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luxuries of life, a large proportion sprang forth spontaneous. The plum glistened in the foliage of the wood-the vines of the grape mounted the most lofty trees, and hung their swinging branches from the dizzy tops, and the earth below was choked and tangled by the creeping herbage that ran in wild luxuriance over it. It might almost have warranted the belief that it was none other than Eden itself, unmarred by the hand of civilization, but lying in all its glory and perfection, as when the unhappy couple fled before the wrath of the Almighty.

When the caravals of Columbus were first seen hovering on the shores of the Indians, their superstition became awakened, and they were deeply impressed with an awful reverence. They supposed they came from out the eastern horizon, where the sky bent down to the waters. Instead of resorting to reason to solve the phenomenon, their ignorance called in their superstition, and Columbus with his fleet was supposed to be supernatural, under the care of Him who made the thunder and kept the hosts of heaven in their courses. And through this very same ignorance, the Indians have held their superstition even unto the present day.

On the first landing of Columbus, he met with another trait of Indian character, hospitality and kindness. Nor could this be ascribed to fear alone; for subsequently, when their superstition had become in a manner allayed, and by beholding the dead bodies of the Spaniards, they assured themselves that they were indeed mortal, we find the same love and kindness actuating their conduct toward the whites. It is related by Irving, I think, in his History of Columbus, of a cacique, named Suacanagari, that he befriended, and fought for the Spaniards unto the last-even when every tribe beside was arrayed in hostility against them, because he had pledged himself to do it; and many instances are on record, where a chief has submitted to the fate of having his village pillaged rather than restore a friend whom he had taken under his protection. And at the present time, no kindness goes farther than the Indian's, and no gratitude is quicker retaliated.

As regards the courage of the Indians, it is established beyond a doubt-nothing dimming it-not even death. It lives amid the flames of the fagot-it never stoops-but is in all cases the same. The war-song is sounded to them by their mothers while yet in their "tree-rocked deeds of chivalry are re

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counted and played before them in their juvenile years, and courage becomes the most noble prize which an Indian can bestow upon his aspiring offspring. If an Indian want fame, let him excel in the arts of war-all others are of secondary consideration. Stratagems-skill-impassiveness under all circumstances-render a warrior among his tribe noble, and his deeds shall be sung long after he shall have laid himself down in the shade of the forest.

I must bring up a character who bore a conspicuous part in the island of Hayti, when the Indians began to feel the Spanish yoke, and made a struggle for their independence. He was a cacique, named Caonabo. In a deep-laid plot, he was taken by a young cavalier, and brought in prisoner before Columbus. Previous to his capture, he had fought long and well for freedom, and kept up the torch of war even when the neighbouring tribes were silent and peaceful. Columbus deemed him the most formidable foe around him, and therefore adopted measures for ensnaring him. But when Caonabo came before the admiral, his high and lofty soul remained unbent-the haughty spirit which he exhibited in the wilderness had not stooped; but even amid the camp of his enemies he bore about him an air of superiority. He plainly told Columbus he had intended to burn his fortress and murder his people that he had shed the blood of some of them, and that it had been his intention to slay more. He even went so far as to lay before him a plan whereby he was to surprise the fortress, and then, in the undaunted and firm demeanour which characterized him at the head of his tribe, turned upon the admiral with a scornful eye, bidding defiance to his most exquisite tortures. After this he was conducted on board of one of the caravals, and bound down with chains. When Columbus visited him, he remained seated, rapt in a sullen, melan choly mood, taking no notice of him whatever; but when the young cavalier who entrapped him, came where he was, Caonabo shewed every form of respect by rising and saluting him. When asked the reason of not paying due deference to the admiral, and lavishing his respect upon a subject, he said he loved the young man for his art in ensnaring him, and his courage in bearing him away from his country and friends. Poor Caonabo died on his voyage to Spain. He pined and drooped gradually, even as the lion of the forest in his iron-bound den.

NOTES OF A READER.

THE EFFECTS OF HEAT.

A native of Europe, remarks Dr. Arnot, views with surprise the effects of heat in equatorial regions. Sealing-wax, he finds, will not retain the impression of a seal, butter becomes oil, a tallow-candle must be poured into a lamp: if he attempt to pour ether from a bottle, the ether disappears in vapour. The whole of living nature is changed. Our oaks and fir trees transplanted to the torrid zone, become stunted and shrubby. Animals clothed with wool or thick hair, such as the sheep and the dog, lose their covering, or exhibit only thin silky hair. The English bull-dog, taken to India, in a few months becomes almost naked, and is deprived of spirit and courage. But though nature has not the aspect of colder climes, it assumes other forms of greater magnificence, and luxuriates in a more profuse development of life.

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phere is more clear and pure, and tinged with a deeper azure, the arch of heaven is higher, the splendour of the orb of light more intense, and the colours derived from the decomposition of his beams richer and more varied. Vegetation, stimulated by heat and moisture, appears in its utmost vigour and beauty, from the fig-tree that shades an Indian army to the waving plumes of the graceful palmetto. The trunk of the adansonia measures thirty-four feet in diameter, the New Holland pine rises to a height of three hundred feet. Nor is the animal kingdom deficient in magnitude and variety. Within the tropics are found the largest quadrupeds, and birds of brightest plumage. The ground teems with reptiles, and the air is filled with myriads of insects.

The following description by Humboldt gives some idea of the exuberance of animation, even in its lowest forms, under the equator:

At noon, in these burning climates, the beasts of the forest retire to the thickets, the birds hide themselves beneath the foliage of the trees, or in the crevices of the rocks. Yet amidst this apparent silence we hear a dull vibration, a continual murmur of insects, that fill, if we may use the expression, all the lower strata of the air. Nothing is better fitted to make man feel the extent and power of organic life. Myriads of insects creep upon the soil and flutter round the plants, parched by the ardour of the sun. confused noise issues from every bush, from the decayed trunks of trees, from

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the clefts of the rocks, and from the ground undermined by the lizards, millepedes, and cecilias. These are so many voices, proclaiming that all nature breathes, and that under a thousand different forms life is diffused throughout the cracked and dusty soil, as well as in the bosom of the waters, and in the air that circulates around us.

A SPANISH EXECUTION.

I had an opportunity, while at Barcelona, of being present at an execution, the first I had seen in Spain. The man had been condemned to the galleys for some previous offence, and had murdered one of his fellow convicts; and, although this is not an agreeable spectacle, yet, as in every country, public spectacles, whether agreeable or the reverse, exhibit some peculiarities either of character or of manners, I resolved to be present. Three o'clock was the hour appointed; and all that morning, as well as the great part of the day before, there was an unceasing noise of little bells, carried through the streets by boys in scarlet cloaks, with the bell in one hand, and a box in the other, collecting alms to purchase masses in the different convents and churches, for the soul of the felon. There is another thing worth relating, connected with the last days of a felon in Spain. A society, called the Benevolent Society, undertakes to soften the last three days of his existence, and to diminish the terrors of death, by the singular device of increasing the pleasures of life. During these three days, he may have every luxury he desires; he may feast upon the daintiest viands, drink the choicest wines; and thus learn, in quitting the world, new reasons for desiring to remain in it.

I obtained a good situation, close to the military who guarded the ground. Besides the platform, there was erected, at a little distance, an altar, upon which was placed an image of the Virgin and Child; and opposite to this, a cross, with an image of Christ extended upon it. I was much struck with the procession; the unfortunate felon was accompanied by upwards of two thousand masked penitents, who looked more like a train of devils than human beings; a black cloak entirely enveloped the body and the head, holes only being left for the eyes and mouth; a black pyramidal cap, at least eighteen inches high, crowned the head; and each carried in his hand a long white wand. This strange escort

was the result of an indulgence published, and addressed to all persons conscious of secret crimes, and penitent; granting its benefits to such of them as submitted to the humiliation of accompanying the felon to the scaffold. Two accomplices of the felon also accompanied him, that they, might benefit by seeing him hanged; and a friar of the Franciscan order, was his spiritual guide.

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After having been led to the altar, and then below the cross, where he repeated a number of prayers, he ascended the platform attended by the friar, who carried a large cross in his hand. When the offices of religion were concluded, the man wished to address the people, and twice began, Mis hermanos," but his voice was instantly drowned by shouts from a crowd at some distance behind the platform, no doubt so instructed; and when he found that he could not be heard, he gave the signal, and the execu tioner immediately leaped upon his shoulders, and swung off the platform while the friar continued to speak, and extend the cross towards him, long after he was insensible to its consolations. The spectacle concluded by the friar ascending to the summit of the ladder, and delivering a sermon, in which he did not omit the exhortation of contributing largely towards masses for the soul of the deceased. The exhortation was not without its effect; the little bells immediately began to ring, and hundreds obeyed the invitation to piety.

ENERGETIC MODE OF REASONING.

In the latter part of 1827, when the Catalunian insurrection in favour of the Carlists took place, and when fifty thousand men in arms threatened the province with anarchy, and Barcelona with capture, the conde de Espana represented to the king the necessity of his appearing in Catalunia; and after his majesty had arrived, he, by the advice of the conde, called a convocation of bishops, ostensibly to consult respecting the state of the province. The conde well knew, the connexion of the bishops with the plot; and was in possession of documents that proved their guilt. The conde, as representing his majesty in that province, or by express delegation, presided; and all the bishops being assembled, he addressed them to this effect, if not almost in these words: "My lord bishop," said he, taking a paper from his pocket, and unfolding it, "you know this;" and turning

to another, and shewing another paper, "and you, my lord, know this;" and so on, producing documents that connected every one present with the conspiracy; " and now, gentlemen," said he, addressing the assembly, "you perceive that I hold in my hands proofs of treason; you who have fomented this rebellion can put it down; and I have instructions from his majesty, if the rebellion be not put down within forty-eight hours-I am sorry for the alternative, gentlemenbut my instructions are peremptory, to hang every one of you; and it will be a consolation for you to know, that the interest of the church shall not suffer, for the king has already named successors to the vacant sees. This reasoning was effectual; the bishops knew the man they had to deal with; and within a few hours the insurrection was at an end. A man who threatens to hang a bench of bishops, cannot be called apostolical.

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At the same period, but before the council had been called,, when Gerona was closely pressed by the insurgents, the bishop despatched a letter to the conde de Espana, saying, that it would be necessary to give up the city to the besiegers. The conde, who very well knew how the inclinations of the bishop lay, and what were the defences of the city, but who also knew the influence possessed by him over the inhabitants, who might force the troops to give it up, wrote, in reply to the bishop, that his lordship being upon the spot, was no doubt best able to judge of the state of the city; and adding, that along with the letter which he had sent to the bishop, he had also sent instructions to Gerona, that when the enemy entered the gate, the first thing they should see, might the gibbet of a traitor bishop.

DIFFICULTY OF COMPRESSION.

No one who has not attempted the task can fully appreciate the difficulty of compressing within prescribed limits the remarks suggested by a subject affording superabundant materials of interest and excitement. When some one asked Sir Walter Scott why he did not write his Life of Napoleon in three volumes, instead of nine, his answer was, "I had not time." A reply which will appear by no means paradoxical to any who have had the least literary experience; as it is a truism among all such, that it is much easier to amplify than to condense; to be verbose on the most barren, than concise on the most fertile theme.

OF FICTION, POETRY, HISTORY, AND GENERAL LITERATURE

No. 45.

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1835. Price Two-Pence.

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explored, with patient feet, the dales, the woods, and the river banks, which thy monkish or knightly edifices adorn, how great must be the disappointment!

I had mused a whole autumnal day in that enormous Abbey of Fountains, watching the sunshine and the shadow, as they mantled its majestic steeple, and listening to the wind that made unearthly harmonies among the herbage and shrubs that fringed its hollow eastern window. I had descended into the horrible souterrains of Pontefract, shuddering at the gaunt and guilty aspect of its fatal Tower. And often and again had I moralized on that verse in the Book of Chronicles always a favourite of mine, which says of King Jotham:

"He built the high gate of the House of the Lord; and on the wall of Ophel he built much. Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built Castles and Towers."

Think how I must have prepared the best room in all my imagination to receive the previous stores of tradition which such high-haunted places promised me! Alas 't was all in vain! Not one castle or convent in all the three Ridings,

hath been as yet the better known for this wide-mouthed "Promissor!"

And yet, genius of romance! what a glorious field is there for research and for embellishment.

Look for instance at the antique town of Richmond:

Cross the Swale by yonder bridge, and ascend Bank-top, that steep and leaf-clad hill on the opposite side: from underneath its grove of beech, and plane, and fir, how very story-speaking is the aspect of the castle. The Swale rushes loudly over its stony bed below; on one side of you is a pine, shooting straight and pillarwise into the blue heaven, and with the beauteous branches feathering from a beech; on the other, it forms a frame, through which the great castle, and the castle alone, dilates upon the eye.

The steep burgh, variegated with hoar and rocky vegetation, rising from the river brink, its gleaning coronal of walls, the extensive façade of the south front, the ivied windows of its sunny hall, the chapel and the bell-tower, but chiefly the imperious Norman donjon, enthroned in the centre, and haughtily apart; the despot of the pile,-all sheathed in a golden panoply of meridian sunlight, stand up in the most picturesque inequality of outline against a blue summer sky. Can you look without falling into a trance? Can you not hear the bell chime to chapel or to hall? Do you not see the banner as

Fanned by conquest's crimson wing, It mocks the air with idle state? -the beam glinted from the morion and partizan of the sentinel? the iris-woven scarf streaming from the damsel in the courtyard? the blue-gowned beadsman? -the corded Gray Friar?-the baron himself, with his hand of fate and eye of gloom? and what more fruitful vineyard do you in conscience demand, for a combat, a murder, an amour, a siege, or an execution?

The vicinity of this nobly seated town is prolific in ancient structures, and to a walk over the vast moorland, half sunset and half moonrise, between Richmond and the wood-embosomed village of Redmire, the public is indebted for the inestimable boon of the ensuing story.

The summer's noon was laughing on the purple Ure, and the lazy breeze scarcely breathed through the glancing loopholes of Middleham Castle, when, gaily carolling, the Damoiseau of the Baron de Neville came bounding down the

principal staircase of the keep leading from the lady's bower to the hall.

The stripling was of gallant aspect, and both in thewes and inches, as well as in the general character of his face, might have challenged several years above his actual age, which scarcely exceeded fourteen summers.

His chest was deep, his shoulders broad, and something more than down began to darken his rich cheek and proud upper lip; while in his hawk's eye, aquiline nose, and clear polished forehead, you might peruse daring, perhaps presumption, and firmness, if not obstinacy; and imagine withal certain shades and outlines of other qualities, which you would scarcely wish to see fully developed.

His attire was redolent of that pictorial splendour which distinguished the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries; and, by its gay colours and sumptuous materials, proclaimed him the favoured and even spoiled protege of the family at Middleham.

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His surcoat, fitted to his form so as to shew its graceful proportions to advantage, reached from his throat to the middle of his thighs; it was of bright green velvet, powdered with golden grape clusters; his mantle was short, and of the finest black cloth lined with rose-coloured satin, and its wide sleeves were scalloped in front, so as to shew a profusion of gilt buttons, studding the vest from the cuff to the elbow; chausses of dark crimson silk, lent their aid to the rest of his costume in setting forth a figure which seemed to have anticipated the vigour of manhood, while it wore the bloom of springing youth. The Phrygian-shaped cap, so much in vogue at this period, contrasted well with its deep scarlet die, those luxuriant locks of raven blackness filling the summer air with needless odours from the costly unguents in which they glittered. This cap, having the black bull of the Nevilles in front, and their motto NE VILE VELIS in gold letters embroidered below, added not a little to the striking and peculiar expression of his handsome but audacious features. His mien was confident and even haughty; and his eye had not yet lost the triumphant flash which some recent instance of favour, flattery, or success, appeared to have enkindled there. On his wrist sate a tercel gentle, hooded and belled; and, trotting at his heels, came a beautiful spaniel, with brown spots, curly hair, ears that brushed the ground, and of merits not to be enumerated!

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