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Parisian Sketches.

--all speak at once. This general conversation naturally recals to mind the epoch of the construction of Babel. Every mask had its occupation. This to commence an intrigue-that, to terminate one. Here, a rich banker was agreeably tormented by two operadancers, who astonished him by their esprit—there, a musquetaire anxiously pursued a mask; who, laughing as she flew, seemed better pleased to be tured, than earnest to escape. Farther сарon, a young provincial, newly arrived, stood utterly confounded by the wonderful things related by a droll domino; whom, a little later, he discovers to be an aunt who had reared him. I stopped for a moment to listen to the rather animated conversation of two spouses, who had recognized each other unwittingly enough, when a fairy figure, seizing me by the arm, as she whispered my name, gaily proposed to me to m'ennuyer en compagnie. The offer was at least humble, and seemed to guarantee to me the contrary. I accepted it with gratitude.

A glance at her elegant foot-the ensemble of her person-the tone of her voice-the vivacity of her eyes, which were very fine, and of which she took good care to give a full view, through the aid of an opening she had artfully enlarged in her mask-all concurred to persuade me that I should have cause to felicitate myself on this unexpected rencounter.

No. I.

197

ly suspected that he should one day His father was a nobody, who scarceI must, however, do our incognito the have chateaus and titles in his family. justice to say, that he has refused to do some dirty work, which brought himself gratis. He is considered rich, no profit, and has never disgraced and it is astonishing what service this reputation has done him among his friends.

so apothetically, and whose pale doThat automaton, who parades about mino contrasts so pleasantly with the him, in the vain hope of exciting his group of black ones which torment curiosity-that domino is the worthy personage, who, after a six years' slumber in his senator's chair, awoke one fine day, to his own surprise, peer of six months, like one who tried to renFrance. He enjoyed this dignity for der himself worthy of it; but unluckily the last three months undid all that the first six had done; and chair to one who unfortunately does he has been obliged to cede his armnot slumber in it.

some take for a magistrate-some for This man, with three faces, whom others for a new, is one of those who, a courtier-others for an old noblelike the cameleon, changes his hue according to the ray he basks in. Having literally none of his own, he is no worse than thousands. That person, who is in such perpetual moIn a few minutes I perceived that himself, is a newly-married husband, tion, and seems so contented with my companion must be much in the world-for she knew, at least by name, with her, to cure him of jealousywhom his wife has forced here along a prodigious number of persons of dis- Scarcely arrived-madam, who wishes tinction. She painted each in a single to know au fond what a Bal Masque expression, with an originality which is quits him to exchange dresses with was amazingly piquant-scarcely a single mask escaped her recognition. band has at once mistaken for his one of her friends, whom the husThe more bizarre the degrees, the more spouse, and in consequence never loses interesting the scrutiny; and it never sight of her one instant; this happy was long at fault. After witnessing man will return home to-morrow, deseveral instances of her skill, all truly lighted with his night, more than surprising in their way, I expressed a wish to learn the names of some indi- offer as a model to those of his friends, ever in love with a wife whom he will viduals whom I pointed out to her, and, on occasion, will be the first to and who, for the last hour, had been laugh at deceived husbands. promenading through the rooms in all the audacity of a strict incognito.

That fat man, said she, who sports a livery, is a grand seigneur, who has served in his youth, and who, from the habit of changing, has at last contrived to manage without them.-He is the flower of modern gentlemen

This clumsy peasant, in close flirtaan old notary, who loves to seek adtion with that little blue domino, is ventures; his wife, who is aware of it, instead of flying into a rage with him, disguises herself in turn, and declarations of her spouse-She has comes here incognita to receive the

fairly caught him, nor will she let him go till he goes home. See, he is quite delighted here with the same woman of whom at home he is wearied. What would he not give to have power to get a divorce from one wife to put the other in her place?-What a wonder-worker is a mask? Who could persuade that man now that it is his own wife whom he finds so agreeable?

That Harlequin who flirts by is a statesman, who, from converting into pieces of oratory his official reports, has created for himself a reputation, in so much the more formidable, that it casts into astonishment those who knew him, and into admiration those who do not, not that his style is original, for all that he says has a borrowed tone. But the art with which he debates all his opinions-the animation with which he sustains sentiments that have not the slightest resemblance to each other, and the variety successively remarked in his politics, have finished by persuading his friends even that this man had all the requisites to make a great man. Until the present, however, he has bounded himself to merelymake a great noise.

As my guide ceased speaking, a slight murmuring spread through the salle; we inquired its meaning, and were informed that a MYSTIFICATOR had sent off all the polichinellos of the ball, one after the other, by successively whispering to each that he ran the risk of being arrested by the gens d'armes, at that instant in search of a polichinello, who had just committed a considerable robbery. The police make the bravest tremble-justice frightens the most honest. Thus Messieurs les Polichinellos, not over anxious to have anything to do with grave authority, nor over anxious besides to stand revealed to public gaze, hastened altogether from the field, to the no slight amusement of the mystificator, who, by this ingenious stratagem, had got rid of a rival, who was laying close siege to la dame de ses pensées.

I will not weary you now, resumed my companion, by sketching the portraits of that wife, of her husband's, or this husband of two wives ; nor of that original who thinks he disguises himself by turning out the green lining of his blue coat; nor of this other, who takes a new name every time he commits a new folly; nor of that republican infidel, who is become a religious royalist; nor of a thousand other evil characters, of whom, if you have curiosity to hear, look in on me, and I shall put you in possession of more than you know at present.

It is not to be expected that I should add the address which the domino gave me.

A few

It was near five when my conductress parted from me; the greater number of the masks had disappeared; the salle had resumed its accustomed air of dulness and desolation. scattered masks, slumbering on the benches, seemed rather to have yielded to the soporific influence of the scene than of the hour; the very musicians played only half dances; the anti-room contained but about a dozen of dominos, whose faces made one regret their masks. After having contemplated all these personages, and assured myself the Bal de l'Opera contained nothing more worthy of remark, I retired, promising not to forget the rendezvous my pretty mask had given to me.

Just at the moment that I crossed the interior corridor, I saw pass by the pair I had so vainly sought. As soon as they perceived me, they separated abruptly; the young man returned into the salle-the domino fled, but as she could fly no farther than the door, to which her carriage had not yet driven up, I had time enough before it did to recognize the pretty Madame G. the declared enemy of masked balls, who had frightened us three or four hours earlier, by expatiating on the various dangers a pretty woman ran there-I trembled for her.

* This seems intended for Chd.

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MR EDITOR,

HAVING taken in your very superior Miscellany, from its earliest day to the present, I know you as the friend of man. Upon this ground, I am confident that you will grant the request I make, of inserting the short notice I now send in your very first Number, that those labouring under deafness may reap, from the improvement which I have made upon the Ear Trumpet, the advantages which I so unexpectedly enjoy.

Many years ago, in consequence of a cough of most uncommon severity, an injury was done to some part of the internal structure of my left ear, which completely robbed me of hearing through that organ. Immediately after this accident, I was seized with a tinnitus aurium, which held out the dismal prospect of entire deafness. For this malady, I had recourse to snuff, and its effects upon the tinnitus were soon perceptible. Still, however, the hearing upon the right ear remained obtuse, and extremely contracted my social enjoyments. I applied in every quarter, including his Majesty's Aurist, for the most improved eartrumpet. From none of these instruments was the most trivial benefit derived.

My thoughts being much employed upon the subject, it occurred to me that every ear-trumpet which had been sent to me conveyed the collected sound through a very small tube, the orifice

of which was inserted in the ear; and hope. I immediately ordered an instrunow a prospect opened which afforded ment to be constructed, of the finest block-tin, one end of which included the whole external ear, and the other, (circular also,) of larger diameter, collected the sound, which was conveyed by a straight tube, of some capacity, into the ear.

deed, beyond my most sanguine exThe result was most gratifying, inconversation with a friend, with the pectation, enabling me to carry on a utmost ease to myself, and without exertion to the person addressing me.

ciple of this improvement upon the
It is the establishment of the prin-
Ear-Trumpet to which I am soli-
citous to give publicity, leaving to
younger men to make experiments
upon the length and diameter of the
tube, and of other parts of the instru-
ment.

ment which I made, was the making
The only attempt towards improve-
a transverse section of the smaller
circle, so as to approach nearly to the
shape of the ear; and, by a little ma-
nagement, it answers my expectation.
instrument I use.
With this I transmit a sketch of the

I remain, MR EDITOR,

with much esteem,

your very obedient servant,
THOS. MORISON, M.D.

Dishlair Cottage, Aberdeeen,
16th July, 1823.

199

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THE PARSON'S VISITOR,

AN almost cloudless autumn sky,
Elastic freshness in the air,
And yet the breeze but lazily

Uplifts the gossamer,—

A Lyrical Ballad.

Uplifts that mazy roof, whereon
A thousand shuttles have been plied;
O'er blade and stalk, o'er clod and stone,
It spreads on every side.

Turn to the sun,-and it will shine,
A fairy-web of tapestry
Lighted in one far-stretching line,

Just like a moon-light sea.

Look back,-e'en there, their trammels slight

The spinners have as thickly spun ;
Yet they elude our prying sight,

Save when they meet the sun.
Strange work, ye tiny artisans,
Is this of yours, on dale and down!
The nat'ralist scarce understands

More of it than the clown.

Pardon that we your meshes sweep,
For yon old elms our steps invite,
Round which a troop of swallows keep

A restless, graceful flight.

It is my chimney's full-fledg'd brood,
With sooty head and corslet grey,
And here they ply, for insect food,
Their skill in falconry.

Feed on,
glad birds, you will not long
Scud round these meads in rapid ring;
A call is heard your sires arzong,
For each to imp his wing.

The summons has arrived; for flight
Our summer visitors prepare:
I saw a conclave yesternight

Assembled in the air.
Incessant twittering fill'd the sky,
Just as the first star sparkled forth;
I knew it as their gathering-cry,

Before they quit the North.
Twilight's grey vault was all astir
With the black swarm that speckled it,
Not long will they their voyage defer,
Their clarions sound retreat.

Their privilege I envy not,
Of living, wheresoe'er they roam,
In summer sunshine,-since 'tis bought
At the expense of home!

Strangers ye are―itinerants—
Pilgrims, that wend from feast to feast-
An annual caravan, that haunts

This pleasant stage for rest.

No wanderer I-me 'twould not suit
To have my sensibilities

Plant-like, once fix'd, I joy to spread
The fibres of intense affection
O'er one small circuit, where they feed
On sight and recollection.

To-morrow comes,-the swallow race
Reck not, they leave these scenes
behind,

While I hope here through life to pass,
And here a grave to find.

See, from these elms the bounds you trace
Which girdle in my parsonage ;
Own, friend, that in a pleasant place
Hath fall'n my heritage!

Unhasp'd, there swings my rustic gate;
Enter, and see what, in his wane,
The ripening sun hath done of late
Within my small domain.

My shrubs encroach upon my walks ;
My flower-beds are a wilderness
Of seeded husks and rampant stalks-
A tangled, self-will'd mass.
The vine, that wraps my wall, and craves
For entrance at each casement nook,
Has lost the deep green of its leaves,

And wears a tarnish'd look ;

The clusters now more obvious are,
Each venturing from its summer hold,
Mark what a sunward tinge they bear-

A flush of flamy gold.

Nor let me, thankless, fail to point
That other vine, whose lowlier stems
Are hung at every knot and joint

With amethystine gems.

Live we not in a verdant bower?
That calm delight of Paradise,
Which flow'd from tending fruit and flower.
My garden-plot supplies.

-Such were the topics which obtain'd
Place in our desultory talk,
As, followed by a college friend,
I led the homeward walk.

It was by merest accident
That I had won him for a guest,
For, when I met him, he was bent
On travel to the West.

My saunter had conducted me
Where the Mail passes every day,—
I saw him in it, and my plea

Persuaded him to stay.

He still was dwelling lingeringly
In Oxford's crowded solitude
('Tis such to yearning hearts) while I
Had left the brotherhood;

Long left the college, well content
To take this pastoral benefice,

Scatter'd, where they would bear no fruit, And gain'd my Mary's frank consent

'Neath ever-shifting skies;

An humble board to bless.

Studies severe, since we had met, Had wrought upon his every feature, Furrowing a polish'd brow,-and yet

No book-worm he by nature.

The old men stand erect, and look Intent upon the preacher's face, Loving to hear explain'd that book, Which speaks of faith and grace;

Pure thoughts, quick feelings, homage high While the young crowd that fill the aisle,

For Nature's every oracle,

These had been his-and did not die

In his monastic cell.

Such was the friend to whom my stock
Of simple pleasures I produced,
Nor fear'd to feel the numbing shock
Of sympathy refused.

-Come, friend, examine all within,
There's comfort in my little nest,
Nor wants there proof of genuine,

Although uncostly taste.

We lack no charm which music makes, That chest-like frame of hidden strings Beneath my Mary's fingers wakes

Responsive as she sings.

The walls betray my pencil's work
Yet with it Mary's needle may
Boast rivalry; no tints can lurk

Unsubject to her sway.

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See, by our hearth, her flowers endure
The winter through on rug and cushion;
Yea, all the adapted furniture,

Her choice or execution.

And she, this casket's single gem,-
Who brightens 'neath her husband's glance,
And, moon-like, radiates light on them,
Who share his countenance.

She (all unweeting,) will prevail,
In making you this truth confess,-
If woes the married state assail,

The single knows not bliss!
Hail, wedded love! thy constant flame,
Like that of lamps of yore entomb'd,
Nor age's palsying hand can tame,

Nor is it self-consumed!

Look round, I call this room my own,
For see, my books display themselves;
You'll find some old acquaintance, known
Long since on College shelves.

This open window gives to view,
The bell-tower of my village-church,
Peering above that ancient yew,

Which guards its cross-crown'd porch.
Full to the south, the hallow'd field
Opens its bosoni, while behind,
A knot of elms, with leafy shield,
Repels the northern wind.
There weekly am I circled round,
By an attentive multitude,
To whom, I trust that I am found
A minister of good.

The cots pour out their various groups; Grandsire and dame on staff's support, And strong-limb'd youth, infants, and troops,

But half-restrain'd from sport.

VOL. XIV.

Their prayers put up, their praises paid,
Decorous sit, but wish the while

The final blessing said.

I know their every joy and woe,
And how they're sway'd by hope and fear,
Summon'd or not, 'tis mine to go,

The death-bed's gloom to cheer.
Their children's guardian I; a train
On me await, their minds to store
With love to God, and love to man,
And other gospel lore.
Merely to fix the marriage-ties,
Is but prerogative of station;
I joy to think they highly prize,
My private approbation.

The doubtful swain oft comes to me,
With all his hopes and fears at strife,
His theme-not maiden's cruelty,

But of his means of life.

Trust me, this pastoral employ,
Though it hath toilsome, painful hours,
Oft harvests crops of richest joy,

And gathers wreaths of flowers.

-But hark! a voice that shouts amain "Father!" with childhood's eagerness; My boy (a three years' imp) bursts in To claim the accustom'd kiss. This done-his courage soon is laidHe turns the stranger is descried It drives him into ambuscade,

His father's leg beside.

"Come forth, shy child!"-He'll not forsake

My coat-flap's deep intrenching screen,
Yet peeping thence, one dimpled check
And one bright eye are seen.
Not far behind, the mother speeds
In quest of this her truant boy;
Her husband seen,-how quick succeeds
The blush-rose hue of joy!

"Mary, you will, I know, rejoice,
My old, my long-tried friend to see;"
She welcomes him with hand and voice,
In matron modesty.

Her native grace and wish to please,
Bid ceremony disappear;
And the shy colleger 's at ease,
As she his sister were.

I saw conviction in him rise,
That 'tis not good to be alone,
Where man's most sacred sympathies
Are waste, or spent on one.

And ere he o'er my threshold cross'd,
He came my private ear to tell,
That he would be no longer lost
Within a monkish cell;
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