-others: let the following fact suffice. That species of water-fowl called moor-hen is, during the progress of incubation, in the habit of uttering a frequent and plaintive cry, which is pleasing, though mournful: this note serves to betray the otherwise attentive bird into the hands of sauntering boys, who are wandering on the sedgy banks of rivers which they haunt, and where their nests are invariably found. It likewise tends to draw the attention of its direst enemy, that keen sporting animal the water-rat; than whom there is not a more active rapacious "hunter of prey," throughout the domains of every river. During the many hours I have sat silent on the banks of the Darent, which is an asylum for thousands of these noxious animals, I have seen them repeatedly, on hearing the moor-hen's pitiful plaint from her nest, dash immediately into the water from the opposite side, and, swimming across to the spot, immediately dart into the nest, and, having scared the mother from her eggs or brood, would either devour the former by sucking them on the spot, or, seizing hold of a young bird in its mouth, would re-plunge with it into the water, and carry it across, to be devoured in its own nest. The otter himself is not more bold, quick, or rapacious, than this spirited animal: he will frequently dive and bring up small fish, such as gudgeons, minnows, fry, &c. and quite in a manner similar to the "water-deg," the otter himself. None of the watery tribe, not even the largest trout, as he swims across, dare attack him, except the larger species of pike, who proves an overmatch for him, and draws him, after a short struggle, a shrieking victim, into the watery gulph, where suffocation precludes the exercise of his natural powers and courage. It is not uncommon, in opening a large-sized pike, to find one, or sometimes two, water-rats in his maw; and these fish certainly do good in large pools, ponds, and rivers, by diminishing the race of such depredators as water-rats; for, although their natural propensities cause them to prefer any spot where water is, to other places, they are great depredators of all field produce, and their disposition for eating is almost unceasing. E. S. Banks of the Darent; ANANIAS. Yo YOUR "Not Paul, but Jesus," has recently passed through my hands: it contains strictures somewhat harsh, but many important remarks on the early history of the church of Christ; and it points out real dissonances between the doctrines of Paul and those of the original disciples of Jesus. You have confined yourself to the dissection of scriptural documents concerning these personages; but there are three passages in Josephus which appear to me to make mention of Paul, of Peter, and of Ananias, and which may assist in a just appreciation of the character of these men. I. In the Antiquities of Josephus xviii. 3. 5. occurs this paragraph. There was a man, a Jew, who had been driven away from his own country by an accnsation laid against him for transgressing its laws, and by the fear he was under of punishment for the same, one ju all respects a busy-body. He, then living at Rome, there professed to instruct men in the wisdom of the laws of Moses. He the same character, to be his partners; procured also three other men, entirely of and they persuaded Fulvia, a lady of the highest rank, and one who had embraced the Jewish religion, to send purple and gold to the temple at Jerusalem. And, when they had gotten this, they employed it for their own use, and spent the money themselves, for which purpose it was that they had first solicited it. Whereupon Tiberius, who had been informed of the thing by the husband of Fulvia, (Narcissus,) who desired enquiry might be made about it, ordered all the Jews to be banished Be it observed, that Josephus calls the husband of Fulvia, Saturninus; but this name must be an error of the copyist ; because, in the preceding paragraph, he had related the history of another Alexandrian heiress, who had caused the worshippers of Anubis to be sent out of Rome; and her husband's name, which parallelism of name is so improbable, that occurs repeatedly, was Saturninus. the occurrence in this second paragraph of the same name must have been an error of reminiscence. As the name of any handsome man may serve to designate the hus band of an heiress, I have employed the hypothetical name Narcissus, A 1824.] Documents concerning St. Paul, St. Peter, and St. Ananias. 511 banished out of Rome. At which time, the consuls enlisted four thousand men out of them, and sent them to the island of Sardinia; but punished a greater number, who were unwilling to become soldiers, on account of keeping the laws of their forefathers. Thus were these Jews banished out of the city by the profligacy of four men. Who were these four men? In the sixteenth chapter of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans, it is stated (compare v. 3 and 7,) that Paul had been committed to prison with Aquila, with Andronicus, and with Junias. In the eighteenth chapter of Acts, (v. 2,) we moreover learn, that Aquila, one of these four men, was one at whom the imperial edict of banishment was levelled. And in the Epistle to Philemon, St. Paul admits (v. 13,) that some charge of embezzlement had been made against his son Onesimus. Here, then, is a teacher of the law of Moses, who is imprisoned with three associates, and involved in a charge of embezzlement. Can it be, that the four anonymous men of Josephus, are any other than Paul, Aquila, Andronicus, and Junias? And why may not the name of Fulvia's husband have really been Narcissus, as St. Paul (Romans xvii. ii.) distinguishes that bousehold among his patrons. II. In the Antiquities of Josephus, xix. 7. 4. occurs this paragraph. It happened at Jerusalem that a provincial nained Simon, who was held skilful in the law, during a sermon which he preached to the maltitude, while the king (Agrippa) was gone to Cesarca, ventured to accuse him of not being holy; and contended, that he ought to be excluded from the temple, which is not open to foreigners. This was signified to the king by letters from the prefect of the city. The king then sent for Simon, and ordered him to be placed next him, for he was then at the theatre; and, with a calm and placid voice, asked him whether he was doing any thing contrary to the law. But Simon, having nothing to say, asked pardon for his former speeches. The king, more convinced than others that he had reconciled the man, thinking clemency more honour able to royalty than anger, and persuaded that great men prefer leuity to severity; made presents to Simon and dismissed, him. When it is considered how frequently Simon Peter visited Cesarea, which is the scene of this interview, and how much it lay in his character to be rash while safe, and cowed by peril, (Mark xiv. 29 and 30,) it may with probability be assumed, that this is the Simon Peter of the Evangelists. III. In the Antiquities of Josephus, xx. 2. 4. occurs this paragraph. During the time that Izares was encamped at Spasina, a Jewish merchant, named Ananias, got among the women that belonged to the king, and taught them to worship God according to the Jewish religion. He also, when Izares knew this, drew him over to the opinion; and, at this prince's request, accompanied him, when sent for by his father, to Adiabene. It also happened about the same time, that Helena was instructed by a certain other Jew, and went over to them. This I take to be an anecdote of the success of Ananias and Paul during their Arabian missionary journey: if so, it must set aside your lurking doubts about the real existence of Ananias. Truth, whithersoever it leads, must be the ultimate interest of the human race; because it cannot be worth while to perform actions, of which the motives are unsound and baseless: you deserve, therefore, thanks for the frankness and boldness with which you dissect the documents of ecclesiastical history: that branch of enquiry has not yet often been conducted in the spirit of honest investigation: yet why are its authorities not to be examined on the same principles' as the authorities for civil history? There are still many enigmas to be guessed in the lives of sainted men. BIOGRAPHICUS. For the Monthly Magazine. TRAVELS of the BROTHERS BACHEVILLE in VARIOUS COUNTRIES, before and after the UNHAPPY RESTORATION of the BOURBONS. NO. I. the late revolutions of govern TRAIN of circumstances, during ment in the history of France, obliged my brother and me to adopt the design of quitting our native country, and visiting other regions. That government was marching, throughout, in the old beaten track of harassing men for opinions, which, whether common or uncommon, erroneous or not, they will never resign, and which no authority can give countenance or validity to persecute. Misfortunes generally open a vast field for the exercise of useful recollection; and committing the selected con tents tents of this to paper, with the little embellishments which paper receives from the pen, will not fail to produce an enhanced effect. My best attention and skill have been employed in putting our notes in order; and, as all the particulars, all the minutiae of description, lie strictly within the province of truth, and as many details have credit, also, due to them, for interest as well as novelty, it is hoped that the work will merit some portion of public approbation and esteem. I must say, at least, that my thoughts, my ideas, are not those of common place; if they should not be thought calculated to support the dignity of authorship, it is because I am no writer by profession; if they evince the clear and lively conceptions of a soldier, they will, I trust, be considered as perfectly apposite to the occasion. Qualified by much experience, and a knowledge of fortune's variations, I have formed an excellent lesson and motto, for myself, in the words 'Honneur et Patrie.' I depend more on a strict regard to originality and variety, by which the whole work is certainly distinguished, than on all the materials for producing striking effects, which can result from the manifold qualities of the most elaborate composition. If industry is of high importance to human society, if large dealings in commerce can bestow a sort of influence, or political power, it is but natural and just that my family and numerous relations should have a claim to the praise of serving their country, in proportion to their means. I met with no discouragements to discountenance my engaging in commercial pursuits, and I might have given my friends satisfaction, and proved skilful and successful in promoting my own interest, had I inclined thereto; but the ardour of youth had an irresistible effect, and the military line proved a temptation to which I could not but accommodate myself, as exactly suitable to my unconcealed sentiments. For eighteen years, I can honestly declare, that I faithfully endeavoured to discharge the duties of a soldier, according to the measure of my abilities. In this great concern, I conducted myself on the principle of not spilling the blood of a fellow citizen, and of not engaging in a foreign service. It was in the eleventh year of the Republic that I first began my career in arms. From that time till 1807, when I was admitted into the guards, Italy was the arena wherein I com bated. So many accounts, at large, have been given, so many particulars specified, relative to that country, that I shall not employ my pen in describing it. I shall, however, recite one adventure which befel me there; which afforded me, at the same time, amusement and concern. I was returning to Paris with some of my comrades, intended, like myself, to form a part of the guard, and we were halting at Pazzaro. Ilodged in the house of a lady I was acquainted with, and who expressed for me a degree of kindness which was near costing me dear. It was about two in the morning, when I heard a mysterious rap at my door. A taste for romantic adventures then bespoke strongly the character of my mind; and, on this occasion, my zeal became more than ever conspicuous. Accordingly, in the spirit of this principle, (virtue, perhaps, beginning to be a vice, and wisdom giving place to folly,) I rushed towards the door, with a degree of pride and pleasure not easy to describe. My hand, which I stretched out in the dark, was then suddenly seized by another hand of a very masculine force. I started back and grasped my sabre, sensible to my situation, but collected, and not sinking under it with any horror. There was occasion for courage and equanimity, as I had to parry two violent strokes of a poinard, aimed by one who very mal-apropos called me his rival. He then made a precipitate retreat, but could not escape a cut which I gave him across the body. He lay rolling on the staircase, with terrible groans, when I called for a light, and found my assassin to be a stout handsome monk, ascertained by the servants, when with loud outeries, they raised him up, to be the director of madame. It will be readily conceived, that I departed without taking leave; but, though much affected with the afflicting situation in which my soi-disant rival was involved, I should have considered it as unmanly not to inform myself of the issue of this adventure. In fact, I learned, to my great satisfaction, that the monk was not dead, and that he still continued to superintend 1824.] After the Restoration of the Bourbons. the conduct of his female penitents, in the hours of night; and, as was given out, for the greater glory of God. From the rank of serjeant, which I hold in the line, I was reduced to that of a common soldier in the guards. I viewed this measure, though a general one, as a degradation, but soon adopted other sentiments on becoming acquainted with my officers and comrades. The discipline of the guards was so well understood, and so honourable a fraternity existed between the general and the lowest under his command, that we could not without improving satisfaction, and increasing comfort, taste the sweets and avail ourselves of the many superior advantages which we possessed. This made all ready to exert themselves with their best zeal and ability, in every part of their duty. With this corps I remained to the last, but had then the honour of fighting at the head of that company wherein I had served, as a simple grenadier. Throughout the years 1808, 1810, and 1811, I served in Spain. I was present at the taking of Madrid, at the battles of Burgos, of Rio Secco, Benevente, and others. On the subject of this war let me publish my opinion, that the principles which then had a powerful influence on my mind were not correctly defined; its injustice did not then appear to me, as at present, when, having better studied the history of societies, I have entered more largely into the spirit of the times. - My apprenticeship in arms was on the natal soil of the Romans; enthusiasm had condensed and hardened the impulse of my ambition to an improper degree. I supposed it right and natural, all in the highway of human affairs, that Paris should become the capital of the world, as Rome had been. The deceptions and falsehood of superstition, the numerous abuses of ignorance and prejudice, the base tyranny and cruelty of monastic fraud, conspiring with other circumstances, called up so many disgusting ideas, that I conceived it would be deserving of the greatest praise to root them out, vi et armis. And now that my mind has acquired more intelligence, I am frank enough to acknowledge it, as a right political opinion, that conquest would be just, should the conqueror impose on the vanquished, in lieu of governments pursuing wicked plans. or weak measures, a Constitution on the MONTHLY MAG. No. 390. 513 basis of public virtue or patriotism. 66 In 1809, we were ordered from Waving Spanish and other details, I tenant. Much has been said of the designs and enterprises of Napoleon against Russia. I believe that our politicians, in general, opposed the measure, from judgment, many pointedly condemning it, as highly imprudent and dangerous. I shall not contend against a generally received opinion, but reserving my own, enter into some particulars respecting that famous march whereof I had ocular testimony, and for the truth of which I can vouch. On our quitting Moscow, the army was well enough provided and secured against the cold. It was then severe, but not so terrible as it afterwards proved. As the French have a turn for a sprightly agility, and even excel, perhaps, too much in gaiety, the first days of our march might have seemed like the last of a carnival; it was a rolling fire of vivid pleasantries, of versatile quod libets on the accoutrements of this individual, and on the odd character of that. In the case of the gentlemen thus singled out, all the decorums of gravity were grossly infringed on, if not wholly violated; and the materials for our humourous temperament might have lasted all the 3 C way way to Paris, if the rolls of destiny had not designated for us a doom replete with the most melancholy details. A different species of feeling quickly prevailed; a spirit as terrifying as Death himself, the horrible genius of Want, soon after appeared. By such an harbinger, we were introduced to all the sufferings, the most dreadful evils, that adversity can describe, or mankind suffer. The cold every day became more intense, provisions began to fail; in trying to run, we wearied ourselves without acquiring heat. As to the horses, they perished by thousands; our great guns we were forced to leave behind. In consequence of this discouragement, dissatisfaction and mortification, on discovering our situation, on finding ourselves thus personally entangled, were echoed round, and became the order of the day. Indeed, despair in many cases was approaching so near to us, -famine, also, in different instances, being known to be making a contemporary progress, that numbers threw away their fusees, contrary to all the usual laws of military regimen. Poland, which had appeared so frightful to the army in the winter of 1807, was now commonly spoken of throughout with respect as a paradise. Poland was all the cry. In the mean time, distress, while it huddled us along, like a swollen enraged torrent, tearing away every thing in its rapid course, had annihilated one half of our bravos; the other half, debilitated by continual fighting, by numbers of the men daily taken prisoners, by hunger, and by diseases, had no more of an army than the name: and even the chilling nakedness of a Poland winter was far enough from being within our ken. Threatened, as we now were, with an universal deluge of miseries, destructive in their career, and not able to find vent for any little expression of hope, in some individuals there would still remain the solid features of a calm intrepidity, which commanded the admiration of every public observer or ordinary beholder. As an illustrious pattern of unrivalled excellence, long sanctioned, also, by his fame, as a most able professor, &c. in the art of war, the unfortunate Marshal Ney shone conspicuous. At the passage of the Berezina his tactical knowledge was distinguished, and it failed not to increase his reputation; but, as if jealous of every species of glory, and wishing to signalize his energy and sensibility no less than his valour, this man did every thing in his power to alleviate the sufferings of the soldiers, by sharing all fatigues and privations with them, by constantly marching at their head, on foot, his fusee in his hand, by raising up those that fell, by encouraging others, and by appearing as invulnerable, or insensible to hardships, as he was fearless of danger. With respect to Napoleon's Body Guard, it was composed of selected men; and, of all other corps, it maintained the most respectable attitude in the retreat. The emperor, who was ever with us, had taken precautions in our favour, the absence of which, no doubt, accelerated the dissolution of other corps. Such as had lost their horses were formed into a troop, and continued to serve as infantry. Of the latter, such as had suffered too much from cold to serve in the ranks, were removed to a sort of depôt, under officers that conducted them, either on foot or in traineaux ; and a day or two's refreshment was often sufficient to re-establish them. The emperor's commendations or censures were of efficacy to strengthen the feeble, to heal the sick, and to animate all with hopes, by anxiously taking notice of each one in his station. As to my own feelings, my feet and nose were frozen ; and I should gladly have spent some time at the depôt, if certain words of Napoleon had not been ever sounding in my ears, in which he developed with all the frankness of a philosopher, that it is only great minds that are capable of braving the raging tempests of ill fortune. I continued to serve under the pressure of evils, which it now excites my astonishment that I was capable of enduring. None but a person endued with such a force of mind, such fine acquirements, such military virtue, as the emperor possessed, could thus ipfluence; he first raised us in our own esteem, and we could not descend from that height so as to sink, afterwards, in his, or to generate any cause of indifference or coldness. He walked, always, on foot, in the midst of us, supporting himself on a large batoon, and often giving his arm to King Murat. If he happened to fall, like another individual, he would recover himself with a laugh, vowing vengeance with a me. |