we find a difficulty in making a selection. We shall, however, lay the following before our readers, as a specimen of what the loyal Jacobites suffered in those days. position, their vivid and impressive glimpses of an unseen world, and of beings in an unknown state of existence, all these things have afforded us gratification, and, to use a hackneyed but not unmeaning word, have THE NARROW ESCAPES OF LORD PITSLIGO. been felt by us to be refreshing, after much of the miserable trash we have been condemned to wade through, "After the battle of Culloden, Lord Pitsligo conpurporting to contain pictures of the drivelling inanities cealed himself for some time in the mountainous district of fashionable life, and a set of dramatis persona, whose of the country, and a second time experienced the kindconstitutions have been shattered by a course of viciously dispositions of the country people, even the lowest, to dissipation, in a manner that even the breezes of Yarrow, misfortune. The country had been much exhausted for or the invigorating waters of St Mary's Loch, could not the supply of the Prince's army, and the people who repair. gave him shelter and protection were extremely poor; yet they freely shared their humble and scanty fare with the unknown stranger. This fare was what is called water-brose, that is, oatmeal moistened with hot water, on which he chiefly subsisted for some time; and when, on one occasion, he remarked that its taste would be man, but sa't 's touchy,' meaning it was too expensive an indulgence for them. However, he was not always in such bad quarters; for he was concealed for some days at the house of New Miln, near Elgin, along with his friends, Mr Cummine of Pittulie, Mr Irvine of Drum, and Mr Mercer of Aberdeen, where Mrs King, Pittu. lie's sister, herself made their beds, and waited upon them." Thoughts concerning Man's Condition and Duties in Alexander Lord Pitsligo. To which is prefixed, 4 WE have seldom perused a more interesting little volume than this. Whether as it respects the biographical sketch, or the "Thoughts" of the venerable nobleman, few productions of the kind have issued from the press which have greater claims on the public attention. Alexander, fourth Lord Pitsligo, was born on the 22d of May 1678. He was of illustrious descent. His father was third Lord Pitsligo, and his mother was Lady Sophia Erskine, a daughter of the noble and ancient house of Mar. In 1691, while yet a minor, he succeeded to the estates, and in the nineteenth year of his age he was sent to France, to complete his education. Of a pious and amiable disposition, he became, in France, the friend of the illustrious Fenelon, Abbé of Cambray. At this time the sect of the Quietists had attracted some notice, and Fenelon himself was strongly infected with their enthusiasm. The example of Fenelon was enough to influence young Pitsligo, and he accordingly adopted their opinions. After meeting with many of the distinguished characters of the court of Louis XIV., Lord Pitsligo returned to his native country. He took the oaths, and his seat, in the Scottish Parliament in 1700. From this time forward he was a zealous but conscientious Jacobite, and continued firmly attached to the unfortunate House of Stuart. He accordingly opposed the measures of that party at Court who wished to exclude the illus. trious exiles from the throne. He was also one of the Scottish nobles who opposed the Union. much improved by a little salt, the reply was, ' Ay, "It was known in London, that about the end of April, 1746, he was lurking about the coast of Buchan, as it was supposed with the view of finding an oppor. tunity of making his escape to France; and it required the utmost caution on his part to elude the search that was made for him. To such an extremity was he reduced, that he was actually obliged, on one occasion, to conceal himself in a hollow place in the earth, under the arch of a small bridge at Craigmaud, upon his own estate, about nine miles up into the country from Fraserburgh, and about two and a half from where New Pitsligo now is, which was scarcely large enough to contain him; and this most uncomfortable place seems to have been selected for his retreat, just because there was little chance of detection, as no one could conceive it possible that a human being could be concealed in it. At this time he lay sometimes in the daytime concealed in the mosses near Craigmaud, and was much an noyed by the lapwings flying about the place, lest this should attract notice to the spot, and direct those who were in search of him in their pursuit. In 1715 Lord Pitsligo joined the standard of the Earl "As yet the estate of Pitsligo was not taken possesof Mar, his relation, and was in the battle of Sheriff- sion of by government, and Lady Pitsligo continued to muir. Every one knows how that insurrection termi- reside at the castle. Lord Pitsligo occasionally paid nated. Various attainders followed, but Lord Pitsligo secret visits to it in disguise. The disguise that he as was not among the number. He was compelled, how-sumed was that of a mendicant, and Lady Pitsligo's ever, to retire to the Continent, where he remained for some time. In 1720 he returned home, and found him. self engaged in some litigious proceedings, which greatly harassed him, and compelled him to dispose of a good part of his estate. These adversities did not lessen his virtue. At Pitsligo Castle, in the remote district of Aberdeenshire, called Buchan, he resided in the most retired manner, devoting himself to literature, and cultivating the study of the mystic writings with which he had become acquainted in France. In this manner did Lord Pitsligo occupy himself till 1745. Although then aged and in ill health, his zeal for the fortunes of a fallen house induced him to join the Prince's standard. He was out, as it is called, in that chivalrous but vain attempt; and being now considered as an inveterate offender, he was not only attainted, but a large reward offered for his apprehension. Probably, had he been taken, he would have been another victim to the too atrocious revenge of the governIt is here that the memoirs of his Lordship's life become most interesting, and from the many anecdotes which his biographer gives of his narrow escape, ment. maid was employed to provide him with two bags to put under his arms, after the fashion of the Edie Ochiltrees of those days. He sat beside her while she made them, and she long related with wonder how cheerful he was, while thus superintending this work, which betokened the ruin of his fortune, and the forfeiture of his life." "When walking out in his disguise one day, he was suddenly overtaken by a party of dragoons scouring the country in pursuit of him. The increased exertion, from his desire to elude them, brought on a fit of asthmatic coughing, which completely overpowered him. He could proceed no farther, and was obliged to sit down by the road-side, where he calmly waited their approach. The idea suggested by his disguise and infirmity was acted upon, and, in his character of a mendicant, he begged alms of the dragoons who came to apprehend him. His calmness and resignation did not forsake him, no perturbation betrayed him, and one of the dragoons stopped, and, with great kindness of heart, actually be stowed a mite on the venerable old man, condoling with him at the same time on the severity of his cough. tr "On another occasion, Lord Pitsligo had sought and obtained shelter in a shoemaker's house, and shortly after a party of dragoons were seen approaching. Their errand was not doubtful; and the shoemaker, who had recognised the stranger, was in the greatest trepidation, and advised him to put on one of the workmen's aprons and some more of his clothes, and to sit down on one of the stools, and pretend to be mending a shoe. The party came into the shop in the course of their search; and the shoemaker, observing that the soldiers looked as if they thought the hands of this workman were not very like those of a practised son of King Crispin, and fearing that a narrower inspection would betray him, with great presence of mind, gave orders to Lord Pitsligo, as if he had been one of his workmen, to go to the door and hold one of the horses, which he did accordingly. His own composure and entire absence of hurry allayed suspicion, and he escaped this danger. He used afterwards jocularly to say, he had been at one time a Buchan cobbler." "One of the narrowest escapes which he made from discovery, when met in his mendicant's dress by those who were in search of him, was attended with circumstances which made the adventure singularly romantic and interesting. At that time there lived in that district of the country, a fool called Sandy Annand, a well-known character. The kindly feelings of the peasantry of Scotland to persons of weak intellect are well known, and are strongly marked by the name of " the Innocent," which is given to them. They are generally harmless creatures, contented with the enjoyment of the sun and air as their highest luxuries, and privileged to the hospitality of every house, so far as their humble wants require. There is often, too, a mixture of shrewdness with their folly, and they are always singularly attached to those who are kind to them. Lord Pitsligo, disguised as usual, had gone into a house where the fool happened to be at the time. He immediately recognized him, and did not restrain his feelings, as others did in the same situation, but was busily employed in showing his respect for his Lordship, in his own peculiar and gro. tesque manner, expressing his great grief at seeing him in such a fallen state, when a party entered the house to search for him. They asked the fool who was the person that he was lamenting thus. What a moment of intense anxiety both to Lord Pitsligo and the inmates of the house! It was impossible to expect any other answer from the poor weak creature, but one which would betray the unfortunate nobleman. Sandy, however, with that shrewdness which men of his intellect often exhibit on the most trying occasions, said, He kent him aince a muckle farmer, but his sheep a' dee'd in the 40.' It was looked upon as a special interposition of Providence, which put such an answer into the mouth of the fool." 6 impression, Mrs Sophia was proceeding to rouse the servants, when her sister having awakened, and enquired what was the matter, and being told of soldiers near the house, exclaimed in great alarm that she feared they wanted something more than hens. She begged Mrs Sophia to look out at a window on the other side of the house, when not only soldiers were seen in that direction, but also an officer giving instructions by signals, and frequently putting his fingers on his lips, as if enjoining silence. There was now no time to be lost in rousing the family; and all the haste that could be made was scarcely sufficient to hurry the venerable man from his bed, into a small recess behind the wainscot of an adjoining room, which was concealed by a bed, in which a lady, Miss Gordon of Towie, who was there on a visit, lay, before the soldiers obtained admission. A most minute search took place. The room in which Lord Pitsligo was concealed did not escape. Miss Gordon's fer the rude scrutiny of one of the party, by feeling her bed was carefully examined, and she was obliged to suf chin, to ascertain that it was not a man in a lady's nightdress. Before the soldiers had finished their examination in this room, the confinement and anxiety increased Lord Pitsligo's asthma so much, and his breathing became so loud, that it cost Miss Gordon, lying in bed, much and violent coughing, which she counterfeited, in order to prevent the high breathings behind the wainscot from being heard. It may easily be conceived what should increase suspicion, and in fact lead to a discovery. agony she would suffer, lest, by overdoing her part, she The ruse was fortunately successful. On the search through the house being given over, Lord Pitsligo was hastily taken from his confined situation, and again replaced in bed; and as soon as he was able to speak, his accustomed kindness of heart made him say to his servant, James, go and see that these poor fellows get some breakfast, and a drink of warm ale, for this is a cold morning; they are only doing their duty, and cannot bear me any ill-will.' When the family were felicitating each other on his escape, he pleasantly ob. served, A poor prize, had they obtained it an old dying man!'" 6 Reduced to indigence, degraded, and forfeited, this venerable nobleman at length found a retreat unmolested in the house of Auchiries, where he died on the 21st of December 1762, in the 85th year of his age. His death was peaceful and affecting, the result of a life of piety and virtue. "His son," observes the author of this sketch, "had the misfortune to be indebted to a stranger, now the proprietor of his ancient inheritance by purchase from the crown, for permission to lay his father's honoured remains in the vault which contained the ashes of his family for many generations." After saying so much respecting this venerable peer, it is impossible for us to give any extracts from his work. We therefore refer our readers to this relic of a noble mind, assuring them that they will find all Lord Pitsligo's "Thoughts," worthy of serious consideration. The Editor who has so ably delineated Lord Pitsligo's life, deserves much praise for the interesting narrative he has given, and the opportunity he has afforded of placing a most excellent little volume in the hands both of young and old. "In March 1756, and, of course, long after all apprehension of a search had ceased, information having been given to the commanding officer at Fraserburgh, that Lord Pitsligo was at that moment in the house of Auchiries, it was acted upon with so much promptness and secrecy, that the search must have proved successful, but for a very singular occurrence. Mrs Sophia Donaldson, a lady who lived much with the family, repeatedly dreamt on that particular night, that the house was surrounded by soldiers. Her mind became so haunted with the idea, that she got out of bed, and was walking through the room in hopes of giving a different current to her thoughts before she lay down again; when Tales of a Voyager to the Arctic Ocean. Second Series. day beginning to dawn, she accidentally looked out at the window as she passed it in traversing the room, and was astonished at actually observing the figures of soldiers among some trees near the house. So completely had all idea of a search been by that time laid asleep, that she supposed they had come to steal poultry,-Jacobite poultry-yards affording a safe object of pillage for the English soldiers in those days. Under this In 3 vols. London. Colburn. 1829. WE must confess that we, in this northern metropolis, are somewhat fastidious with respect to novels. Whether it be that we have dwelt with enthusiasm on the pages of the author of Waverley, or on the different, but no less brilliant productions of the author of "Lights and Shadows," whether it be from an honest pride that Scott and Wilson reside among us, or from what cause soever it be, we confess that we are not disposed to be too patient when we meet with a fourth or fitih-rate production of this class. Not that we are exclusively parial. We can admire the eastern imagery of Zillah," the wild but genius-bespeaking extravagance of Salathiel," the clever satire of Pelham," and the highly interesting "Adventures of a Kuzzilbash ;" but we would no more think of ranking the "Tales of a Voyager" with these, than we would think of classing Zillah and the rest with the works of the two other authors we have named. The "Tales of a Voyager," second series, we are disposed to think a failure, and we are sorry for it; but, like their predecessors of the first series, they possess neither interest, unity, nor design. The author is evidently a man of imagination, but he lacks greatly the faculty of invention. The Tales are supposed to be told by vari. ous of the voyagers, to guile away the tædium vita of the Arctic regions, and, most assuredly, they are fit for no other meridian. They partake of the coldness of the climate to a great degree; and they must have been lis tened to, just because our hero or heroes had nothing else to do. We prove what we say from the first tale in the book, entitled, "Bernard Hyde," which is one of the most puerile, absurd, and ridiculous stories we have ever read. Bernard Hyde himself, who is the hero, though a bold smuggler, is below contempt; and as to the heroines, we (being gallant men) shall leave Bernard's worthy mothers and the Misses Wrangham to divide that honour between them without comment. There is an attempt at a plot, which fails; there is an attempt at wit, but so far from exciting a laugh, it never raises even the shadow of a smile. In short, Bernard and the other worthies of this tale are the most brainless and insipid of mortals. The grand design of novel-writing, we presume, is to delineate life and manners, to introduce fictitious characters as they would exist in real life, yet to preserve throughout a regular succession of interesting incidents which do not contradict the well-known unities of time, place, and action. Let the author of the "Tales of a Voyager "look to this. It is a pity he did not burn "Bernard Hyde," for it is literally a piece of nonsense. "Letitia" is prosing, and scarcely better; while the story of the ".-Man" appears to us of a nature which no Christian reader will be able to comprehend or tolerate. We are neither cynical nor hypercritical; but we shall never compromise our critical dignity by unmerited praise, or shrink, in the discharge of our literary duty, from bestowing censure where it appears to be deserved. The work now before us consists of three volumes, in so far as the paper and printing are concerned; but if all that is worthless were separated from all that is good in them, the three volumes would dwindle down into an amazingly small duodecimo. While we thus censure the "Tales," we do not deny that there is some very fair writing in the book; and it is, indeed, only when our author attempts to tell a Tale," that he decidedly fails. When the "Voyager" tells no "Tales" in the "Arctic regions," the connecting link is supplied by a personal narrative, entitled, The Voyage," which is the best part of the work. We shall leave such of our readers as choose to the free enjoyment of the Tales," and shall, in the meantime, introduce into our pages a short extract from "The Voyage." Our author had gone on shore, when he was doomed to experience A SUMMER DAY IN GREENLAND. "It may appear paradoxical to speak of the warmth of the atmosphere in the superlative degree, while I am describing the lamentations of our crew at being frozen up in the midst of ice; yet I am unable to avoid the contradictory appearances of my statements, without in fringing the rules of veracity, to which, as a voyag: narrator, I am bound. For the last seventy or eighty hours, the weather had been extremely hot, and this day, the 18th of June, was still more sultry. During the morning, I made a long excursion with my usual companion, and some visitors from the neighbouring ships, over the field, in quest of amusement and game; for I thought it incumbent on me to contribute my exertions towards filling sea-pies, since I assisted very efficiently in disposing of their contents. A little ad vance soon convinced me that summer asserts her powers as triumphantly in Greenland, as in climes more celebrated for her sovereignty. We took our course at first along the flaw edge, to enjoy the varied prospects in the vicinity of the sea, and to obtain more chances of shooting birds, than were afforded by an inland ramble. The water was like glass, clear and smooth, and reflecting the heavens, and the images of a thousand elevations and grotesque variations of the marble shore. Not a breeze played over its brilliant surface, nor did a wave ripple beneath the hollow margin of the floe. We could perceive medusæ trailing their scarlet fibrils deep within the transparent element, while the tongues, or jutting bases of the ice, were seen extending out from the main body in magnificent expansions, full fathoms five' below the spectator. The awful depth to which the sight can penetrate, by the assistance of these irregular projections, is a source of the sublime, to be found only in these regions of grandeur and peculiar beauty. Under a bright clear sky, the alabaster whiteness of the tongues reflects the light, though buried far beneath the surface of the water; and the visual faculty seems to acquire power, as it descends from shelf to shelf, and from point to point, into the profound abyss of the ocean. A stupendous cliff appears reversed, and hanging in dusky air, while the eye glides down its craggy sides, and investigates its obscure recesses. At length it reaches a spot faintly perceptible through the deepening fluid, and remains for a time fixed in wondering contempla. tion; but, as it gazes intently on the distant object, an indistinct speck attracts its notice, plunged still deeper in the vast chasms of liquid gloom over which the beholder floats: and the mind becomes wrapped in feelings inexpressible by words. "This view of icy precipices, and crystal grottoes, amid the depths of the sea, though correct to some extent, is greatly increased by the irregularly refractive and reflective qualities of the medium through which it is seen. In addition to the steep tenement of the floe, sunk deeply beneath the surface, and spread out into broad shelves and fantastic buttresses, the images of the upper edge, and the impending hummocks of the floating mass, are mingled with the vision, while all beyond appears a wide chasm of ethereal blue, checquered with fleecy clouds, the counterpart of the heavens above. Abstracting his mind from his real situa tion, and gazing at the scene before him, the spectator, while hanging over the edge of a floe, may fancy himself at times floating beyond the verge of the earth, and looking down into the unfathomable wastes of space. Observing more closely, he perceives white crags of ice projecting out beneath him, and can faintly trace their connexion to the fabric on which he rests, while yet they seem to form part of the fictitious prospect of sky and clouds over which he seems suspended. But when he places his face almost in contact with the water, and excludes the mirrored picture from his sight, he beholds nothing but the sparry side of the floe sinking into the blue obscurity of the ocean, till only its most prominent reefs are visible, like mighty ruined columns and shattered pyramids, half hidden among the ooze."—Vol. I. p. 29-32. There are some other passages in the "Voyage" which we would quote, did our limits permit; for, al though we do not recommend the "Tales," we rather like the descriptions in the "Voyage." We have read the work with great care; but from what we have now said, it will be gathered that we do not think the "second series" an improvement on the "first," and that we sincerely trust the author will not think of publishing a "third series," which would indeed be a very serious business. Address delivered to the Relief Congregation Kelso, (on Sunday, 22d Feb. 1829,) after the Funeral of the Rev. John Pitcairn. By the Rev. John Johnston, Edinburgh. Edinburgh. Macredie. 1829. ALTHOUGH this address, which, we are informed is part of the Funeral Sermon delivered by the Rev. author, can have only a local interest, we can assure our readers that it is well worthy of a perusal. The clergyman whose character it delineates, was a truly amiable man, and Mr Johnston, in this deserved tribute to a departed friend, has done honour to himself by the pious and eloquent delineation he has given of Mr Pitcairn's character. To our readers, especially in that quarter of the country where Mr Pitcairn was known, we have little doubt that Mr Johnston's tribute will be peculiarly gratifying; while they who are personally acquainted with the reverend author cannot fail to have their respect and esteem for him increased by this spontaneous testimony to the worth of a departed friend. MISCELLANEOUS LITERATURE. MORAL & MISCELLANEOUS ESSAYS. No. 2. CATHOLIC EMANCIPATION.A VISION. Και γας τ' ονας εκ Διος εστίν. Hom. Iliad. Lib. 1. I WAS meditating nearly a year ago on the great measure of National Policy at present before the two Houses of Parliament, the consideration of the Catholic claims, and on the good results which might be expected from some wise and amicable adjustment, when I gradually fell into a sleep amidst the variety of thoughts which were coursing one another through my mind. The subject, however, of my waking reflections, id not quit its hold upon me in the midst of my slumbers, but formed itself into a dream, which I wrote down at 'he time, and now venture to lay before my readers. I do not pretend, indeed, to say with Homer, that dreams are from Jove; but this one which I am now going to relate was so minute in its particulars, and had so soothing an effect upon my own spirit, that I am half disposed, especially as matters have now turned out, to consider it as prophetic, and, at all events, am willing that your readers should partake with me in the benefit of my vision. The conference of the two Houses, at that time projected, running, I suppose, in my head, methought the Lords and Commons of the United Kingdoms were seen advancing to meet each other from the opposite sides of a green valley, a spacious amphitheatre, for my imagination did not confine itself, it seems, within the walls of the Painted Chamber. On one side were mountains rugged and lofty, and covered in many places by groups of mountaineers, who looked down with thoughtful, but somewhat indifferent countenances on the scene which was to be transacted in the valley. On another side the country spread out into extensive plains, rich in cultivation and woods, with noble mansion-houses, clean white hamlets, and church towers, peeping in all directions through the foliage. There too, multitudes of good-humoured ruddy faces were beheld stretching forward as far as could be seen, with a more anxious expression as to the result of the projected meeting. At a distance, beyond a narrow arm of the sea, another land was visible, of a bright emerald green, crowded with a disorderly-looking ragged population, their shifting features marked with keen and vehement emotion, and sometimes their hands clutching, with illdissembled fury, at some implements of violence halfseen under their tattered raiment. The Lords and Commons took their seats on their re spective sides of the open space; but the discussion of the point at issue did not commence till the arrival of some other personages, for whom thrones, I saw, were erected. These were three in number, placed at the head of the assembly-the one in the middle resembling the throne on which his Majesty meets his Parliament; and the two others of equal magnificence, one on each side. In a short time, to the sound of warlike instruments, a stately female figure advanced to the throne on the left, and, seating herself, looked round upon the legislative bodies and on the vast concourse of spectators with an eye in which resolution and benevolence were mingled. She held a spear in one hand, the Magna Charta in the other; a chained lion reposed at her feet, and over her waved a banner, on which were embroidered, in large characters-THE BRITISH CONSTITUTION. Sacred music, intermingling the sound of an organ with human voices, was now heard stealing along the windings of the valleys; and another female form, of a grave matronly aspect, but of a cheerful benign air, came forward, and occupied the throne on the right. She had a crosier in one hand, a bible in the other, and the banner which was spread over her head displayed these words-THE PROTESTANT ESTABLISHED CHURCH. The two ladies had not long been seated, when the firing of cannon announced the approach of the Sovereign himself. It was easy to distinguish, when he came into sight, the form and features of our present King, and his dignified and royal demeanour. There appeared, however, to be a light of undecaying youth in his aspect, and a perma. nent elasticity in his limbs, that indicated less the existing monarch than the personification of his dynasty, and the words upon his banner expressed as much-THE HOUSE OF HANOVER. He bowed to the Peers and to the Commons as he passed through their ranks-made a still profounder obeisance to the female personages on each side; and sitting down on the throne between theirs, remained in expectation of the proceedings which were now to open. There first stepped forth from the side of the Peers a person of august presence, with a keen flashing eye, and a countenance animated with the highest fervour of eloquence. He began to speak, and on my asking his name from one of the people near me, I was given to understand that he was called, PATRIOTISM. "I appear (said he) as the advocate for the injured Lady on the left of the throne, and to guard her against those perils which are threatening to assail her. Why should she for ever be exposed to the dangers which novelties must carry along with them? And why should we not be satisfied with her known and tried excellence, without running the hazard of destroying, where we aim at improving? She has already weathered many a storm, and I trust she will be yet able to stand out against the unauthorized operations of the innovators of the age. Liberty and Protestantism have always been united in these kingdoms, and God forbid that we should ever see other than a Protestant Church, a Protestant King, and a Protestant Parliament. Can we forget the deadly blows which were struck at that Lady, whom we so much love and revere, by those whom it is now attempted to introduce into all the privileges of her family? Is it right then to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs? Enough for them if they gather up the crumbs which fall from her table. I am ever suspicious of changes when they are made without evident necessity. I love too well the guardian of my country's rights and freedom, to consent that she should again unwittingly risk calamities like those from which in former times she so providentially escaped." While Patriotism was speaking, I observed from the greater proportion of the inhabitants of the rich and champaign land signs of approbation and applausewhile fury was depicted in the countenances and the gestures of those who on the opposite shores were crowding to the sea beach, and endeavouring to catch his words. The mountaineers were neither kindled by his eloquence nor stung by his bitter expressions, but looked down upon the scene with countenances that assumed a deeper interest as it proceeded. When Patriotism sat down, there advanced from the ranks of the Commons another orator, whose well-known symbol, a pair of scales in one hand, marked the Genius of JUSTICE." I am as great a friend (said he) to that Lady, who is indeed injured, but perhaps by those who least think they are injuring her, as the eloquent orator who preceded me can be, and whom, though I have risen to oppose his present conclusion, I yet admire, and most commonly support. Is it not to be injured to be made injurious? Are those true friends, who encourage us in doing wrong? How should it be deemed innovation to desist from tyranny? Can that endanger which will procure additional defenders? Are millions to be kept out of their just rights because their fathers committed a wrong? Are the crimes of the fathers for ever to be visited upon the children? You say their spirit is the same that it ever was. Give it then no just cause for provocation, and it will be transformed to a milder mood. Shame that so noble a lady should not trust to her own worth for her protection!" When Justice sat down all eyes were turned to watch the demeanour of the lady on the left. She rose, and with a firm countenance said, "I have indeed no terrors. I thank Patriotism for his gallant defence; but I thank Justice still more for showing that there is no cause of alarm let all my family be gathered around me as my true children. I wish not to be a stepdame to any of them. There is only one ground on which I can demur-Should my sister on the right think herself in danger—if she trembles, I cannot be quite bold." When the illustrious lady had concluded, the countenances of those who crowded the distant shores might be seen glowing with animation and delight. They dropt their offensive weapons, and knelt down as in token of These sentiments threw a damp over the whole assembly, when from the side of the Commons TRUTH ad. vanced into the fore ground, and holding up her mirror which represented every object in its genuine form and colour, thus addressed the Lady on the right. "Every one (said this orator) must feel the impressions left by Piety to be just; but is there no weak prejudice connec ted with them? Piety is humble-but is it not also bold, and when it has discernment to distinguish between truth and error, why should there be any alarm or doubt respecting the ultimate prevalence of the former? Holy Lady, fear not, while am on thy side, that any harm can happen to thee; permit civil rights to be awarded, without the slightest suspicion that divine truth will be obscured by the arts or superstition of the claimants; doubt not rather that the diffusion of Charity and Justice will open hearts that are now darkened, to the light which beams from this mirror." So saying, she presented it to the lady herself, who saw that all apprehension of danger was at an end; she then turned it to Piety, who immediately stepped forward and kissed Truth with grateful emotion. At the same moment Patriotism and Justice embraced in the midst of the arena. The two sisters of the Church and State bowed to each other with cordial eyes, from which all fears and jealousies were dispelled, and in this auspicious moment the Sovereign began to speak. "I am the sworn guardian of the ladies between whom I sit, and the oath which I have taken I have conscien tiously kept, and, so help me God, never shall depart from; but its import may safely be interpreted by their own inclinations and views. They alike approve of the measure of universal rights and unshackled consciences. Be it so,-LE ROI LE VEULT." Scarce were these words pronounced, when an universal shout, as from numbers without number, burst upon mine ear. The hill sides echoed with the shrill voices of the mountaineers, whose continually kindling sympathy now burst forth into rapture. The kindly inhabitants of the plains bent forward with looks of friendship, and sent forth their jovial greetings to the farther shores, whose population had almost rushed into the sea to meet them with outstretched and fraternal arms. Their loud bursts of exultation rent the heavens; and it is no wonder that in such a tumult of noise and triumphant acclamations my sleep should have left me; I awoke, and lo! it was a dream! SCOTTISH LACONICS. bellions," &c. homage and devotion. The good-natured inhabitants By the Author of the "Histories of the Scottish Reof the plains shed tears of sympathy, that seemed to dispel the clouds that had hung upon their brows, and even the colder population of the hills waved their bonnets in testimony of their approbation. The Monarch entered warmly into the feelings of his people, but his face again was overcast when he turned to the matron, on his right, and beheld her pensive and doubtful expression. Another orator stepped from the side of the Lords, with the dress of the holy order. His sable robes, his snowy sleeves, and the heavenly composure of his aspect, marked him to be PIETY. He sighed as he began to speak, and drew a contrast between the present distempered times and those when the church concentrated to herself the affections of her sons, and they did not in a fancied liberality stray out of her maternal fold, and seek to connect themselves with a wider circle. "It is now forgot, I am afraid, (said he,) that humility is the constant adjunct of true Piety; and quitting our own sphere, and our own duties, we are but too apt to rush into the field which the great Shepherd alone can occupy. Let us have charity for all-but leave it to him to unite in his own way the scattered flocks, nor ever consort with those that in their present diseased state will only bring their own murrain among us. It was not inconsistent with the simple and pictu resque style of historical composition, adopted by the old chroniclers, to record, along with a great event, the words and bearing of the actors, which were often remarkable for pith, brevity, and fitness. The advantage of giving such minute particulars, is to be ascertained from the effect which they usually have upon the mind of a reader-an effect often much greater than that of the most striking narrative. We shall present the reader with a few specimens of the kind of sayings to which we allude. At the Raid of Stirling, in 1585, when King James the Sixth, then a youth of nineteen, was pressing for ward to the gate, in order to meet the lords who had come to take him, Thomas, master of Glammis, put his foot to the gate, and held the king in. James burst into tears at this rude but prudent and conscientious conduct on the part of his guardian, who sternly ob served, "Better that bairns weep, than bearded men." Sir Gideon Murray, ancestor of Lord Elibank, held the office of treasurer-depute of Scotland under King James the Sixth, with whom he was a great favourite. |