ページの画像
PDF
ePub

the literal meaning of the creed of St. was as untameable as a mountain deer. Athanasius, charitably consigning all In the careful attention which had to the eternity of perdition who did been paid to Eliza's sisters, though not say their prayers in the same man- she was not quite forgotten, she was ner as herself. Henry's sister only partly neglected. She learned every whispered him not to forget to write thing according to her own mode, frequently, and that she prophesied he studied or read what books she pleaswould be married to a Protestant wife. ed, and boasted of being a pupil of Innocent and unsophisticated youth! Nature;' and if a heart the most innowhat a pity that your generous bosoms cent and generous, and a form the should ever imbibe the malign preju- most lovely and perfect, were sufficient dice of age, or surrender the purity of to establish her claim, she was worthy benevolence to the icy coldness of big- of the title. In all she said or did there oted animosity. was neither affectation nor malice; for it was remarked that she never

age

"Henry was twenty years of (one year older than his sister) on the day when he entered into the employment of Mr. M'Arthur, of Ballymore bleach-green. Like the man with jaundiced eyes who saw every thing yellow, Henry thought he perceived in every countenance, at first, the striking lineaments of an Orangeman, notwithstanding the placid goodness of every face around him was in direct opposition to his observations. Mr. M'Arthur, though a man of business, was not without the cheerful levity of his countrymen he certainly hated the Pope and Popery, but still he liked a good fellow, and he knew some very good fellows who were Papists; but he never troubled himself with thinking of any other thing than the cheapest and most expeditious way of whitening linen, and the price of it, or he would have discovered that a whole people, however numerous, are composed of individuals who are generally hated because they are not known. He had not been more fortunate in having many children, than he had been in settling most of them happily in bis own neighbourhood; for, out of ten, two only remained at home, the other eight being married as respectably as he could wish, and all living within a circle of eight miles. One of those who remained at home was a son, George, who was now able to take care of his father's concerns, thereby affording the old man more leisure to visit his friends, or to entertain them conjointly with his youngest daughter, Eliza, who, though fast approaching that age in which ladies regulate their features for compliments,

gave displeasure, except in doing something innocently mischievous, her conduct being as far removed from inconsiderate levity as it was devoid of formal prudery. To heal, rather than to wound, she sported her wit; to amuse others, rather than to acquire applause, she promoted hilarity by the fascination of her manners and charms that could not be resisted. 'Heavens !' exclaimed Henry, still adhering to his rigid principles, 'what a pity she is a Protestant!"

[ocr errors]

"Hospitality is the characteristic of the Irish: profusion in the South, that banishes economy; economy in the North, with plenty, devoid of profusion. Social meetings in Munster are frequent and extravagant: in Ulster they are also frequent, but never prodigal. The one borders on unostentation, the other on elegance; and both of them arising from the peculiar habits and feelings of the people: those in the South priding themselves on their ancestors, whose improvidence they emulate; whilst those in the North being dependent on trade, wisely refuse to squander in riot that which had been procured by patient industry. M'Arthur's house was frequently the scene of family meetings, in which a polished,though not fashionable,society gave charms to life,that those who never knew how much pleasure every shade of society admits of would consider a monotonous round of money-getting. Here Henry was admitted by that delicate kindness which feels for bashful modesty; and whenever he became embarrassed by any political discussion, which, in mixed companies, is

unavoidable, Eliza was sure to extricate him by some ingenious sophism or some good-humoured apology. This generous interfence, so unexpected, caused him to examine more close ly into the virtues of this pleasing creature, and to doubt the truth of his cherished dogmas respecting salvation. 'Impossible," he says to himself, that one so good and truly amiable should be consigned to unmitigated suffering.' "The counting-house was frequently undisturbed by the entrance of any one on business in this secluded part of the country: at such times Henry and young M'Arthur were in the habit of relaxing their attention from folios and ledgers, and indulging themselves in conversation. George M'Arthur had been regularly initiated into the Constitutional Society of Orangemen, as it is designated by themselves. Bred to business, his leisure afforded few opportunities for reading; and the little he did read was of that select sort which improved the absurd prejudices which had been infused into his young mind by his companions. Whoever thinks wrong, will think, also, inconsistently: George considered a Papist as deficient in courage as he thought him sanguinary and cruel. The history of Derry he had frequently read in Hume and Leland; the late rebellion and the massacre of 1641 he never could separate from Popish intolerance and inhumanity; yet he never could think but that Irishmen were the most hospitable and brave on the globe; but, when he descended from generals to particulars, he could give his Catholic countrymen no credit for bravery, Against them he instanced Derry, Boyne, and Aughram, forgetful of Limerick, the Shannon, and Wexford. He dwelt with animated satisfaction on the patient and heroic courage of Walker, but never heard of the conduct of the Catholic Bishop of Clonmel when that town was besieged by Cromwell. He ridiculed the superstition of Catholic idolatry, but was a firm believer in the river ghosts of his own country. With sentiments like these, he expected to see in Henry a kind of Popish monster; nor could he conceal his astonishment when he

found him a rational being. To atone for his erroneous suspicions, he made Henry his companion of a Sunday; and when they sometimes indulged themselves a little too late from home, he confessed that Henry was as bold, boisterous, and as good-humoured, as any Orangeman. A few trials convinced him that his companion could be a friend, and a few arguments showed him that a Papist was not quite as absurd as he considered him. Prejudice began to subside; and, like a falling body, the farther it descends, the quicker is the acceleration. In a short time George had very little prejudice at all.

"Eliza, like the fabled fawn, grew bold by degrees. She first visited the office only when her brother was there; but, as she became familiar with Henry, she never looked to see whether he was there or not. Her departure was always preceded by the ink falling on the ledger, the spoiling of the office knife, or the approach of her father; but, when the old man was gone to Armagh or Belfast, office business was frequently suspended. Her brother, though older and very steady, was obliged to join the sport. The young are guilty of indiscretions which fastidious age will condemn, but which venerable wisdom must laugh at. Eliza could dance and sing, and George and Henry were obliged to join her. Moore's Melodies were her favourites; for she was accustomed to say, 'They will teach patriotism and liberality to the women, and the men must learn from the ladies.” Henry in obedience to her mandate was obliged to sing, perhaps at one o'clock in the day, that song beginning with

Come send round the wine, and leave points of belief,' &c.; the last stanza of which he was obliged to repeat:

From the heretic girl of my soul shall I fly,

To seek somewhere else a more orthodox kiss?

No! perish the hearts and the laws that would try

Truth, valour, or love, by a standard like this.

"Subjected thus daily to the presence and awake to the innocent gaiety of this unsophisticated beauty, he conquered his bigotry, and confessed to his own heart that Omnipotent good

ness never created her for any happiness less than Heaven!

66

:

Ballymony was the scene of happy industry for two years, when some speculation made it necessary that George M'Arthur should proceed to New York, as supercargo, with an extensive shipment of linen cloth. Henry was to occupy his confidential situation until his return. George bade him take care of Eliza, who showed, on his departure, more real fondness than he thought one so volatile was capable of. The vessel sailed from Belfast, and in three days doubled the Land's End; but on the fourth day, an unexpected storm springing up, they were driven far to the westward. At night the wind changed, but the storm continued unabated at daylight the south islands of Arran were perceptible to the naked eye, and, as they were furiously driven towards Loop Head, the vessel struck. Order was preserved whilst exertion could be useful; but, when the increase of water in the hold showed the near approach of shipwreck, each betook himself to the most expeditious way of saving his life. The boat was overloaded by the sailors-left the ship-and sunk for ever! The few who remained on board, among whom was George, clung to the shrouds and rigging. The grasp of the fingers was stronger than the mind; for the hold continued when they became delirious. From this situation they were rescued by the humanity of some fishermen, who saw the wreck from shore, but in such a state that they knew not of their deliverance, George was taken to the cabin of a poor man, who, like all his countrymen, adhered to the hospitable custom of his forefathers, by keeping a bed for a stranger; for, however distressed, and however unclean from poverty, the Irish peasant may be, a stranger will be sure to find, in almost every cabin, a clean bed and bedclothes. George continued for several days in a high fever; and the poor woman, to whose care he was intrusted, considering wine an antidote for all diseases, proceeded to Mrs. Fitzgerald, in the hopes of procuring some. The widow, hearing that the stranger's ap

pearance indicated something above the idea of a common sailor, and apprehending injudicious treatment, sent her daughter to see what the unfortunate youth might be in want of; for a physician did not live within twenty miles of Nutgrove. Lucy continued her attendance for several days, during which the intermission of the fever gave George a sight of his guardian, who, when he was able to rise, insisted on his accompanying her to Nutgrove, where better accommodation might facilitate the recovery of his health.

"Lucy was unremitting in her attention; and, as loveliness is never more agreeable than when administering to our comfort, George was deeply in love with his unknown nurse before he was able to inquire to whose kindness he was indebted for his rescue from death. A mutual surprise took place on the discovery that he was in the house of Henry's mother; but, as the generous impulse of youth never descends to calculate consequences, George had sworn to his own heart to marry Miss Fitzgerald, without reflecting on the double opposition of friends and religion. Lucy was the reverse of his sister in manners; accustomed only to the company of her mother, she had all the gravity of age in her address; whilst a thousand Cupids, dancing in her lovely eyes, showed that her heart was not callous to tender impressions. The recovery of George was now rapid: he walked first in the garden, next in the orchard, and then in the avenue, but never would be satisfied unless Lucy accompanied him; although he could not feel the soft pressure of her arm without a sudden thrill through his whole frame. On these occasions he had frequent opportunities of speaking, but he had not courage to confess the passion he felt, notwithstanding his thousand determinations to that effect.

"In answer to a letter which he despatched to his father, assuring him of his safety, George received one in return, desiring every exertion to save as much of the property as possible, as a particular part of it was not insured. On inquiry of the coast surveyors, he was informed that scarcely any of the

wreck was saved; the place being so remote, the country people had carried off all that the tide had wafted on shore. Communicating these gloomy particulars to Mrs. Fitzgerald, she gave him some hopes that all was not blushes so significant, that each told lost. The next Sunday she requested him to accompany herself and daughter to the chapel, which he complied with, curious to see a form of worship which he had heard much spoken of. This house of prayer was a long thatched edifice, not unlike an Irish barn; and, as George watched the progress of the Mass, he could not help remarking how unworthy the building was of such a solemn ceremony, which the Catholic priest performs, whether in St. Peter's at Rome, or in a barn in Ireland. Before the conclusion of Mass, the priest, in his vestments, turned round to the people, and, in a language not above their comprehension, but indicative of the scholar, alluded to the recent shipwreck. George was unable to understand all he said, as the priest had spoken much of his address in the Irish language, that all might comprehend him.

tions were daily given and accepted, none of which Lucy attended without finding George at her side. Eliza soon discovered the secret, and kept one of the lovers blushing at the other

"The influence of the Catholic clergy is well known in Ireland: they are always obeyed when they know how to exercise their authority. In a few days George was surprised to find nearly the entire of his father's property restored; even so far was the threat of the priest efficient, that some of the linen was returned actually made into shirts! Having arranged all his affairs, he put a letter from his sister into Mrs. Fitzgerald's hand, requesting permission for Miss Fitzgerald to spend a month at Ballymony that the family there might have an opportunity of expressing their obligation for her kindness to George. This was granted, as Lucy thereby would be able to see her brother.

"The hospitable kindness of the M'Arthurs astonished Lucy, as it did her brother before; for she also thought that the Calvinistic rigidity of the North had congealed every pleasure that springs up among the people. Her interesting appearance and gentle manners soon made her a general favourite in the neighbourhood; invita

the secret which neither bad courage to own. The old man was Dow drawing towards his seventieth year, and, to the surprise of all, he fell in love with Lucy himself; but, as he differed in opinion with Southern, the poet, in place of marrying her himself, he requested of his son to do it: for, says the venerable man, youth loves beauty, and age loves sense; and here is a combination of both. Í approve: do you please yourself.' George consented by expressing his gratitude; but, before he had risen from his humble posture, Eliza addressed her father. Sir, would not the qualities you approve in a woman be a great recommendation in a man?'

Certainly, my dear. Then, Sir, what do you think of Henry as a husband for me? For you, you baggage? sure no sensible man would have you? ? O yes, Sir; Henry swore, no later than last night, that he would marry me, and no other; and you know how often, when he was not present, you declared him a rock of wisdom.' Well, well,' says the old man, giving her a kiss, you must wait until I see what I can do for you and Henry."

"In a few days Henry received from his mother a letter with the intelligence of his old aunt being dead, who left him her whole property, amounting to a considerable sum. There being no further impediment, the young people, in due form, were made happy.

"George remains prosecuting his successful industry, and Henry returned to the South, where he purchased a farm; and, whenever either of them hears any reproaches cast on the sects to which they respectively belong, their disapprobation is expressed by a smile at the silly malice of the accuser; for, say they, Protestants and Catholics only want to be just, and to know one another, to banish for ever the odious distinction which separates

[ocr errors]

them. Woman, the magic being who reconciles us to the world and to our selves, can invest with almost supernatural loveliness our homes and our lives, whether their disposition be seriously grave or sportively gay, provid

ed they 'o'erstep not the modesty of Nature.' The wife of George contributed to her husband's happiness by the strictest conjugal love, and Henry's promoted his felicity by enjoying it with him."

VARIETIES.

Original Anecdotes, Literary News, Chit Chat, Incidents, &c.

POLAR LAND EXPEDITION.

Letters from York Factory speak very favourably of the condition of the exploring party. Venison and partridges especially abound, and the people are kept in good order by their officers. Two Esquimaux have joined the party, one of whom was with Captain Franklin on the last Arctic expedition, where he was a very useful attendant. Captain F. purposes to pursue the route of the Slave Lake.

ANTEDILUVIAN CAVE.

Professor Buckland has published a letter relative to the cave lately discovered at Banwell. The Professor states the thickness of the mass of sand, mud, and lime-stones, through which the bones, horn, and teeth are dispersed, to be in one place nearly forty feet. He adds,-" Many baskets full of bones have already been extracted, belonging to the ox and its tribe of the latter there are several varieties, including the elk. There are also a few portions of the skeleton of a wolf, and of a gigantic bear. The bones are mostly in a state of preservation, equal to that of common grave bones; but it is clear, from the fact of some of them belonging to the great extinct species of the bear, that they are of an antediluvian origin.

RATS.

Mr. Wood, of Hawkeshead, has, with one or two terriers, killed 125 rats and one foulmart within the last few weeks: he has calculated that, supposing there are 1,300 mills in England and Wales, and that each mill contains 150 rats, each rat destroying two ounces of meal a day, the whole number will consume about 15 lbs. per day, or about 5,375 lbs. per year; and supposing that there are 1,300 towns and villages, each containing on an average 160 houses, and each two rats, consuming in the same proportion, making 52,000 lbs. less, yet as their number perhaps, is four times greater, the destruction produced by them will be about the same: that is to say, we may calculate upon an annual destruction of upwards of 100,000 lbs. weight of meal by domestic vermin only--Query. How many poor families would this comfortably sustain?"

LANGUAGES.

Different languages, to the number of three thousand and sixty-four, are in use in different quarters, states, and districts of the earth, as appears from a learned work of M. Aldeling, wherein are arranged and classed the vocabularies, more or less perfect, of 937 Asiatic, 587 European, 276 African, and 1,264 American languages and dialects! If all languages originated amongst the constructors of the Tower of Babel, as some contend, what a mighty confusion must have attended and succeeded the conclusion of that work.

INUNDATIONS.

The late storms and inundations have sacrificed many lives at Petersburgh, and destroyed property to an immense amount : 7,000 dead bodies have been found, and upwards of 8,000 persons are still missing.

EARTHQUAKES.

the 27th Chawull 1229, which answers to Letters from Shiras announce, that on the month of April 1824, there had been an earthquake, which lasted six days and nights without interruption, and which had swallowed up more than half of that unfortunate city, and overthrew the other. Nearly all the inhabitants fell victims to this catastrophe.

Kazroon, a city between Abor Koh, and Shiras, was swallowed up, with almost the whole of its inhabitants, in consequence of the same earthquake. All the mountains surrounding Kazroon are levelled by it, and no trace of them now remains.

LONGEVITY.

At Throckley Fell, aged 102, Mrs. Ann Jamieson She was one of the greatest spinners of the north; and what is remarkable, she has for the last twelve months spun upwards of 40 yards of cloth for the use of her son, although she has been blind for above three years; and it was with great difficulty she could be kept from her wheel on the morning of her death.

Mrs. Mary Banks, in the 107th year of her age. She was the wife a linen-weaver, and always employed herself in that branch of manufactures. She enjoyed her faculties to the last, and was seen at market for herself a few days prior to her deShe was the mother of many chil

cease.

« 前へ次へ »