This is the conflict of mortals. rival deities are entered on the fray

Let us pause a moment on the scene when the

:

"But when the powers descending swell'd the fight,
Then tumult rose; fierce rage and pale affright
Vary'd each face; then Discord sounds alarms,
Earth echoes, and the nations rush to arms.
Now through the trembling shores Minerva calls,
And now she thunders from the Grecian walls.
Mars, hovering o'er his Troy, his terrors shrouds,
In gloomy tempests, and a night of clouds:
Now through each Trojan heart he fury pours
With voice divine from Ilion's topmost towers;
Now shouts to Simois from her beauteous hill;
The mountain shook, the rapid stream stood still.
Above, the Sire of Gods* his thunder rolls,
And peal on peal redoubled rend the poles.
Beneath, stern Neptune shakes the solid ground,
The forests wave, the mountains nod around;
Through all their summits tremble Ida's woods,
And from their sources boil her hundred floods.
Deep in the dismal regions of the dead

Th' infernal Monarch† reared his horrid head,
Leap'd from his throne, lest Neptune's arm should lay
His dark dominions open to the day,

And pour in light on Pluto's drear abodes,

Abhorr'd by men, and dreadful e'n to Gods."

So much for blood and war. One specimen of his power in describing scenes of affection, and I have done. The extract is from the parting of Hector and his wife Andromache, on the eve of a portentous engagement; and if any man can read these lines and not feel them, the soul of poetry dwells not in him :

"Thus having spoke th' illustrious chief of Troy
Stretch'd his fond arms to clasp his lovely boy,
The babe clung crying to his mother's breast,
Scared at the dazzling helm, and nodding crest.
With secret pleasure each fond parent smiled,
And Hector hasted to relieve his child.
The glittering terrors from his brow unbound,
And placed the beaming helmet on the ground.
He kiss'd the child, and lifting high in air,
Then to the Gods preferred a father's prayer.
Then fondly gazing on his mother's charms,
Restored the pleasing burthen to her arms:
Soft on her fragrant breast the babe she laid,
Hush'd to repose, and with a smile survey'd.
The troubled pleasure soon chastised by fear,
She mingled with the smile a tender tear.
The soften'd chief with kind compassion view'd,
And dry'd the falling drops, and thus pursued:
"Adromache! my soul's far better part,
Why with untimely sorrow fill thy heart!
No hostile hand can antedate my doom,
Till fate condemns me to the silent tomb:
Fix'd is the time to all the race of earth,
And such the hard condition of our birth.
No force can then resist, no flight can save,
All sink alike, the fearful and the brave.
No more-now hasten to thy tasks at home,
There guide the spindle, and direct the leom;
Me, glory summons to the martial scene,
The field of combat is the sphere for men ;
+ Pluto.

* Jupiter.

Where heroes war, the foremost place I claim,

The first in danger as the first in fame."

Having thus taken a hasty survey of the father of poetry, I shall pass over all the other poets of antiquity, and notice those of our own country. I purpose to take for the subject of my next sketch the illustrious names of SHAKESPEARE and MILTON. Cumberland Lodge, Manchester, June, 1836.

TWO SONNETS BY PROV. D. G. M. BAILEY.

High on a mountain's steep I thoughtful stood,

Scanning the prospect vast that met

my view

;

Low down beneath a vale of greenest hue
In rich luxuriance lay; beyond, a wood
Its deep dark shadows spread, then came a flood,
Which like a silver thread the land went through.
More distant still, sharp-piercing heaven's deep blue,
Huge mountains rose that further sight withstood.
How like, methought, this scene to man's brief life,
View'd from the hoary pinnacle of years;

Yon vale, fit emblem of old age appears

At peaceful rest-that wood with shadows rife,

Stands grief's dark type-the stream, love's current bright,
And those far hills, youth's joys revealed in giant height!

SONNET WRITTEN AFTER A MIDNIGHT REVERIE IN A COUNTRY
CHURCH-YARD.

THE pale moon sadly flung its sickly light
Dim through the fleeting vapours of the sky,
As round the place of graves I hovered nigh,

Whilst solemn knell bespoke the 'noon of night.'
That hour when spectral shades 'tis said delight
To quit the cold dark beds wherein they lie;
And on the dark night wind speed grimly by,
The hapless midnight wand'rer to affright.
But shadows saw I none, save when some tomb
A pall of darker shade flung round the spot;
A stillness painful, deep, reign'd 'midst the gloom,
And every grosser feeling sunk forgot,-
When whisper'd one within, thou too must die,
Haste, seek for life above, lest death be nigh.'

Stanhope Lodge, Horsley Woodhouse, May, 1836.

A CONTRAST IN THE CHARACTER OF VICARS.

TO THE EDITOR AND COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE MAGAZINE.

NOTWITHSTANDING the unchristian spirit by which the Vicar of Leeds was actuated, in refusing to officiate in his spiritual capacity for the brethren of that town, I think it my duty at this period to inform the brothers of Leeds, and the Order in general, that such an opposition is not shown by all Vicars towards our beloved Order. Many

mighty return you a thousand fold for whatever you may do for me and my family!' He then bowed, and said, 'Write to me.' I will, but will the letter come safe into your hands?' 'Direct it coming from the wife of and that it is to be de

livered into my hand, and I am sure to have it.' He then bowed, and said, May God be with you,' and drove off. Accordingly I wrote much in the same terms for his gracious kindness. Do you not think I have done great things?"

Having never been apprised during my stay in St. Petersburgh, that the Commodore had been banished, the inference is, that his punishment, as promised, must have been remitted by the Emperor."

W. G.

MAY-DAY.

On a lovely morning, the first of May last, as the sun was beaming with splendour, though not ascended sufficiently high to disperse the morning dew, that stood in silvery drops on every plant, that I strolled forth with a friend, the feathered songsters were busily employed forming their nests, which gave us an opportunity of witnessing their architecture; others were carrying food for the support of their young and tender brood, the thrush and lark warbled melodiously, while the smaller birds joined in the song. The white blossom of the hawthorn appearing between the evergreens, gave a pleasing variety to the scene; the primrose and violet surrounding their mossy base, added extra charms, all nature seemed cheerful and united to welcome the arrival of May. Ascending a rising ground, at the top of which we had a good view of the sea coast, but it being at that time low water, offered little worthy of remark. To our right was a rock on which some thousands of ants had collected together, that by united exertions they might provide in summer against the wants of winter; we stood admiring their diligence and toil, some were dragging pieces of reeds and withered grass to the entrance of their retreat or capitol, while others placed the articles brought in a place hid from our view, which to have examined, would have despoiled their labour merely to gratify curiosity, but no doubt intended for the erection of store-houses, intended to be furnished in summer with food, necessary for their winter want.

I remarked to my companion, here you see is a society founded, which, by united exertions, have set an example to mankind, to unite together in friendship, love, and truth, collecting in the summer of their lives, necessaries for the winter of old age; there appears amongst them no murmuring or discontent, but each takes to his task willingly, striving which can be most active and useful. My friend touching one with his finger, some little injured it; I said to him, Henry, you have hurt it, and should it die, perhaps you will have deprived this community of an useful and active member. His reply was, that out of so many thousands one would not be missed. My thoughts were contrary, and by what we afterwards saw, convinced us I was right. At a little distance from this capitol, we observed one of these insects carrying a load with much difficulty, we knelt down to examine its burthen, and to our surprise, found it to be the body of a dead ant, no doubt a fellow member and brother, who had met with death far distant, while performing its duty; if its intention was to carry this lifeless body to the general assembly, which appears evident by the direction it was then taking, brings us at once to conclude, that this society, according to instinct, was formed on the principles of unity and fellow-feeling, and each member instinctively known.

I then compared this city of ants to our honourable Order, collecting ourselves together upon the rock of hope, labouring unitedly in friendship and love, to lay a foundation of truth, for the erection of storehouses, and storing them with provisions gathered in the summer of youth and vigour, that will supply us in the winter of old age, resting ourselves satisfied, that if in want, relief will be afforded in sickness, comfort will be administered, and should death call upon us, though far distant from home or relations, we have friends united to us by brotherly affection, who will not leave us in the time of distress or affliction, but will comfort and cheer us in our last moments: and when the debt of nature is paid, will not forsake us, but convey our remains with unfeigned grief to our last home, the grave.

VOL. 4-No. 3-U

Sweet consolation this in our dying hour, to think we have not neglected the opportunity of thus providing for ourselves, but still one thought oppresses our minds, and lays heavy upon our departing spirits, our widows and orphans left hehind; we have built a storehouse for ourselves, but have set no chamber apart for provisions to supply them after our departure, they cannot, they must not, be forgot: we must, therefore, set ourselves to work, and by raising our storehouses another story, upon the good foundation already laid, labouring more strenuously to store it with the one thing needful, we shall then complete the grand work of charity to our satisfaction.— This may be easily effected, by adding an extra mite to our present gatherings, striving unitedly to promote its welfare, we then may die in peace, satisfied we have left undone nothing that could be done to secure comfort to our dearest ties of nature left behind. Oh! let us not neglect a work so important and so easy,-commence only and the work is done-success will crown our endeavours, the widow's tear will be wiped away, the orphan's comfort made manifest, fresh laurels will spring up, overshadowing our Order, bearing emblems of charity and benevolence on every bough, which will be watered by the tears of gratitude that will fall from the eyes of thousands yet unborn. W. PICKLES.

Furness Lodge, Spark Bridge,
near Ulverston, May, 1836.

ANECDOTE.

HONOR AMONG THIEVES.

Most of the readers of this Magazine will doubtless have heard of the celebrated highwayman Nevison, whose depredations spread terror and alarm throughout the country; and who was enabled, by the almost supernatural speed of his mare, to set the pursuit of justice at defiance. The following anecdote can be vouched for as a fact, and may prove interesting to those persons who admire the traits of humanity which sometimes soften the most notorious characters, when divested of the marvellous with which such legends are generally invested :-During the time when Nevison was at his zenith, and his exploits were the theme of conversation, the extensive tract of country surrounding the city of Lincoln was, in reality, what it now is almost only in name, a heath, so wild and desolate, that it was impossible for strangers to cross without a guide, of whom there were many, for the purpose of conducting travellers over the waste. One evening, a young man, a traveller for a large commercial house at Hull, and an ancestor of one of the present members of the Cuniberland Lodge, Manchester, arrived at one of the principal inns, and inquired for a guide. Owing, however, to some circumstance which had caused them to be in more than usual request, not one was to be procured; upon which the traveller appeared very impatient, and expressed the urgent necessity of his proceeding that evening, and as he was a perfect stranger, to go without a guide was impossible. A gentleman in the room, seeing the dilemma in which he was situated, offered his services as his guide, saying that he was going over the heath himself that evening, and was perfectly well acquainted with it. After some further conversation the offer was accepted, and they set off together on horseback, which was, at that time, the common mode of travelling, for coaches were then " few and far between," and railroads had not yet entered the brain of their first projector. Thus thrown together, and travelling over the scene of our hero's depredations, we need scarcely wonder that Nevison was the subject of converse between our travellers. After the volunteer guide had related some of his most extraordinary exploits, the young stranger remarked, that he should have no objection to being robbed of a small sum for a sight of the wonderful mare on which he was generally mounted; but added, that the large amount he then had upon him considerably lessened his curiosity. Thus they proceeded till they reached the place where the guides usually returned, where, stopping short, the gentleman addressing his companion, and said, Sir, I have dis

charged the duty I undertook; your road is open before you; and I hope you will always bear testimony to my having, at least once, acted as a man of honour, when I inform you that I am Nevison, and this my mare ;" and bowing cavalier-like to him, turned round and was out of sight in an instant.-It is worthy of remark, that, some years afterwards, when Nevison was taken and lodged in York Castle, the person above alluded to visited him in his confinement, and instantly recognised his quondam guide, and fully returned the obligation in the manner most suited to the circumstances of the case.

TO THE EDITOR AND COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE

GENTLEMEN,

MAGAZINE.

I have to congratulate the Order in general on the formation of a Fund for the relief of the Widow and the Orphan. The measure has received the unanimous sanction of the Derby A. M. C., and before twelve months elapses, many will have experienced its beneficial effects; if anything were wanting to crown the charitable donations of our Institution, this has completed it. Many will be the hearts which will throb with pleasure, and many a tear will be wiped from the widow and the orphan's cheek at this pleasing intelligence; it will strengthen the already adamantine chain of the fraternity, and nothing short of madness or folly can impede the already rapid progress of our beloved Institution. The Derby A. M. C. has decided that the Magazine shall be sold at prime cost to Districts, who shall sell the same at sixpence each; the difference in price to be devoted to the formation of a Widow and Orphans' Fund in each District: the old Magazines are also to be sold at cost price, and devoted to the same charitable purpose. I earnestly call upon Districts, Lodges, and individuals to support the cause. I call upon them as parents, as husbands, and as children, for their aid to this more than charitable fund; do not let the decision of the Derby A. M. C. be a dead letter in our statute-book, but show by your early and zealous support, that

"To soften human woe

Is what the happy to the unhappy owe."

Knowing that this appeal will not be made in vain, believe me to be the Order's well-wisher, and a zealous but humble supporter of the Widow and Orphans' Fund, JOHN S. MYERS.

Board Room, Town Hall Buildings,
Manchester, May 30th, 1836.

PRESENTATION OF PLATE.

It will be remembered, that in the Magazine for December last, was inserted a report of the procession of, and a charity sermon preached to the members of the Leeds District, for the benefit of three charitable Institutions there, and of the conduct of the Vicar of Leeds on the occasion, as contrasted with that of the Rev. Mr. Scales, who preached the sermon in his chapel in consequence of the Vicar's refusal.

As a testimony of the esteem of the District for Mr. Scales, it determined to present him with a handsome silver tea-pot and tray, and the following account of the presentation as extracted from the Leeds Mercury of the 21st of May last, will doubtless be most acceptable to our readers. Mr. Kay, the G. M. as the head of the deputation, on presenting the service to the Rev. Gentleman, said,—

REV. SIR,-We have met this evening for the purpose of presenting you with this small token of respect, for the kind manner you came forward to preach a charity sermon on the 8th of November, 1835. In doing so, I hope you will excuse all the mistakes such an humble individual as I am may be liable to. Sir, may I be permitted to inform you the reason why we requested you to preach the sermon. At the time above