to that fellow with the red cap, it's all shifted from "toe to top," and the ladies over with him.” European BridGES.—The oldest bridge extant is that over the Gard at Nismes, which was built ninteen years before Christ; the architect is unknown. Its curve is a semicircle, the height of key stone 4 feet 9 inches, the diameter of the circle of curvature at the vortex 80 feet, the span 80 feet, and the height 40. The boldest arch in the world is at Nismes, also in the church of the Jesuits. It was built by Cubisol. Its curve is the seg ment of a circle, and although its chord is only 29 feet 3 inches, the diameter of the circle of curvature is 564 feet! The circle of curvature of the New London Bridge, (the main arch), is 324 feet, while that of the very celebrated bridge of the Holy Trinity, at Florence, is only 21 feet more. Westminster bridge is remarkable for the specific height of its key stone. The widest arches are those of Vielle Brionde, over the river Allier, of which the span is 183 feet, and that of Ulm, over the Danube, .81; they are both, in curve, segments of circles; the former was built by Grenier and Estone, in 1445, and the latter by Wiebiking. THE bridge across the Tees at Barnard Castle, dividing the counties of Durham and Yorkshire, obtains celebrity from the following incident, taken from Sir C. Sharpe's History of Hartlepool-" Alex ander Hilton, curate of Denton, left a son named Cuthbert, of great notoriety, who having taken orders in no church, but having been trained as Bible clerk under his father, came to Barnard Castle, and celebrated illicit marriages upon the centre of the bridge. The old rhyme made use of by him on these occasions, after having made the parties leap over a broomstick, is still remembered : "My blessing on your pates— And I am never the worse." LARGE COMBS.-The South American papers appear to us to be the only ones which class domestic discomforts with political grievances, fairly giving to each a share of attention and discussion. Thus the terms of a convention are held of no greater importance than the tie of a riband, and the respect of the national atmosphere no more attractive than the temper of the ladies under the varying and trying vicissitudes of fashion. Not long since the peculiar make of a woman's shoe was made a matter of general complaint throughout the Argentine republic; but the grievance now seems suddenly heads have been brought into litigation. Furious and serious complaints are made of the size of the combs which they wear in their hair, and societies are actually said to be formed of married men, who have taken for their motto Abago Peinetas (Down with the combs), whose prospectus is thus worded:-Adam was happy in Paradise, because Eve did not teaze him for a comb of false hair; Thisbe and Echo, without combs or false hair, had their Pyramus and Narcissus to sigh at their feet;-but some of the ladies of the present day would pawn their husbands to get a large comb. Others, when tired of a comb would drop it on the ground, as if by accident, so that it might be trodden upon and broken by some gentleman; then if the said comb was only two spans, she would declare it was five, &c." CONTAMINATION.-When Bishop Thomas was chaplain to the British factory, at Hamburgh, a gentleman of the factory being ill, was ordered into the country, about ten miles distance, where he died. the parish, for leave to bury him in the Application being made to the parson of church-yard, the parson inquired what his religion was, and was told he was a Calvinist: "No," says he, "there are none but Lutherans buried in my churchyard and there shall be no other."" This," says Dr. Thomas," was told me, and I wondered how any man of understanding could have such ideas. I resolved to wait on him and argue the matter, but found him inflexible. At length, I told him what happened to myself, when I was curate of a church in Thames-street; I was burying a corpse, a woman came and pulled me by the sleeve, in the midst of the service. Sir, Sir, Iwant to speak to you.'" "Pr'ythee," says I," woman wait 'till I have done."-" No Sir, I must speak to you immediately." Why then, what is the matter?"-"Why, Sir, you are burying a man who died of the small pox, next to my poor husband, who never had it." This story had the desired effect, and the parson permitted the bones of the poor Calvinist to be laid in his churchyard. Prejudice will always have more influence than fear, and more power than despotism. HOW TO REVIVE GILT FRAMES. Beat up three ounces of white of eggs, with one ounce of chloride of potash or soda, and rub over the frame with a soft brush in this mixture. The gilding will become immediately bright and fresh, and continue so. Illustrated Article. "IS IT TIME?" OR, THE HEROINE OF THE TYROL * A STORY FOUNDED ON PACT. My regiment was quartered in the ancient town of Trent from the year 1806, when the Tyrol was annexed to the realm of Bavaria, until 1809; and the latter part of this period will ever exist in my recollection, as the most eventful epoch I have hitherto encountered. The Bavarian sway, as is well known, was exceedingly unpopular throughout the newly-incorporated country; and, in consequence, our sojourn was none of the pleasantest; in fact, for a long time we were sedulously cut by the inhabitants of Trent and its neighbourhood; and when at length they condescended to notice us at all, it was most frequently to pick a quarrel, and to show their teeth at least, if they dared not bite. It will readily be imagined, that this state of things was particularly irksome to a party chiefly consisting of young offiThe Metropolitan. VOL. XI. See page 396 cers eager in the pursuit of diversion, and wearied with the monotony of a garrison life. We were compelled to contract our enjoyments within a very narrow circle, which almost prohibited the chance of variety; when, one evening, after a jovial mess, it was proposed by two or three of the most volatile amongst us, that we should, at any risk, assist at a soiree which we had heard was to be given the same night, at a mansion within a mile or two of the town. This madheaded project was adopted-despite the remonstrances of the more sober and reflecting of our cloth-by myself and some half dozen other swaggering, or rather staggering youths, who modestly deemed themselves the elite of his Bavarian Majesty's regiment of light dragoons. Amidst continued and boisterous merriment at the idea of a Tyrolese assemble we pursued our route, and reaching the chateau, penetrated, ere the wonder-stricken domestic had time to announce us, into the principal salon, which, to our surprise, was filled with a company ap parently as well-dressed and well-bred as might on an average be found at the conversazioni of Munich itself. Our sud 303 den and unexpected presence seemed to paralyze the whole assemblage; and many eyes were turned upon us as glaring as those of Tybalt at the intrusion of 'the hostile Montagues. As in that instance however, so now, the host-a benevolent and sensible man-betook himself to soften matters; and politely advancing, both welcomed and invited us to sit. We had prepared ourselves for every circumstance save one-which one was precisely that I have just related. We should infallibly, flushed as we were with wine, have persisted in exchanging some chit-chat with the country belles, even had we been subsequently obliged to retreat, sword in hand, to our quarters. But thus received by the master of the house, our heroism fell fruitless, and we certainly cut but a sorry figure; it was fortunate that one of our party possessed presence of mind enough to extricate himself and comrades from so embarrassing a dilemma. In candid terms, he begged pardon of the host for our unauthorized and unmannerly intrusion; pleaded, in excuse, the miserable monotony of our quarters; appealed to the ladies indulgently to step forward as peacemakers between us and their male friends; and, in short, succeeded in placing all parties finally on easy and good-humoured terms. Amongst the numerous damsels present one in particular attracted and fixed my notice. She was very young; but her whole contour, and the sweet intellectuality of her countenance, impelled me to devote to her my entire attention; nor did the fair Dorothea-for such I found she was called-seem disposed to repel these advances. In fact, the whole of the company grew more and more sociable, with one solitary exception-that of an indivi dual called Rusen, whose dark complexion and wily features looked more Italian than German, and formed a striking contrast to the smiling, sunny aspect of Dorothea. It was indeed difficult to imagine that anything could exist in common between two persons apparently so op posite; but I observed that in proportion to the increase of my familiarity with the latter, the sinister countenance of Rusen waxed more and more gloomy. The lady evidently remarked this change; and when it became so palpable as not to be mistaken, she made up to him and tried sundry little arts and enticements to win him back to complacency. This undoubtedly looked like love; and the strange suspicion was confirmed by a bystander, who, on the young lady's quitting my neighbourhood, laughingly said, "Take heed; you will incur the vengeance of Rusen, who is a scheming sort of fellow, if you continue to flirt with his betrothed." The words sounded unaccountably; for even at that moment, as I gazed on the pair, her anxious agitated manner bore rather the semblance of fear than affection. Indeed, from a feeling I could scarcely define, I resolved that this alleged contract should not prevent my offering to escort the fair one home-which, when the hour of separa. tion arrived, I accordingly took occasion to do. She declined the offer with a bland smile. I did not press it, under the circumstances. but turned away to saunter once more through the rooms. On returning however toward the spot, my surprise was great to see Dorothea still seated there, alone, and apparently much chagrined. "Captain," said she as I approached, and striving to assume a tone of gaiety, "I fear you will accuse me of caprice, but were your offer now repeated, I should accept it." Of course, I lost no time in profiting by this alteration, and having summoned Dorothea's attendant, we at once set forward for her home, which I understood to be at some little distance on the Botzen road. The night was dark and the streets deserted. The domestic preceded us with a torch, and by its rays I could perceive that my companion's features were thoughtful and abstracted. To all my efforts to engage her in conversation, she answered by monosyllables; until at length she suddenly exclaimed, "Captain Lieber, I am now home, and have no further cause to dread interruption or molestation. You, on the contrary, being unfortunately a Bavarian,' (and I thought I could detect a sigh as she spoke,)“are obnoxious to many around us. I entreat you, therefore, to return to your quarters; do so as expeditiously and quietly as may be, and forget a weakness which has possibly caused me to lead you into peril." She uttered these words, though whisperingly, with much earnestness; and, as if to give them greater force, at the same time pressed my arm with fervour. That pressure thrilled through my heart; but its effect was different from -what she had intended, for I was the more determined to escort her safely to her door. On reaching the chateau, we found it enveloped in darkness and silence, but Dorothea having knocked at a window, it was gently opened, and after a moment's whispering, a large cloak and slouched hat were handed out to her. "Take these," said she to me, "disguise may now be necessary. They will serve to conceal your uniform and your cap." "What dread you then?' I enquired, somewhat startled. "We Bavarians and the Tyrolese now form one people: we are not at war with each other, and even the peasantry will soon become friendly to a government which requires nothing but order and submission to lawful power." "Lawful power," responded the lovely rebel, "can proceed neither from the sword nor pen-from the issues of battles nor negociations of peace." "From whence, then, does it proceed?" "From the will of the people. But I must not argue with you," pursued she smiling; "all I seek just now is a sound night's repose, which I am sure you will not, by neglecting my caution, deprive me of." By way of answer, I enveloped myself in the ample folds of the mantle. I raised her delicate little hands to my lips; and, tempted by her acquiescence, exclaimed, 66 You are obeyed; but ere I go, dear Dorothea, tell me-are you indeed be trothed to that gloomy looking Rusen?" "Yes -no!" replied she, and rushing into the house, put a stop to all further communication. Transported with an indistinct emotion of hope, I quitted the dwelling of the lovely Tyrolese, and commenced my journey homewards. For a while my imagination wandered into all sorts of delight. ful prospects for the future, until the obscurity of the path recalled me to the passing moment. I fancied that, through the prevailing gloom, I could distinguish, in the distance, the faint lights of the little town of Trent; and thus encouraged, was walking briskly onward, when my progress was arrested by coming close upon a human figure apparently mantled like myself, and gliding forwards with noiseless steps. Whilst listening for some signs of life from this object, it suddenly disappeared. I paused in surprise; and a moment after, a voice behind me murmured softly, "Is it time?" Instinctively disguising my tones, I replied, "Time to be snug in bed, friend;" on which the challenger, as if mistaken in the party he had addressed, without another word retired. There was something about this circumstance, coupled with the preceding ones, that I did not altogether like-particularly as I thought I recognised, in the voice I had just heard, that of Rusen. Grasping the hilt of my sabre, I struck out of the main road, and took a bye-path, which, at the expence of a little detour, might, I conceived, save me from the hazard of being waylaid. This path led through some conventual ruins, and I resolved, on reaching them, to play the sentinel for a few minutes, and reconnoitre before I penetrated further into the valley before me. 1 threaded my way among the rotting walls cautiously and in silence-and it was well I did so, or I should have stumbled right upon a man, who, with folded arms, was leaning against a parapet. He must have been dozing, for the next moment he started at the voice of a person (who approached from another quarter) uttering the question I had before heard, "Is it time?" The voice was certainly Rusen's and his interlocutor answered with the word, "Salurn!"' "Has he passed you?" inquired Ru sen. "No: not a mouse could have gone by me unobserved," rejoined the watchful sentinel, "much less an accursed Bavarian." "Come back with me then to the high road, and we will go onward, for he cannot be much longer, and the more distant we are from the town, the better." The conspirators (whose purpose was now evident) retired, and as soon as their footsteps grew faint in the distance, I emerged from the friendly buttress which had concealed me, and hastened, with returning confidence to my quarters. On inquiry, next morning, I learnt that Rusen was a native of Verona, but possessed of great property and influence in the neighbourhood of Botzen. He was considered as the accepted lover of Dorothea, who, however, it was generally suspected, in receiving his addresses, was swayed more by political motives than the hope of connubial happiness. This remarkable young creature, at that time just budding forth a delicate, fragile maiden, had distinguished herself three years previously, when her country fell into the hands of Bavaria, by her ingenuity in suggesting continual obstacles to the domination of the Bavarian government. Yet, urged by my hopes, I could not help imagining (from the interest she took in my preservation) that her hostility to my native land was either decreased, or had been exaggerated. Some time elapsed, after these occurrences, ere I could again obtain an interview with Dorothea. Meanwhile, I one evening received orders to escort with my troop a supply of money to Botzen. As I must pass her father's chateau on the route, I resolved at all hazards to attempt to see the object of so many both of my waking and sleeping thoughts. I therefore gave instructions to my lieutenant to await me at a village a little further on, and dismounting, struck into a circuitous path which led me to the hall door of the mansion. Finding this open, I was in the act of presenting myself unannounced in the parlour, when I was fixed to the spot by the startling voice of Rusen. "Tomorrow night, then!" he exclaimed to some other person in the apartment, morrow night, in the Salurn Castle!" Agreed!-but stay-hear me !" and I recognized the tones of Dorothea. I recollect not the precise train of thoughts that whirled through my brain there was something of jealousy - of disappointment—of indignation; when my consciousness flowed again in a clear stream, I found myself in full gallop after my troop in advance. 66 66 to Upon our return the following afternoon, I shifted the quarters of my company to the village of Salurn, and having seen both men and horses properly billeted, crossed, towards twilight, a wild and terrific chasm, forming one of the natural defences of the ruined castle which towered high over-head. its turrets glowing with the rays of the setting sun, whilst beneath all was quickly becoming immersed in gloom. Having never beheld these majestic remains at so favourable a moment, I was for some time absorbed by the contemplation: from this reverie, however, I was aroused by the sudden apparition of a young mountaineer who leapt from crag to crag with inconceivable agility. To avoid any risk of insult from the peasantry, I had laid aside my regimental dress, and therefore watched the boy's progress, heedless whether or not he should be followed by a train. He passed swiftly as the wind, but in passing threw toward me a scrap of paper, which he took from a small basket on his arm. I eagerly examined it, but found nothing more than the enigmatical words, ""Tis time!" I turned over and over in my mind the probable meaning of these emphatic syllables. Their reference to Rusen's mysterious question was palpable; but what did both conjointly imply? Although the Tyrolese were known to be generally disaffected to their existing rulers, yet no evidences had been given of open and organized hostility. It is true-for my suspicions now aggravated every occurrence I could not thoroughly explain-that I had latterly observed several groups of persons engaged in close and anxious conversation; and, in one instance, saw |