place of interment, and there set it up erect, which is effected by means of a forked support used on such occasions. Whilst the body remains thus situated its proper duration of time, if a raven or other bird of prey alights, and chances to peck out its right eye, they infallibly conclude him safe. On the contrary, if the left is removed, they are certain of his everlasting condemnation, and never fail accordingly to cast the body disgracefully into its grave head foremost. Edred.

Anecdotiana.

STOMACH HOLDING FOUR DAYS FOOD.

A person taking Abernethy's advice, observed to him that he complained of head-ache, want of appetite, and felt general lassitude. To which ailments the sage doctor replied-"General nonsense! how can it be otherwise, when you've four days food now undigested in your rapacious stomach and be d―d to ye."

A TAR'S ACCOUNT OF A FUNERAL.

A sailor on board one of his Majesty's ships, who had been for several years on a foreign station, and had hardly ever been ashore, asked leave last week to have a trip by land, and accordingly proceeded to Alverstoke, where, for the first time in his life, he witnessed a funeral. He was evidently very much surprised at the ceremonial, and when he returned on board at night could talk of nothing but what he had seen in the church-yard. "Why, what d'ye think they does with the dead corpseses ashore ?" said he to a shipmate. "How should I know," said the other. "Why then, BILL, may I never stir," replied JACK, "but they puts 'em up in boxes, and directs 'em."

R. B. SHERIDAN'S UNCLE. Mr. Chamberlaine, the uncle of R. B. Sheridan, commonly called Doctor Chamberlaine, was such a determined punster, that he rarely or ever opened his mouth without committing himself. The venerable Judge Day, who was his intimate friend, relates the following as evidence of his great propensity. Passing one evening through the Strand in his way to the Grecian, he turned into an auction shop (such as we now see in different places), and bought a small tea-caddy, which he brought in his hand. It had a little plate on it for a cypher or name, and the doctor observed, that coming along he thought of an inscription for the plate, which was this, "Tu doces.". 66 Why, how does that apply, Doctor?" asked

NOBLENESS OF SIR HERBERT TAYLOR.

A young man, a native of Dunkeld, the son of respectable parents in humble circumstances, entered the army early in life, and, by his steady conduct and good talents, gradually raised himself from the ranks to be adjutant of his regiment.About twelve years ago his father was tototally disabled by palsy; and the rest of his family being in indigent circumstances, the sole charge of supporting his parents devolved on the son. This duty he cheerfully fulfilled till his death, by allowing them an annuity out of his pay. He was, however, cut off suddenly last year whilst with his regiment at Gibraltar. By his death his parents were left totally destitute, and Government was applied to in vain ; it being, it seems, inconsistent with their regulations to grant relief in such cases, except in the event of death in the field of battle. This was communicated by Sir Herbert Taylor, through whom, as colonel of the regiment, the application had been made: but the simple tale of their sorrows had found a friend for the aged pair where they could not have looked for it-Sir Herbert himself came in the room of their son, and continued the same annuity; and, with singular generosity even thanked the gentleman who had communicated with him, "for the opportunity that had been afforded him of relieving the aged parents of a brother officer. Perth Courier.

Ellustrated Article.

HERMAN THE FREE-LANCE; OR, THE RESCUE AT ANNE'S CROSS.

(For the Olio.)

And hurry-skurry forth they go,
Unheeding wet or dry;
And horse and rider snorte and blowe,
And sparkling pebbles flie.
Burger's Leonora.

THE violent struggles for the crown, which took place between Stephen, Earl of Blois, and Prince Henry, are well known to the reader of English history: This the former at last obtained, not, however, without much bloodshed, and Henry agreed to quit England, with an understanding that he should succeed to the crown on the death of Stephen, which took place not long after the cessation of hostilities. It is well known that Stephen, fearing to trust his cause entirely in the hands of the English, brought over many bands of foreign mercenaries, of almost VOL. II.

N

every nation, but principally Flemings, whose insolence and violence soon rendered them objects of hatred and execration to the English people. On Henry's ascending the throne, his first act was to demolish the many castles which had been raised throughout the kingdom during the short reign of his predecessor, and to disband the before-mentioned troops of foreign soldiers. This was carried into effect with such vigour and promptitude, that in a short time the refractory English were subdued, and the aliens driven from the kingdom.

These mercenaries were men of daring and reckless character, and their courage and experience in war rendered them desirable instruments in the hands of the ambitious and violent. Owning no country nor master, save those in whose pay they were, their swords and lances were ever at the service of those who could offer most. The latter weapon was much in repute in those days, and these men were particularly dexterous in the use of it; hence the name of "free-lance," which was given, without distinction, to those restless spirits. Besides their pay, which

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was always considerable, there was with them another consideration, namely, plunder; which they seldom failed to get, even though the party they had joined should have been worsted in the fight; for being mounted on fleet horses, they defied pursuit.

Amongst those who had distinguished themselves in the late contests, was one Herman von Wernigerode, a captain of a band of German free-lances, who had done good service in the pay of Stephen, during his struggle for the sovereignty. He and his band had been well paid for their assistance; but calculating on the possibility of a renewal of hostilities, he still lingered in England, and in the month of October, A. D. 1154, he and his fellows had taken up their abode at a Hostelry in the city of Lincoln, which was then a place of considerable strength. One fine evening towards the latter end of October, two soldiers were observed under the walls of the Cathedral, from which they had an extensive view of the country round. Their dress, and their arms, which they carried with them, shewed that they belonged to Herman's band. They were

"Ah! ah! ah!" laughed the younger soldier, "by my halidame, thou hast set a proper value on a king's bounty! Why, there was enough to keep thee at home all thy life, without ever setting foot in the stirrup again."

"At home," replied the other with a sneer," think'st thou I can live at home when broad pieces can be won so easily? The free-lance has no home. May the fiend rive me if I hold the plough while I can grasp a lance or rein a good steed." "Well, chafe it not, man; I meant not to offend thee. See, who rides so fast up yonder road?"

As he spoke, a horseman was descried at some distance, advancing towards the city at a rapid pace. He bore a long lance, wore a jacket of linked mail, and a basenet, and rode a strong bony horse, which seemed much jaded. The two worthies continued their colloquy.

"Who owns yonder castle ?" inquired Bernhard, pointing to a strongly embattled building, on which the sun, fast sinking towards the horizon, threw its departing rays.

"Dost thou not know?" answered his companion. "Tis Sir Mathew Witherne's, an old Knight, who promised our captain his fair daughter in reward for his having saved his life in a skirmish with the earl's men some short time since. But see, yonder horseman approaches. By this light, 'tis Conrade Braquemart! what the fiend makes him ride so fast?"

The object which had occasioned this remark arrived at the city gates, and on being admitted rode hastily up the street. In a few moments, a trumpet sounded from below, which startled the two soldiers, and interrupted their conversation. "Ah!" exclaimed Carl, the younger one, "that's our trumpet! what means this sudden summons, it bodes no good methinks."

Peace," muttered Bernhard sullenly, "let us go at once, or we shall be wel comed with a few of Herman's round oaths. Sathan himself cannot curse more heartily, come to the Hostelry."

They immediately left the spot and repaired to the Hostelry, where Herman

and the rest of his followers were assembled in council. The arrival of Conrade Braquemart caused a great ferment amongst them from him they learnt that Stephen had paid that debt which even kings must discharge, and had bequeathed the crown to Henry, who had been proclaimed king, and had issued orders for the disbanding of all the foreign troops throughout the kingdom. This intelligence was by no means pleasing to the ears of these desperadoes.

""Twould be witless to resist this mandate," said Herman to his followers, who were assembled round him, “for 'tis well known we are not liked by these raw-boned Islanders; we must proceed to the coast at once." As he uttered this, his eye glanced hastily round the room. "How is this ?" cried he, "where are those two louts, Carl and Bernhard ?” They entered at this moment, and approached the table where Herman was sitting. His inflamed eyes and unsteady hand plainly told that he had drank deeply of the liquor before him. "How now, "he cried, or rather roared out, "where the fiend have ye been loitering? Look to my horse instantly, and see that it has but a spare measure of corn and no water; we must ride hard to-night, do ye hear? Get ye hence knaves and look to your beasts. You, Carl, remain here, I have something for your ear alone."

Herman's followers immediately re paired to the stables, for the purpose of getting their horses in readiness, wondering what could be the occasion of his giving such peremptory orders, which greatly perplexed them.

Ere twilight had spread its veil over the city, Herman and his band quitted the Hostelry, and passing through one of the gates soon reached the high road, along which they proceeded at a rapid rate.

Leaving Herman and his companions on their way, we must proceed to describe the castellated building referred to by Bernhard. It was a massive structure of Saxon origin, flanked with circular towers of a great height. Its walls were immensely thick, and the whole building was in those days justly considered impregnable. At this time it was held by an old Knight, named Sir Mathew Witherne, who had in the late contest rendered Stephen great assistance. Declining an offer from that monarch of a place near the throne, the old Knight had retired to his castle to enjoy, undisturbed, the society of his beautiful daughter, whose personal and mental charms were the theme of all the neighbouring youths. It should be mentioned that in a battle between Stephen and his rival near Lin