had their origin partly from the pressure from without, but still more so from the state of things within the empire itself; and they were carried through by a superior intelligence and the indomitable firmness of the sultan himself. The empire was then in a very critical state. Some of the most powerful pashas, as Ali Pasha of Yanina, and Daoud Pasha of Baghdad, had thrown off their allegi ance. There was a deep dread of the Janissaries. Soon after their destruction, in 1826, and the establishment of the nizam, or regular troops, the Russians invaded the frontier. From the time that peace was concluded with this enemy, Mahmud did not cease to introduce improvements in all the branches of the administration: it is in the practical application alone that they have hitherto generally failed.

were

The civil and military authority said to be separated at this early period; yet in the present day the highest rank that possesses only military government is a livah pasha, or general of brigade, formerly a pasha with one tail; while all rulers of the rank of ferik (pasha with two tails) or mushir (pasha with three tails) combine the military with civil authority, a combination long admitted by civilized nations as incompatible with a just exercise of authority. The right of confiscation was nominally