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Bishop Warburton-Dr. Johnson.

David Hume. He did this, however, in a manner which indicated plainly enough a desire to keep the grant, provided he was courted to it; but having once declined the royal bounty, it was not thought proper to make the monarch a suppliant to an adventurer. Madame de Stael, in her extravagant panegyric on Rousseau, has most absurdly praised him for refusing a pension from the King of England, without letting her readers know the particulars of the story, or the excessive meanness of her hero, who actually endeavoured to get the pension renewed when it was too late.

B SHOP WARBURTON.

In the letters of this literary colossus left for publication by his friend Bishop Hurd, is the following characteristic anecdote, in which the urbanity of the monarch stands well contrasted with the roughness of the contoversialist. "I brought," says the bishop, (Feb. 20,1767,) as usual, a bad cold with me to town, and this being the first day I ventured out of doors, it was employed, as in duty bound, at court; it being a levee day. A buffoon_lord-in-waiting (you may guess whom I mean) was very busy in marshalling the circle: he said to me without ceremony, Move forward; you clog up the doorway.' I repli. d with as little, Did nobody cleg up the king's door-stead more than I, there would be room for all honest men.' This brought the man to himself. When the king came up to me, he asked, Why I did not come to town before? I said, 'I understood there was no business going forward in the house in which I could be of service to his majesty.' He replied, He supposed the severe storm of snow would have brought me up.' I replied, I was under cover of a very warm house. You see by all this how unfit I am for courts."

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DR. JOHNSON.

The king being informed that Dr. Johnson occasionally visited the royal library, gave orders that he should be told when the doctor came thither again, that he night have the pleasure of his conversation. This was done; and no sooner was the doctor seated, than the librarian went to communicate the information to his majesty, who condescended immediately to repair to the spot. Johnson on being told that the king was in the room, started up, and stood still. The king, after the usual compliments, asked some questions about the libraries of Oxford, where the doctor had lately been, and inquired if he was then

[Nov. 1,

engaged in any literary undertaking. Johnson replied in the negative; adding, that he had pretty well told the world, what he knew, and must now read to acquire more knowledge. The king said "I do not think you borrow much from any body." Johnson said, he thought that he had already done his part as a writer. "I should have thought so too," said his majesty, "if you had not writ ten so well." The king having observed that he supposed he must have read a great deal, Johnson answered, that he thought more than he read; that he had read a great deal in the early part of his life, but having fallen into ill health, he had not been able to read much compared with others; for instance, he said, he had not read much compared with Dr. Warburton. On this the king said, that he had heard Dr. Warburton was a man of such general knowledge, that you could scarce talk with him on any subject on which he was not qualified to speak; and that his learning resembled Garrick's acting in its universality. His majesty then talked of the controversy between Warburton and Lowth, and asked Johnson what he thought of it. Johnson answered, "Warburton has most general-most scholastic learning; Lowth is the more correct scholar: I do not know which of them calls names best." The king was pleased to say he was of the same opinion; adding, "You do not think then, Dr. Johnson, there was much argument in the case?" Johnson said, he did not think there was. "Why truly," said the king, "when once comes to calling names, argument is pretty well at an end."

His majesty then asked him what he thought of Lord Lyttleton's history, which was then just published. Johnson said, he thought his style pretty good, but that he had blamed Henry too much. "Why," said the king, "they seldom do these things by halves." "No, Sir," answered Johnson, "not to kings." But fearing to be misunderstood, he subjoined, "that for those who spoke worse of kings than they deserved, he could find no excuse; but that he could more easily conceive how some might speak better of them than they deserved without any ill intention; for as kings had much in their power to give, those who were favoured by them, would frequently, from grati tude, exaggerate their praises; and as this proceeded from a good motive, it was certainly excuseable, as far as error could be excuseable." The king then asked him what be thought of Dr. Hill.

1814.]

Interview of Dr. Johnson with the King.

Johnson answered, that he was an ingenious man, but had no veracity; and immediately mentioned, as an instance of it, an assertion of that writer,—that he had seen objects magnified to a much greater degree by using three or four microscopes at a time, than by using one. "Now," added Johnson, "every one acquainted with microscopes knows, that the more of them he looks through, the less the object will appear." "Why," replied the king, "this is not only tell ing an untruth, but telling it clumsily; for if that be the case, every que who can look through a micr scope will be able to detect him." But that he might not leave an unfavourable impression against an absent man, the doctor added, that Dr. Hil was notwithstanding a very curious observer; and if he would have heen contented to tell the world no more than he knew, he might have been a very considerable man, and needed not to have recourse to such mean expedients to raise his reputation." The king then talked of literary journals, mentioned particularly the Journal des Sçavans, and asked Johnson if it was well done. Johnson said it was formerly well date, and gave some account of the persons who began and carried it on for some years; enlarging at the same time on the nature and use of such works. The king asked him if it was well done now. Johnson answered, he had no reason to think it was. The king next inquired if there were any other literary journals published in this kingdom except the Monthly and Critical Reviews; and on being assured there was no other, his majesty asked which of them was the best. Johnson said, that the Monthly Review was done with most care, the Critical upon the best principles; add

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ing, that the authors of the former were hostile to the church. This the king said he was sorry to hear.

The conversation next turned on the Philosophical Transactions, when Johnson observed, that the Royal Society had now a better method of arranging their materials than formerly. "Aye," said the king, "they are obliged to Dr. Johnson for that:" for his majesty remembered a circumstance which John-on himself had forgotten. His majesty next expressed a desire to have the literary biography of this country ably executed, and proposed to the doctor to undertake it; and with this wish, so graciously expressed, Johnson readily complied.

During this interview the doctor talked with profound respect, but still in his firm manner, with a sonorous voice, and never in that subdued tone which is common at the levee and the drawing

room.

Afterwards he observed to Mr. Barnard, the librarian, "Sir, they may talk of the king as they will; but he is the finest gentleman I have ever seen." And he also observed at another time to Mr. Layton, “Sir, his manners are those of as fine a gentleman as we may sup pose Louis the Fourteenth or Charles the Second."

INFIDELITY.

At the time when the works of Hume, and other writers of the same stamp, occasioned more noise than they deserved, his majesty, who was always free in expressing his zeal for religion, said one day very happily, in allusion to the powerful genius of our great moralist, and the impertinence of the sceptical tribe, "I wish Johnson would mount his dray-horse, and ride over those fellows."

INTELLIGENCE IN LITERATURE AND THE ARTS AND SCIENCES.

On all the different subjects comprehended in this highly important department communications are earnestly requested from Authors, Booksellers, Artists, the Secretaries or other members of Learned Societies, Patentees, and Men of Letters and Science in general. To such persons as wish to give publicity to their works, inventions, or discoveries, the advantages of such a channel must be sufficiently obvious.

PROCEEDINGS OF UNIVERSITIES. OXFORD.-Dr. Brown, late master of Christ's College, has withdrawn his appeal against the decision of the vicechancellor, which deprived him of that

headship, and retired on a living which he holds in Norfolk.

The days appointed for the purpose of granting graces and conferring degrees

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Proceedings of Universities.

in the ensuing term are:-Oct. 10 and 27; Nov. 9 and 24; Dec. 7 and 17.

Oct. 7.-The Rev. THOMAS LEE, D.D. president of Trinity College, having been previously nominated by the chancellor to be his vice-chancellor for the ensuing year, was in full convocation invested with that office, after which the vicechancellor nominated his pro-vice-chancellors, viz. the Rev. Whittington Landon, D.D. provost of Worcester college; the Rev. John Cole, D. D. rector of Exeter college; the Rev. Frodsham Hodson, D. D principal of Braseunose college, and the Rev. George William Hall, D. D. master of Pembroke College. CAMBRIDGE, Sept. 23.-His Royal Highness the Chancellor has appointed Thomas Harrison, esq. M. A. of Queen's college, and deputy high steward of the university, to the vacant olice of commissary.

Professor Christian has thought it necessary to contradict the erroneous statement respecting the lord chancellor's decision in the case of Downing College, which appeared in our last. The chancellor never mentioned the will of the founder, or declared that the election was conformable to the statutes. Ile said that there were many important questions of law to be decided, some of which he ought to refer to the judges before he could say the appointment had lapsed to him, and he thought he ought not to assume the patronage. His lordship gave no opinion or judgment on the validity of the election."

It appears, however, that the petition against the election of Mr. Frere has been dismissed, and the reason given by the lord chancellor in his written judg ment is," that the majority of the electors clearly meant effectually to appoint the present master, and upon the view taken by his lordship of all the circumstances of the case, he did not think as a visitor he ought to nominate any other person." This judgment has no reference whatever to the legal objections to the forms of proceeding adopted by the electors, which objections were the only ground relied upon by the petitioner's counsel at the hearing in March,

1813.

Oct. 1.-William Hedge Mills and George Peacock, B. A. of Trinity College, were elected fellows of that society. Oct. 10.-The following gentlemen were chosen university officers:

Proctors.-Charles Blick, M. A. of St. John's College, and Joseph Shaw, M. A. of Christ College.

[Nov. 1,

Moderators-Miles Bland, M. A. of St. John's College, and William Hustler, M. A. of Jesus College.

Scrutators.-William Farish, M. A. of Magdalen College, and Thomas Hart, M. A. of King's College.

Turers.-Daniel Creswell, M. A. of Trinity, and William Hustler, M. A. of Jesus College.

Rev. Thomas Phillips, of Trinity Hall, was admitted B. A.

Oct. 12.The following gentlemen were appointed the caput; the vicechancellor; Rev. R. T. Cory, D. Emmanuel College, Divinity. Rev. J. W. Geldurt, L. L. D. Trinity Hall, Low; John Thomas Woodhouse, M. D. Caioş College, Physic; Rev. P. N. Hinde, M. A. King's College, Sen. non Regeri; Rev. R. Jefferson, M. A. Sidney College, Sen. Kegent.

George William Ware, M. A. of St. John's College, was elected one of the esquire bedells in the room of the late Mr. Isola.

Joseph Cook, B. A. of Christ College, was lately elected a fellow of that society.

George Millet, B. A. of Trinity Col lege, was elected a Finch fellow of Christ College.

The following arrangements have been made for lectures at the Surrey Institu tion, in the ensuing season:—

Mr. WHEELER, on Chemistry, to commence on Tuesday, Nov. 15, and to be continued on each succeeding Tuesday.

Mr. RIPPINGHAM, on Eloquence, to commence on Friday, Nov. 18, and to be continued on each succeeding Friday.

Mr. J. MASON GOOD, on Classical and Polite Literature, to commence on Fri day, Jan. 6, 1815, and to be continued on each succeeding Friday.

Dr. CROTCH, on Music, to commence early in February.

the amateur, on Friday, the 28th of Oct The course to be comprised In 18 lectures, will be delivered in Bolt-court, Fleet-street, on Wednesday and Friday evenings, at half past 8 o'clock precisely. Admission to the Course two guineas.

Mr. T. J. PETTIGREW, F. L. S. commenced a course of lectures on Human Anatomy and Physiology, adapted to

Mr. ACKERMANN is preparing for publication, on the 1st of January next, an elegant edition of the Book of Com mon Prayer, with twelve beautiful engravings, by Scott, from designs by Thurston and Burney.

The same publisher has announced by

1814.]

Intelligence in Literature and the Arts and Sciences.

subscription, a series of Views of Cottages, exhibiting a specimen of one from each of the 52 counties of England and Wales. It will consist of five monthly numbers, the first of which will appear on the 1st of January next.

The Rev. T. MORELL, of St. Neots, has in the press the second volume of "Studies in History," which will contain the History of Rome, from its earliest records to the death of Constantine; in a series of essays, accompanied with moral and religious reflections, references to original authorities, and historical questions, which are so constructed as to include the substance of each essay.

Mr. J.D. PATISON, assisted by Messrs. PORDEN and VULLIAMY, architects, is preparing for publication, Illustrations of London; or, a Historical, Critical, and Descriptive Account of Principal Public and Private Edifices, and other interesting Monuments of Art in the British Metropolis and its Vicinity; embellished with views, plans, elevations, sections, and details; also, Biographical Anecdotes of the most distinguished persous who have contributed to the ornament of the city to which will be prefixed, a concise History of London, with a Sketch of its Civil and Ecclesiastical Governinent, and of its Political, Literary, and Commercial Character.

Mr. ARTHUR TAYLOR has in the press, in an 8vo. volume, An Historical Treatise of the Unction and Coronation of the Kings and Queens of England. This work will contain remarks on the tenure of the crown; a history of the regalia and royal vestments; an account of the court of claims, and of the feudal services, processions, ceremonies, and ritual used at the inauguration of our kings; with a chronicle of English coronations from the earliest observance of the ceremony. Many particulars of the customs of foreign kingdoms are interspersed; copious reference to authorities will be found in the notes, and an appendix of curious documents will be subjoined.

A ninth edition of " Salamanca," a poem, in 4to. by HAMILTON ROCHE, esq. with an elegant engraving of the author, from a painting taken from life, by professor Rehberg, painter to his Majesty the King of Prussia, will appear on the 1st of December.

Dr. CHARLES LLOYD has announced his intention of publishing by subscription, a Translation of the Historical Anecdotes of Valerius Maximus; with Notes, explanatory of the Moral and ReNEW MONTHLY MAG.-No. 10.

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ligious Principles of the Romans, Greeks, Carthaginians, Persians, and other nations, mentioned in the original, which comprehends notices of almost every illustrious character of ancient times. The work will appear handsomely printed, in 4to. towards the end of the present year,

LUCIEN BUONAPARTE'S epic poem entitled Charlemagne, or the Church Delivered, will speedily make its appearance, in French and English. It consists of 24 cantos, and will form a 4to. volume. The English translation in rhyme is executed by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Butler and the Rev. Francis Hodgson.

The Rev. Mr. NIGHTINGALE is preparing for publication, Theomania, or Historical Anecdotes of Religious Insanity and Delusion, from the earliest ages of the Christian Church to the pretended Mission of Joanna Southcott, including an impartial Memoir of the Life, Character, and Writings of that impostor.

Mr. W. BLAIR has nearly ready for publication an enlarged Correspondence between Protestants and Roman Catholics on the Translation, Dispersion, and Free Use of the Scriptures, with Notes shewing the Genuine Principles and Policy of the Church of Rome in the Nineteenth Century.

The Rev. JonN CAMPBELL is engaged upon a Narrative of his Travels in South Africa, undertaken at the request of the Missionary Society to promote the Knowledge of Christianity among the Hottentots. Some of the tribes visited by the author had never seen an European. He crossed the peninsula from east to west, nearly in the course of the Great Orange River, and had the satisfaction to discover the junction of several rivers before unknown. The work will form one large 8vo. volume, and is expected to appear about Christmas.

A new poem from the celebrated pen of Mr. WALTER SCOTT, under the title of The Prince of the Isles, is nearly ready for publication.

A translation of a small but highly useful work from the Swedish of Professor BERZELIUS, entitled An Attempt to establish a pure Scientific System of Mineralogy, by the application of the Electro-Chemical Theory of the Chemical Proportions will shortly appear.

Mr. T. F. FORSTER has in the press Flora Tonbrigiensis, or a Catalogue of Plants grown in the neighbourhood of Tunbridge Wells.

Dr. JOHNSON, of Bristol, intends shortly to prepare for the press a Trea-tise on the Medicinal Leech, the outline

VOL. II.

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Intelligence in Literature and the Arts and Sciences. [Nov. 1,

of which was lately printed at Edinburgh under the title of Disputatio physica inauguralis quædam de Hirudine complectens. The singular structure of this useful animal will be described and illustrated with engravings.

Mr. WORDSWORTH has announced two volumes of Poems, including Lyrical Ballads, and Miscellaneous Pieces.

Dr. MACLEAY, of Oban, has composed, from authentic documents and local traditions, an Account of the unsuccessful attempt made in 1745 to restore the Pretender to the throne forfeited by his

ancestors.

The police has lately very properly interfered to prevent the sale of a kind of detonating balls, which, from their abuse by foolish and mischievous people, had become a dangerous public nuisance. They are formed by inclosing, in small glass bulbs, about a quarter of a grain of fulminating silver, and then covering the bulb with thin paper pasted all over it, to secure the orifice. As they explode on a slight pressure, the effects of these balls, when left in the way of persons ignorant of their properties, may easily be conceived.

Two specimens of that ancient and now extremely rare ornament, the TORQUES, have lately been discovered in some reclaimed ground of the county of Meath. They are wreathed bars of pure gold, nearly five feet in length, bent into a circular form, flexible, but returning with elasticity into their natural curved shape. Each bar consists of four flat bands, most accurately united along one of their edges, and then closely and spirally twisted throughout the whole length. The extremities end in smooth, solid, truncated cones, suddenly reflected back. wards, so as to form two hooks, which can be brought mutually to clasp in one another.-Perpendicularly from the base of one of these cones proceeds a gold wire, a quarter of an inch thick and eight inches long, terminating also in a solid conical knob. This last appendage is deficient in every other Torques hitherto found, and adds considerable difficulty to what already existed in explaining the use of those expensive and singularly wrought ornaments. The weight of the larger is about 25 oz., of the less, 15 oz. Three particulars contribute to render these ornaments objects of great intersst and admiration to the antiquarian :-their invariably wreathed or twisted form, the perfect purity of the gold they are composed of, and, lastly, there being no other orna

ment in the use of which so many nations have conspired.-The Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and almost every people of ancient Europe, have adorned themselves with them in the early periods of their history.

The purposes to which they were designed seem merely ornamental, and were, at first, confined to the royal and sacerdotal characters: in the latter ages they were extended to the military. Diodorus Siculus says, that among the Egyptians the bigh priest and judge wore them round their neck; and thence was suspended the breast-plate, composed of the most precious gems, (analogous to the Jewish Urim and Thummim,) which manifested, on being inspected, the required augury or judgment. Many suppose, that the Romans suspended their bullæ from some such ornament; and, that it occasionally served to gird, or gracefully tuck up their garments. Might not the longer kind of Torques have been a phalera or ornament for the breasts of horses; the fibule clasping near their withers, and the appendages serving to hold the bridle occasionally? The use, however, assigned by Gibson, in his edition of Camden's Britannia, (whence Pennant has copied, verbatim, what appears on this subject in his jour ney to Snowden,) is quite inadmissible. He considered them as belts from which the ancients suspended their quivers; but, besides their total inaptitude for this purpose, we cannot discover any marks of their being worn down at the flexurcs, which should necessarily have been the case, from the constant weight and friction of the quivers, were they so suspended. Nor can we assent to his making the following lines of Virgil to signify a girdle, or baldrick, to the extre mities of which the Trojan youth affixed their pharetiæ:

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