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manners.

to those who had not the ability to produce. Such is the use of taste and grace applied to Nor is this a quality that ought to be despised; it is more rare than is imagined. The silly witticisms of buffoons, afforded amusement only in anti-chambers.

Every thing that had the appearance of dis cussion was avoided; there was then no obstinacy in dispute, no vehemence in the tone, no passion in the interest. Nothing was calculated to excite languor; the conversation proceeded lightly along, strewing brilliant traits and expressions, like flowers and rich spangles; it was Camilla skimming the surface of the cornfields without bending the ears.

There is a certain elegant manner of taking one's place in the world, without exciting either aversion or dislike, and as it were by a tacit consent of the self-love of all. It is a rare and diffi. cult talent accompanied with something noble and pleasing, and is to be found, as if implanted by the hand of nature in the courtier and man of fashion.

From the preceding observations it would appear, that the highest degree of mental cultivation is necessary for the acquisition of this difficult art, and yet nothing is less essential; it consists entirely in tradition and practice. If, nevertheless, a multitude of observations and keenness of remark, be the object what it may, constitute precisely what is termed intelligence, it cannot be denied that this quality is peculiarly attached to a knowledge of the world independent of all instruction and culture. The ignorance of the commander De Jars and of Marshal d'Hocquincourt, had something extremely interesting and amiable*, and Matha cuts an excellent figure beside the Chevalier de Grammontt.

The cultivation of the mind and acquired knowledge afforded, however, great advantages, even for society, in consequence of the multitude of agreeable things which the imagination and the memory present to the judgment; and if the first class is equally capable of producing amiable men, it cannot be denied that to the

The subtleties of declamation cannot be appreciated even by the most musical ear; they cannot be noted down; the greatest beauties of gesticulation arise in the actor from the impres-second alone belong those who may be called

sion of the moment, and have no written signs to fix their value. A comprehensive glance,

which enables the warrior to combine circumstances and regulates his conduct, is itself the sudden illumination of genius. Thus it is with all the arts, and especially with the art of life. Rules can give only general results; it is delicacy of judgment and of taste that suddenly make a happy application of them; and readiness to seize and to execute, is the fruit of habit and practice.

This it is that produces so great a superiority in the manners of the courtier, even with fewer personal advantages. The ever varying scenes, the multiplicity of circumstances in which they are engaged, either as actors or witnesses, soon give them great experience. Arbiters of elegance, like Petronius, they feel keenly and judge shrewdly; the sense of propriety never leaves them even in the most difficult situations; 'a mistake would cost them too dear; they decide with promptitude and certainty, like a skilful player, who has calculated all the chances*.

* The most remarkable trait of this extraorditary promptitude of judgement, is to be found in the life of Cardinal Richelieu. Louis xlll. hated him, entrusted his authority to him, as it were by force, and thought to recover it by affronting him. One evening the King had just broken up the council, the Cardinal was speak. ing to some one at the door of the chamber, without being aware of the movement behind him. The doors suddenly opened; this circum

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great men. Of this the Duke of Orleans, the great Condé, and Prince Eugene, are demonstra

tions.

This leads us to other reflections: we must now erect the light-house upon the rock.

Reason, talents, and virtue are valuable possessions, which ensure the felicity of man in every stage of fortune, but they must be kept concealed from the eyes of the world, which are dazzled by their lustre. All our actions should receive an impulse from them; but as in the scenery of the stage, the machines should remain hidden from the eye of the spectator. It tends also to the perfection of these figures, if

stance roused the Cardinal, who was accordingly about to hasten to his proper place. The King shoulder, and said in a peevish tone: being quite close to him, pushed him by the "Go on,

Sir, go on; every body knows that you are master here." To obey or disobey appeared equally impossible; but the Cardinal did not long hesitate. "I will go on, Sire," said he, in a submissive tone, " since your Majesty con mands me, but it shall be like the meanest of your ser vants." At the same moment he snatched a flambeau from one of the pages, and proceeded a few steps before the King, whom his ingenuity and presence of mind restored to good humour.

* See the conversation of the Marshal d'Hocquincourt with father Canaye, in the works of

Saint Evremond.

Memoirs of the Chevalier Grammont.

the painter is an anatomist; but when he is satisfied with the correctness of the attitudes, and the expression of the head, he hastens to cover the rigid dryness of the outline with the softness of the flesh, the freshness of colouring, and the elegance of drapery; he exhibits to the eye nothing but sentiment, soul and life.

Reason alone has something cold and formal, which is repugnant even to taste, and insupportable to frivolity; how many graces it requires to render it tolerable!

We are fond of talking of virtue, but we never wish to meet with her except in affairs of business; her presence disturbs, her look intimidates; a vigilant conscience foresees her judgments and anticipates censure by hatred. To no purpose is she covered with the veil of modesty; it is but too transparent; like Homer's gods, virtue ought not to mingle among men unless concealed under a human form, nor should she be discovered but by her miracles.

soul of Louis XIV. to cherish so near him a man almost as great as himself.

Rivals are not the only objects of which talents have occasion to be apprehensive. "I am tired of hearing him called the Just," said the Athenian peasant, when he signed the proscription of Aristides; he has revealed to us the secret of human nature. Envy, like the royal tyger, attacks merely for the pleasure it takes in destruc

tion.

The greatest strength of mind consists in checking your flight, and appearing to men only at that degree of elevation which you know to be either useful or agreeable to them. When you are willing to be second to every one, you may rest assured that you will be the first in the opinion of all. Reputation is obtained like the prize of valour among the Athenians, which was decreed to him whom every one thought the most worthy after himself.

Ye men of ardent genius and exalted virtue, enjoy in secret your sentiments and your intelligence; truth and virtue are beauties for contemplation. In the society of nature alone, seize in mysterious obscurity the boon she offers her enjoyments, like those of love, cannot be com

The human mind is so constituted, that though the perfection of each action individually delights, charms, and extorts applause, yet a continued series of perfection fatigues and oppresses; it shocks the self-love of all. How small is the number of those pure and tender hear's in whommunicated; those who taste, are alone capable

the love of the fair, the good, the true, burns like the sacred fire, and which cling with enthusiastic attachment to the models which are set before them! Most people are willing to bestow their admiration to-day, if they may reserve their censures for to-morrow; but to be always obliged to applaud would be a cruel punishment for public malignity. The world is a suspicious tyrant; it hates whatever exceeds the ordinary standard, and the sage will continually inculcate the lesson given by Parmenio to Philotas: "My son, make thyself little!"

Has not Richardson been reproached on account of the uniformly perfect character of hi Grandison? And yet he is but the hero of a novel; the public has in this judgment accused itself.

The Duke de Montausier would not have been a favourite at any court*; it required the great

The Duke de Montausier has come the nearest of any modern character to Cato of Utaca, of whom Velleius Paterculus says, that he always did what was right, not because he intended to act more virtuously than others, but

of appreciating them. Keep yourselves down to the ordinary standard; exhibit only the amiable man, and reserve the great man for peculiar occasions; you have sufficient reason to exult, but do not give the world notice to hate you. Of what use is vain applause? All that passes out of your heart is but empty sound; it is what is within that constitutes felicity. Leave the popular favour and the reputation of a day for the buffoons of fortune; the homage of ages belongs to genius and virtue. Wait till the setting of the sun, your shadow will then lengthen behind you, your name will be sacred, when it shall be no more than a sound. Such is the greatness, such the glory of man; but to think, to feel, and to please, to be amiable and to be loved, this it is that constitutes true felicity.

because he was unable to act otherwise. Some one representing to him that he educated the heir to the throne with too great severity, and that he would repent it when the Prince became King, he replied: "If Monseigneur is an honest man, he will thank me for my severity, and if he is not, I should be ashamed of his favour."

AN ACCOUNT OF THE CITY OF VIENNA, AND THE MANNERS OF ITS INHABITANTS.

[Concluded from Page 93.]

FEW journals are read, doubtless because they are very common in public places. The best literary and political gazettes are generally the least in vogue. In a word, it is painful to observe, hat the best works cannot be procured without great difficulty.

In a system of things like the present very little may be expected from literature and the arts. Every spark of genius is stifled in its birth, unle-s some child of the muses, impelled by an extraordinary ardour, should break the fetters that bind him, and at the risk of happiness soar above every obstacle which lies in his way.

It is worthy of notice, that the literature of the modern Greeks lays its foundation in this city. It employs at this time three presses. Some of the Greeks translate many German, French, and Italian works into their own language. They compose likewise calendars, gazettes, &c. in Greek.

It is not certain whether from a taste for the English or a disgust to the French, that now more than ever the nobles, and those who copy after them, have their children taught the former language. Nor is it uncommon to observe a young lady going to mass with a prayer-book resembling those in use among the English Catholics.

The English in this city, let their condition be what it may, enjoy at present the privilege of being presented at court by their minister, and consequently of having an introduction to the first circles which has given rise to so many singular adventures.

Besides the universities, there are different large schools, in which a great number of scho lars are taught (at a moderate price) whatever relates to commerce; such as l erste normale, || which has one professor employed in giving lectures on the physical education of children, and likewise gymnasia, or colleges, where the methods of teaching are by no means consistent with the improvements of the age.

The university has, among other professors, two for the Latin, one for the French language and literature, and another for the Italian. It has others for history and chemistry, as far as it relates to the science of agriculture; but no one is appointed to give lectures on the management and preservation of forests. The philosophy

of Kant is no longer held in any estimation in this city.

In 1796 the list of promotions for the university contained thirty-two doctors in physic, six in law, and five in divinity. In 1797 there were not less than one hundred and four doctors in

physic, twenty-one surgeons, and ninety-two persons appointed as ordinary surgeons, who enjoyed the liberty of following their professions.

The military medico-chirurgical institution, the object of which is to form surgeons for the army, known by the name of the academy of Joseph, deserves to be mentioned here. It has six professors, and from five to six hundred stu dents.

The inhabitants are generally kind and simple in their manners. Sometimes we may observe a rather studied politeness, and an affectation in lavishing titles and attentions, which forms a contrast with their homely appearance and unpolished manners; all this may be attributed to the influence of the court and the ministers of the petty German Princes who reside in Vienna as agents for their respective employers. Their manners and language have been studiously copied by the people in general.

The strongest propensity of the inhabitants is for good living; and if it cannot be said that they always indulge themselves in delicacies, yet it must be confessed that they eat much and drink in proportion.

The traveller from Venice and Milan would here find some mixture of the Italian manners and customs.

Chocolate is here as in Italy much used, though but little esteemed in the North. It is the same with certain veget bles, such as broccoli, apples of paradise, &c. The daily parade of the Prater may, in some measure, resemble the Italian parades. If gallantry in the higher ranks is not so general as in the latter country, it is not attended here with any stigma. The Italian language is likewise much spoken. In consequence of the many censures which the corrupt language of the natives has incurred, its diction is become more pure than hat of most other Germans. But their pronunciation is still defective.

The women are lovely, and preserve their charms to an advanced age. They are fond of

dress and pleasure, their minds are not without culture, but they are very much confined in the choice of their books. They cultivate music in preference to every other study or amusement.

No people enjoy so many pleasures as the inhabitants of this place. In addition to numerous public houses where there is eating and drinking and dancing, it is likewise customary for the people in general to share in the diversions which stem reserved for persons of rank only. The picture of enjoyment which is always accompanied by that of misery, stands here alone.Upon our arrival at Vienna two classes only present themselves to our view, the nobility and citizens. The lower class is not visible; luxury has confounded it with the second, and even with the first sometimes. But in order to complete the representation which has been made of the inhabitants, it may not be improper to borrow the sentiments of an eminent writer on that subject.

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friend and country man, without regard to the situation north or south, now assumes another tone; he retires within himself; and must be twice addressed before he deigns an answer. Formerly whatever descended the Danube was dear to him; now he examines before he makes his choice, and consults his judgment before he yields to the impulse of his heart.

Mistrust of foreigners is moreover increased by the marked ingratitude with which their services have been too often rewarded. To these causes are united the events in France and the rigorous vigilance of the police, which these events rendered necessary, and which have effaced one of the most striking traits in the character of the natives, namely, their attachment to association, and effectually concurred to suppress the gaiety natural to small private circles, and to stifle every happy sentiment of humanity.

Among the common crimes of Vienna, robbery must be considered the principal. The author who has furnished us with the little extract

which we have transcribed upon their character, and who is in general sufficiently prepossessed in favour of his country, forms a frightful picture of the robberies committed in this city.

"Every gold and silver-smith is in danger of his property. We have now, in 1797, three robberies a day perpetual. There are pickpockets, housebreakers, and robbers who enter by the roofs, and take away the linen which is placed for drying in the garrets; others strip the beds of the feathers, and the coach-boxes of their leather; others mount horses and take away chaises, chariots, and other valuable articles."

The lower order of citizens and servants have preserved the use of bonnets or leather caps,

"At all times the greatest happiness of a native of Vienna has been a good table, and with that-which is no morea couple of good friends. He now becomes less communicative. His reserve borders on mistrust. He continues to be fond of public places. He looks and listens with an interest but not with a desire to be noticed. Formerly he was pleased with hearing the news from foreigners; now he contents himself with reading it as he can. Formerly he adopted the opinions of foreigners, and even perfect strangers, now he forms a system for himself, to which he obstinately adheres; he knows more than others; he learns the spirit of the age in the Gazette of Vienna, the course of political events in the Wienerbo, one of the worst papers that exists;" but his favourite writer, who has all his confidence, is the famous Gazet-richly embroidered; these ornaments of luxury teer of Neuwied (it is easy to judge whether this gazette is partial). This change in the exterior conduct of the natives, this sterility of ideas, has arisen from the melancholy events which have taken place in a great nation, and attracted the inhabitants of Vienna more to the enjoyment of their own exclusive happiness. It originates likewise in the measures of government, who perpetually keep a watchful eye over the actions and discourses of the public, and consequently render them timid and embarrassed. So that whatever wears the resemblance of a political society is cautiously avoided. This air of sang froid which the natives put on, in opposition to the inhabitants of other German provinces, is at the same time the effect of the policy and rivalry of the different courts. A citizen of Vienna, who used to converse with every German as a

*For servants even learn to dance. No. XXII. Vol. III.

often serve as objects of temptation to the robber. The editor himself was about eight years ago witness to a daring attack made upon a woman in the middle of the street, upon the approach of evening. The man succeeded in tearing off her bonnet, and afterwards in escaping through the multitude that was quickly collected.

At the same time a man was killed by a stiletto in the open street, and at no unseasonable hour, without any discovery being made of the murderer; but crimes of this magnitude are very rare. The natives, although fashioned in many respects after the Italians, are, however, far from presenting in their character the glaring defects which are laid to the charge of the former.

Upon going out of the city we are struck with the beauty and magnificence of the numerous chateaux, parks, and gardens, observable in the

S

environs, besides the imperial residences of Luxemburg and Shönbrunnen, Belvider, celebrated for its superb collection of pictures, and singularly embellished from the spoils of the churches of Brabant under the reign of Joseph. Here likewise may be seen the majestic Gallizinberg, the splendid Durnback, the vast and delightful residence of the Mareschal de Lasy, and last of all the Augarten and Prater.

The Augarten, which was opened to the people by Joseph, at first presents a magnificent garden, which is more embellished by art than nature. It has many delightful walks impervious to the rays of the sun, which the nightingales conspire with all the other charms of nature to render truly enchanting.

At the principal entrance is a vast edifice, where every thing is consecrated to extravagant festivity. It is composed of galleries beautifully decorated, where provisions are perpetually preparing from morning to night. Numerous companies frequent this place. Before the edifice is a circular spot surrounded by large chesnut trees, under which tables are placed for repasts, and for taking tea, coffee, ices, c. In passing through a beautiful walk we come to a ride planted with trees, which is bounded by delightful fields. A lofty terrace encompasses this part of the garden below, where the waters of the Danube gently flow. The eye extends to a distant chain of picturesque mountains; glides over the woods and rural habitations; over hamlets and villages which cover the plains below, and then descends into the smiling vallies; it afterwards remounts a group of little hills crowned with groves; and at last gently reposes on the green meadows, where numerous flocks and herds are perpetually feeding; from thence it commands one extensive view of the city. Before and under your eyes is the forest of Briget, which is the wild part of the garden, and serves as a shade to the pic

ture.

This forest, which extends a league, is divided by the Danube, whose banks afford a charming walk, and its tranquil stream heightens the gaiety and cheerfulness which pervade every ob- || ject; it is not only an agreeable river, but is likewise a place of resort for every species of pleasure. Many small houses have been erected for the purpose of preparing food and delicacies. On feast days in particular, this wood presents a spectacle of sensual enjoyments worthy the painter and philosopher. Not of the cynic philosopher, who, with a mixture of scorn and pity, weeps over the follies and the pleasures of mankind, but of the more judicious philosopher, who laughs at their follies while he smiles at their enjoyments. The philanthropist will feel his bosom glow with delight to observe a forest trans

formed into an animated city. The image of happiness will speak to his heart; he will view with complacency the amiable weaknesses of his fellow-creatures, and perhaps conclude with sharing them.

In all the cottages there are many repaste; some are prepared under the trees, others in the meadows and on the banks of the river. During these repasts, musical instruments are continually playing, which give a zest to the pleasures of the palate.

The elegant costume of the people would like. wise present an image of general prosperity, if their excessive luxury did not incline us to doubt it.

No one is permitted to be alone in this place. But if he crosses the river and retires into the opposite forest, he may there enjoy the charms of solitude with nature only for his companion. It is not easy to form an idea of the beauty and sublimity of this spot. The Danube, which separates this part of the forest, becomes a sea, which expands itschf majestically, and branches forth into divisions, which form several islands. Here the imagination may rove with delightful contemplation over the extensive scene presented to its view.

Some of these islands are covered with thick forests, others with enchanting groves; and others with meadows where the flowers and birds form an agreeable mixture of colours. The beauties of nature seem here to humanize the most savage animals. The stag sports and bounds; the nightingale sings her cheerful song; and the feathered tribe pursue their various propensities without molestation or constraint. At the ter mination of this forest the Danube is lost to our view, and a hamlet rises up on a sudden to at tract our notice.

This hamlet, which may be the commencement of a town, is composed of small houses with one story only, well built, painted without, and commodious within. The inhabitants exhibit a group of happy faces, in which health, contentment, and chearfulness are strikingly depictured. This is the Augarten, which is not (incredible as it may appear) many steps from the city; and what is more astonishing is, that it is not greatly frequented. The preference is given to the Prater, doubtless on account of the carriages and equipages which are there assembled. The Augarten is not brilliant but on particular occasions, when parties of pleasure are formed during the summer season. In the freshness of the morning likewise, subscription concerts are given by people of fashion, which are particularly agreeable to early risers.

Upon leaving Vienna we reach the Prater, by a beautiful walk, a league in extent, which di

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